Sonics Set Records for Quarter, Half Futility and Never Contend in Disappointing 23-Point Loss.

By SonicsKevin

Forward Vin Baker, left, started off strong in drawing two early fouls on Tim Duncan, but was a non-factor the rest of the way.

Indeed, game five will go into the Seattle record books, but not because of a shocking upset over the highly-favored San Antonio Spurs or a close finish that left fans on both sides with their hearts pounding. What will go into the record books are new franchise records for fewest points scored in both a quarter (10, the first quarter, breaking the previous record of 11, done four times, most recently on May 6, 1998 during a 92-68 loss to Los Angeles) and in a half (26, less than the previous low of 29 set May 24, 1996 against Utah in a 96-76 defeat).

Just as in those games, the offensive futility was not the product of a slow pace, but merely a remarkable inability to get good shots or make those they did get. The only Sonics showing any ability to score during the first half was Payton, who scored 13 points -- as many as the rest of his team combined. As well, Payton saved the Sonics from shattering the record for fewest points in a quarter by an even greater margin; the Sonics had only six points with two minutes left in the first quarter before Payton had two scores before period's close.

With Rashard Lewis injured, missing his second straight game with a dislocated shoulder, and Brent Barry -- three first-half points -- continuing to struggle, the Sonics needed someone else from the group of Vin Baker, Desmond Mason, and Vladimir Radmanovic to step up. While Baker started strong, scoring four points early and also drawing a pair of first-quarter fouls on Tim Duncan, the three combined for only six points during the first half. Baker was the only Sonic besides Payton to make more than one field goal in the first half.

On the other side, San Antonio star center Tim Duncan, who has proven himself an All-Star both on and off the court throughout this series, began the game strong with 10 points and six rebounds in the game's first eight minutes. Afterwards, with the game a blowout and his teammates producing, Duncan backed off a bit offensively, finishing with 23 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks less than 24 hours after flying back to San Antonio from the Virgin Islands.

Unlike Payton, Duncan had plenty of help from his teammates. Malik Rose, the Spurs' star of game four with 28 points and 13 rebounds, followed that up with his second straight double-double, scoring 18 points and leading all players with 13 rebounds again. Tony Parker, the speedy and diminutive young point guard for whom this series has been a coming-out party, added 15 points, as did his backcourt-mate Steve Smith. Their backup, Antonio Daniels, provided a strong bench scoring threat as he did in games one and three, scoring 13 points on four of five shooting.

The game was close for approximately three possessions, as both teams got off to slow starts offensively, missing their first three shots. The Spurs quickly recovered, but the offensive malaise haunted Seattle throughout the half. After the Sonics scored their first basket -- by Payton, natch -- San Antonio responded with a 19-2 run that placed them firmly in control and in the lead by 17 after one quarter.

By that point, the Sonics still had a hope of recovering. They trailed by 14 after one during game two in San Antonio, but rallied to tie the game midway through the second quarter and win the game down the stretch. There would be no such comeback tonight, with no Sonic able to help out Payton offensively. Seattle was at least able to keep the score where it was most of the quarter, but a 12-2 run late in the period was enough to provide the Spurs a 29-point lead at halftime, more than the Spurs themselves had trailed by at halftime of game four (26) when playing without Duncan.

By the third quarter's open, the game and series were clearly open. To their credit, just like San Antonio in game four, the Sonics continued to battle in the second half, slicing six points off the lead in the third quarter and playing even in the fourth. Still, even with Barry finding his shooting touch again, making four of six three-pointer and scoring 12 points -- the first time in this series he's been in double-figures -- the Sonics were clearly overmatched. One memorable sequence in the fourth quarter served as a microcosm of the game, with Radmanovic missing a dunk attempt and the Spurs ending up with a fast break capped by a slam by Daniels.

Though the game had been over since halftime, the Sonics did not concede until halfway through the fourth quarter, when Payton was removed from the game for the first time. His final line: 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and a remarkable amount of heart.

The Sonics, who would have left for Los Angeles immediately after the game had they won, will now head home for an off-season that will determine the long-term fate in a Seattle uniform of both Payton and Lewis. San Antonio, meanwhile, moves on to face the Lakers in a rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals.

Official Box Score