That Winning Mix Seattle Finally Has Team Chemistry That Could Lead To Nba Title
The Seattle SuperSonics have been through this before in the ‘90s: high-scoring stars, a dominating regular season, championship hopes. Still, there was always disappointment in the end.
But with seven new players and a “Shawn-who?” attitude, the Sonics are back and perhaps better than ever, ready to forget about first-round collapses in the playoffs, Chicago’s victory against them in the 1996 finals and last year’s loss to the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semifinals.
Seattle had the league’s best record (28-6) going into the weekend, riding Vin Baker’s steady scoring, Gary Payton’s airtight defense and one of the NBA’s best benches. Even coach George Karl has that warm and fuzzy feeling.
“There’s no question this is the most comfortable basketball team I’ve ever coached,” he said.
Comfort was something the team lacked before disgruntled star forward Shawn Kemp left for the Cleveland Cavaliers and a $107-million contract after last season.
His replacement, Baker, has caught on quickly. He scored 25 points to Kemp’s nine on Thursday as Seattle won at Cleveland 109-84.
“I knew I was joining a good team,” Baker said. “I just had no idea we’d jell as a team so quickly.”
After playing on losing teams in four seasons in Milwaukee, Baker has rewarded general manager Wally Walker by meshing perfectly with new teammates Payton, Detlef Schrempf and Hersey Hawkins. Even Jim McIlvaine, thought to be a bust after getting a $35-million contract before last season, is playing better.
It all adds up to victories for a Seattle team that’s won at least 55 games a season since 1992-93.
“There’s one thing about winning: You never get bored with it,” a smiling Hawkins said.
And the Sonics’ bench has been bolstered by the additions of 15-year veteran Dale Ellis, Aaron Williams and Jerome Kersey. Kersey, who hasn’t played since Nov. 21 because of a stress fracture in his left foot, is expected back in a week.
Despite being last in the league in rebounding and 14th in free-throw shooting, the Sonics look like a championship contender.
“It’s come together much more quickly than any of us envisioned,” Walker said.
The key, of course, has been Baker, who was acquired in an astute trade that included Cleveland and Milwaukee. He’s leading the Sonics in scoring average (19.9) and rebounds (8.2).
Unselfish and popular with his new teammates, Baker has fit Seattle like Payton’s defensive glove.
“This team has tremendous chemistry,” Baker said. “When you like each other, you find it a lot easier to play.”
Said Karl: “The chemistry has been really important. I think the professionalism of our solid guys who have been here has been very important.”
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Coming up Today: Seattle at New York, 4:30 p.m. (KXLY AM 920)