Gary Payton returned. The rest of the Sonics' offense never showed up. After sitting out Thursday's pre-season loss to Denver with a hip flexor, Payton started and shined earlier this evening, scoring a team-high 16 points and handing out 6 assists in 27 minutes. However, the rest of the team shot a woeful 25%, 18 of 72, and the Sonics scored just 62 points. The defense was better, as the Suns were also held in check, but Phoenix was good enough, winning 69-62.

After using the Denver game largely to evaluate reserves deep at the end of the bench, Coach Nate McMillan used his starters heavily. The results were not quite as good as the Sonics' pre-season opener, when the starters shined as the Sonics easily defeated the LA Clippers. Rashard Lewis, Calvin Booth, and Desmond Mason were the biggest culprits for the Sonics, each shooting 2 of 10 for a combined 6 of 30 for just 14 points.

The Suns were lead by the 11 points of reserve guard Tony Delk, the only other player besides Payton to score in double figures. Newly acquired Sun star Stephon Marbury made his Phoenix debut in the game, scoring 7 points on 1 of 6 shooting with 5 assists.

Earl Watson made his pre-season debut for the Sonics after sitting out the first two pre-season games with a bruised heel. In 14 minutes, he scored 3 points on 1 of 3 shooting. Anthony Johnson, who has been battling Watson for a spot on the roster, was the only Sonic not to play in the game.

After the game, the Sonics flew on to Memphis where they will take on the Grizzlies tomorrow night at 5 pm Pacific time.