Heat Outlast Fatigued, Scrappy Sonics

Despite Poor Shooting, Sonics Take Heat All the Way to the Wire Before Falling, 87-85

Earl Watson, left, saw extended playing time in the Sonics' small lineup tonight and impressed with his tough d.

A night after winning an epic double-OT game against Orlando, the Sonics played another overtime game tonight. However, in one of the ugliest displays of offensive basketball in recent memory, the Sonics came up on the short end of an 87-85 loss to the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena this evening.

With 1.7 seconds left on the clock, Heat guard Eddie Jones, who finished with 25 points and 9 rebounds on the night, nailed a 15-foot leaner over Sonic All-Star Gary Payton. Payton had a chance to win it on the other end, but his long three pointer as time expired rattled out and the Heat were winners.

The Sonics, fatigued after the double overtime game in which four players played more than 40 minutes, trailed by double digits through much of the second half. A 13-4 rally cut the Heat lead to six at the beginning of the third quarter. Then the Sonic defense clamped down, as the Heat went the final 7 minutes without a field goal. The Sonics tied the game at 80 with less than two minutes left in the game, the first tie in the game -- the Sonics never lead. Both teams had a number of chances to win the game in the closing minutes, with the final shot going to Miami. LaPhonso Ellis had the shot, a contested jumper from 18 feet that was short.

In overtime, both teams started out slowly, and after two minutes it appeared that the game might go into a second overtime tied at 80. Jones provided the spark for Miami, converting a fast break layup through contact, and making a free throw for a three point play. On their next posession, the Heat went up five, and appeared the Sonics were finished. However, a Payton triple from the corner tied the game at 85. Vin Baker had the ball stolen in the post with 22 seconds left, setting up Jones for the game winner.

The Sonics had a miserable night offensively, shooting just 29 of 91 (32%) from the field. A night after scoring over thirty points apiece, Payton and forward Rashard Lewis were shut down. Payton scored 24 points, but shot just 9 of 28 from the field, adding 8 assists. Lewis shot 3-15, scoring 11 points and grabbing 11 boards. Brent Barry, who struggled last night, was off again, scoring 7 points on 2 of 10 shooting, though he too added 9 rebounds. Vin Baker had another strong effort up front, scoring 20 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. Rookie Vladimir Radmanovic was a spark for the Sonics in both the second quarter and the end of the third quarter, and had his best game as a pro. Radmanovic finished with 12 points on 4 of 6 shooting and 7 rebounds. Fellow rookie Earl Watson played heavily for the first time in his career, scoring 7 points in 27 minutes. Though he shot but 3-10, Watson was valuable to the Sonics down the stretch for his stifling defense.

Miami played without starting center Alonzo Mourning, who sat out with a reported case of food poisoning. In his place was Sean Marks, who played briefly last season with the Sonics. Marks had easily his best game as a pro, surpassing his previous career total in points with 15 on 7 of 9 shooting. Another ex-Sonic big man, Vladimir Stepania, also had 10 points on 5 of 7 shooting. Sam Mack had 11 points and 4 three pointers. Brian Grant, who had the Heat's first seven points against a clearly hobbled Calvin Booth, finished with 10. Anthony Carter scored just 4 points in 39 minutes, but also handed out 11 assists.

The Sonics are now 1-1 on their road trip, and after a day off Wednesday will travel to New Jersey. After playing 39 minutes last night, Sonic reserve guard Desmond Mason sat out tonight with a hamstring injury.

SC.com Player of the Game: Credit goes tonight to Vin Baker, who took advantage of a Miami front line weakened by the loss of Mourning to the tune of 20 points and 8 boards.