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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Radmanovic practices with Sonics

Tim Korte Associated Press

SEATTLE – Forward Vladimir Radmanovic returned to practice Thursday for the Seattle SuperSonics, back on the court with teammates for the first time since a mid-March stress fracture.

Coach Nate McMillan said Radmanovic will be a game-time decision for Game 1 of Saturday night’s matchup against Sacramento in the playoffs, the first postseason game in Seattle after a three-year break.

Radmanovic believes his lower right leg will be ready.

“I’m comfortable,” he said. “The only problem I have is my ankle. It’s stiff. I have to get it loose. Once I do, I don’t have any problems. I don’t have any pain in the injured spot.”

McMillan wants to see how Radmanovic feels after today, when he’s likely to run more in practice and take part in one-on-one drills. While the coach made no promises, he was optimistic.

“I’m thinking he’ll be ready on Saturday,” McMillan said.

Radmanovic, a key reserve, was averaging 11.8 points and 4.6 rebounds before missing the final 19 regular-season games. He was limited to 45 minutes of work Thursday, taking part in walk-throughs of Seattle’s offensive sets.

His only concern is finding his shot.

“In game situations, it’s never going to be the same,” Radmanovic said. “You get tired. You have to play defense. You push people with your arms. So I can’t really tell you right now how good my shot is. I guess we’ll find out real soon.”

The Sonics limped into the playoffs, losing eight of their final 10 games. Injuries were the reason, with All-Star forward Rashard Lewis (bruised right foot) and guard Antonio Daniels (sore left knee) also missing stretches.

Lewis didn’t practice Thursday, but McMillan said the injury hasn’t flared up and trainers just wanted him to have another two days of rest. Daniels, meanwhile, said he’s not in any pain.

“I’m ready to go. I feel great. I feel fantastic,” he said.

The Sonics were excited to see the 6-foot-10 Radmanovic back on the floor. Because of his size and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range, Radmanovic presents matchup problems for opponents.

“It would be great to have him back because then we’d be completely healthy,” Daniels said. “I’ve been calling Vlade the X-factor all year. He makes a big difference.”

Injuries forced McMillan to shuffle the lineup repeatedly down the stretch, but he believes things should fall into place with the playoffs starting.

He also pointed out the Kings are struggling with injuries, too, but the postseason seems to help players forget about how sore they feel and find the motivation to play.