Sonics Look To Regain Their Focus

Following their loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday, the Sonics players held a team meeting to discuss their focus - or lack of it since the All-Star game.

“We’ve had a lack if intensity and are feeling comfortable that we played so well before the All-Star break,” forward Vin Baker said. “And we just talked about getting back that intensity.”

Baker said he did not take offense to remarks by McMillan, who suggested that both Baker and Gary Payton were failing as leaders of the team.

“I agree,” Baker said. “If you are a leader on this team, it is your duty to lead, in whatever capacity you do it in. Whether it is playing or talking or whatever, you got to do it. I know I couldn’t sleep knowing that I had let my team down.

“And I don’t take what Nate said personally. Especially coming from Nate, who is one of our leaders. We as leaders have to lead. We’ve got a great opportunity so whatever is said is said in the right tone, regardless of how it is said.”

A look back

Eleven years ago today, Sonics swingman Nate McMillan had a career-high 25 assists against the Los Angeles Clippers, five short of the NBA record. And, he pointed out, he did it in his rookie season.

McMillan is tied for sixth in league history with five other players - Ernie DiGregorio, Kevin Porter twice, Isiah Thomas, Kevin Johnson and Jason Kidd - with 25 assists in a game.

Scott Skiles owns the NBA record with 30 assists, for Orlando against the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 30, 1990.

Clippers beware

Karl talked with McMillan before the game in which they discussed limiting his minutes Sunday so he could play against the Clippers tonight. It was not on their original schedule, but they said from the beginning that could be adjusted as necessary.

Detlef Schrempf is scheduled to have his throat examined today to determine whether he can resume practicing and play against Atlanta on Friday.