Sonics Capture First Win, 99-94 vs. Nets
It was a hard fought game, and a tough 10 game stretch to start the season off for the Sonics, but the time has finally come. The Sonics were able to pull out the victory vs. Brooklyn in a tight, back and forth game, winning 99-94.
Boban Marjanovic led the way in scoring and rebounding for the Sonics, putting up 18 and 12, and adding 5 blocks as well. However, it was Ray Allen who made the difference in this game late. With just under 30 seconds left in the game, it was tied up, 94-94. The shot clock was winding down, and Devin Booker passed it up to Ray Allen at the top of the three point line, being guarded by Brooklyn's Joe Johnson. Allen got the ball, threw a mean pump fake, getting Johnson off his feet. Allen then leaned into Johnson, put up the shot, and earned the foul and three free throws. He would make all three.
On the Nets next possession, Joe Johnson looked to find room for a 3 point attempt, but was met by stellar defense by Ray Allen, who forced Johnson to chuck up a prayer for three, which didn't fall. Ray Allen would be intentionally fouled the next possession, putting him on the line, met by thunderous MVP! chants from this proud Seattle crowd. Allen would knock down both, and close the game.
"This is up there in my favorite moments in my career" Allen said in the post game press conference. "We give it our all for these fans, and this city. And when we're able to win a game like that at home, hearing those fans... it's special."
Allen, at 40 years young, will look to salvage this season as much as possible for the Sonics, knowing that it is likely his last.