The old saying is that someone's first intution is often correct.

With injuries in today's technologically advanced case, that's rarely correct. However, it's proved itself out in the case of the nasty tumble taken by Seattle Sonic forward Desmond Mason last Sunday night during the first quarter of the Sonics' contest with the Bucks. At the time, as Mason lay prone on the ground throughout a timeout and required the assistance of teammates Earl Watson and Shammond Williams, it appeared a forgone conclusion that he had suffered a serious injury.

However, during the second quarter, Mason returned from the locker room much more quickly than he went there. He went on to be perhaps the Sonics' best player, scoring 16 points on 8 of 9 shooting, a performance made all the more impressive by the revalation today that Mason suffered a sprained knee. Although he was able to continue on Sunday, the Sonics will hold out Mason at least through their four games this week, and he may miss as many as two weeks all told.

Mason moved into the starting lineup on Sunday due to an injury to center Calvin Booth, who is not expected to play in tonight's game either, as the injuries that plagued the Sonics during the early part of the season have resurfaced. Either Art Long or Vladimir Radmanovic will replace Mason in the starting five, with rookies Radmanovic, Watson, and Predrag Drobnjak probably the biggest benificiaries of extra playing time.

For Mason, the injury represents the first black mark on what has been a breakout season. After an inconsistent rookie year, he has averaged 13.6 points per game thus far this season, both starting and coming off the bench. His 49.2% field-goal percentage is tied for tops on the team, and his 59 free throws are second best. Mason has been troubled for the season's first month by hamstring troubles, sitting out a loss to Miami on November 6 as a result.