This was a game the Sonics should have won. This was a game the Sonics have to win if they wish to return to the playoffs after a year's absence. On it's face, the Sonics' 106-94 loss tonight to the New Jersey Nets is not nearly as bad as their blowout loss at the Continental Airlines Arena last November, when they were run out of the arena. On another level, however, this loss was much worse, for it can not be explained away as part of a disasterous road trip. Instead, the Sonics were simply outhustled, outplayed, and mentally killed during the loss.

Give credit to the Nets, who displayed an excellent whiteboy trio of Keith Van Horn (20 points, 12 boards), Jason Kidd (16 points, 12 assists, and 8 boards), and, perhaps, most surprisingly, former UW star Todd MacCulloch (29 points on 11-14 shooting, 10 boards). MacCulloch, whose signing was roundly and loudly criticized by underinformed NBA analysts who were apparently unaware of his exploits as a Husky, when he lead the NCAA in field goal percentage for three straight seasons, dominated the Sonics in an unusual fashion, scoring many of his points on fast break finishes, with obvious assists from Kidd. The Nets' bench, a problem area last season, was also strong tonight, outscoring the Sonics' reserves 26-23.

Of course, many of those points came on defensive lapses for the Sonics, who continue to demonstrate an inability or unwillingness to rotate to the open man. As well, though the Sonics outrebounded the Nets 21- 15 on the offensive boards, New Jersey frequently got gift layups on putbacks while Sonic defenders stood and watched. The Sonics' ball movement was also horrendous, as they registered just 16 assists on 38 field goals. Gary Payton and Brent Barry both had season lows with 6 and 2 assists, respectively.

The fourth quarter was all about runs. The Sonics ended the third quarter with two straight baskets to tie the game at 75. The momentum carried over, as they scored the first six points of the fourth quarter to lead, 81-75, with 10 minutes left in the game. After that, it all came apart for the Sonics, as the Nets went on a 17-4 run to take command. With three minutes remaining, a Vin Baker jumper pulled the Sonics to within three at 95-92, but Kidd answered with a triple and the Nets never looked back, scoring the next eight points before a Baker dunk provided the final margin.

In addition to the big three, the Nets got fine play off the bench from reserve swingman Lucious Harris, who scored 11 points on 3-8 shooting. Kenyon Martin struggled with fouls, as he was forced to guard the smaller Desmond Mason on the perimeter, but contributed 13 points, 6 boards, and a nasty, momentum- changing tip dunk.

The Sonics got decent efforts from three of the starters, though none of the three shot particularly well. Baker led the way, scoring 22 points, though on 10 of 23 shooting. He did grab 12 boards -- 7 offensive -- in 32 minutes. Payton had 19 points on 8-19 shooting, with 6 boards and 6 assists. Rashard Lewis added 17 on 7 of 18 shooting with 10 boards. The other two starters were even worse offensively. Barry had his third straight poor shooting game, making just 3-11 for 9 points, though he added 7 boards. Rookie first round pick Vladimir Radmanovic made his first ever NBA start in place of an injured Calvin Booth, and did grab 7 boards in 22 minutes, but shot just 1-7 for 4 points. Desmond Mason, returning after sitting out the loss at Miami with a hamstring injury, scored 13 points.

The Sonics will play their fourth game in five nights tomorrow evening in Boston. The Celtics are coming off a 104-95 victory over Michael Jordan and the Washington Wizards, the Sonics' next opponents on Sunday ... It is not yet known if Booth will be able to return. He has been bothered by a sprained ankle all season. Sonic reserve Antonio Harvey has not dressed for the last two games with tendinitis in his knees, though he did not play when healthy in the Sonics' first four games ... The Nets outshot the Sonics at the free throw line, taking 26 attempts with 21 makes to the Sonics' 8-10 ... the Sonics relied on the three pointer, shooting 10 of 25 from beyond the arc.

SC.com Player of the Game: Back to Vin Baker, who was the Sonics' only interior threat and did a fine job on the boards.