There are but a few certain things in life.

Death, taxes, and ... the Seattle Supersonics losing in the second game of a back to back.

Last season, the Sonics were a respectable 12-9 on the second night of games played on consecutive nights. This year, for whatever reason -- increased reliance on the starters, a mental belief they can't win, or simply random statistical chance -- the Sonics have begun the season a woeful 0-8 on the second night, the main reason they find themselves a middling 10-15 at this point of the season.

In many of the losses, the Sonics have not even been competitive, falling by 17 to San Antonio, 24 to Utah, and 21 to Portland. Add tonight's game to the list, as the Sonics were never a factor in a 112-92 loss to the L.A. Clippers at the Staples Center.

Coming off a win against the Lakers in the same building the night before, Seattle had hoped to build momentum. However, the Clippers' young athletes, playing an up-tempo style to increase the effect of the Sonics' weary legs, quickly forced Seattle to crawl out of a deep hole by outscoring them 33-21 in the first quarter.

After their starters failed, the Sonics tried to match the Clippers' athleticism and intensity by bringing in rookies Vladimir Radmanovic and Earl Watson, who have both been sparks off the bench in recent games. Neither made an appreciable difference, and the Seattle defense was even worse in the second quarter. The Clippers continually waltzed into the lane, either getting makable shots from close range or drawing a double team which resulted in an open attempt from the perimeter. The Sonics too had many opportunities offensively, but couldn't connect on even these with any regularity. The game was seemingly over as the Clippers pushed the lead past 20 late in the first half, with even greater insult added when Art Long was called for goaltending on a Quentin Richardson three point attempt just before halftime. That allowed Los Angeles to push their first half total and lead to even numbers; 70 and 25 respectively.

The Sonics came out with some measure of pride in the second half to keep the Clippers from improving upon their already-insurmountable lead, but failed to get the lead below 20 in the third quarter. Long in particular seemed to be the one Sonic providing energy, and in 20 minutes collected 10 points and 6 rebounds. Worse yet, Seattle added injury to considerable insult when Radmanovic turned an ankle in the third quarter.

In the final period, the Sonics were able to make some headway into the Clipper advantage thanks in large part to reserve guard Shammond Williams breaking out of a season-long shooting slump with 11 points on 5 of 9 shooting.

Despite the fact that Seattle had little chance of competing by the second half, Coach Nate McMillan was unable to rest his obviously fatigued starters much. All four key starters -- Vin Baker, Gary Payton, Rashard Lewis, and Brent Barry -- played at least 30 minutes, with Barry seeing 41 minutes of action and Payton, despite his advanced age and current status amongst the league's leaders in minutes, 36.

Los Angles' season-high 114 points were aided not only by Seattle's porous defense, but also by excellent ball movement. The Clippers had assists on 32 of their 46 field goals, with four players recording at least five assists individually. They sizzled from close in and far away, shooting 54.1% overall, 53.3% from beyond the three point line, and 87.5% at the free throw line.

Barry, facing his old mates (though few current Clippers were even in the NBA when Barry played in LA, let alone teammates of his), led the Sonics with 18 points, most coming in the second half. Baker added 15 points, but only 2 rebounds in his 30 minutes of work. Lewis shot a miserable 3-10, but it was good for 12 points. He too struggled on the glass, with a far-below-average 4 boards in 38 minutes. The shooting woes continued for Payton, who made 6 of 15 shots en reute to 14 points. Williams and Long also scored in double figures for Seattle.

Los Angeles was led by the fine bench play of second-year guard Richardson, whom the Sonics passed on last year in the Draft in favor of Desmond Mason. Richardson had 23 points on 15 field goal attempts, 8 of them makes, and was a cool 5 of 9 from three. Jeff McInnis was the top scoring starter, notching 19 points and 6 assists while also shooting 8 of 15. Dominating the post, Elton Brand had 18 points on 7 of 13 shooting, along with 10 boards and an impressive 5 assists. Hoping to turn around a disappointing season, Lamar Odom was extremely efficient on the evening, scoring 15 points on 6 of 8 from the field, and nearing a triple-double with 10 rebounds and a team-best 8 assists.

Notes:
Prior to the game, the Sonics placed center Calvin Booth on the injured list. Booth has been suffering lingering tendinitis in the ankle he sprained just prior to the season. The Sonics did not activate anyone, and are back down to 11 players active ... Antonio Harvey received his second straight start in the pivot for Seattle, playing just 7 minutes ... the much-maligned Michael Olowokandi was the only Clipper starter not in double figures, scoring 2 points on 1 of 4 shooting in 26 minutes ... Darius Miles brought down the house with an impressive crossover move that led to a thunderous dunk ... longtime Sonic nemesis Eric Piatkowski (aka 'The Polish Rifle') played only 8 minutes due to a groin injury, and was one of two Clippers not to score ... how about some love for 5-5 LA guard Earl Boykins? The former Eastern Michigan star hit all four shots he took and scored 9 points.

SC.com Player of the Game: Along with Shammond Williams, Brent Barry helped keep the final score respectable, which is enough to earn PoG honors on a miserable night.