Enjoy, But Don't Be Tempted by, Sonics' Recent Play

Now that they're safely out of the playoff race, the Sonics have started to play well. They've won six of their last ten, including wins against potential playoff teams like the Lakers and Bucks. Last night, against Milwaukee, new acquisition Chris Wilcox had 30 points!

We aren't impressed.

Late-season competence by non-contending teams is an annual occurrence in professional sports, causing prognosticators to think that next year, they'll be great. Usually not.

What causes it? Maybe the no-pressure atmosphere of playing "spoiler." Maybe a long-overdue run of good luck. In the Sonics case, it may be the momentary thrill of playing with newer, faster guys like Earl Watson and Chris Wilcox. The team seems to be having fun again, with the exception of disgruntled Luke Ridnour, who's lost playing time to Watson.

And that's just it--it's easy to have fun when no one expects you to win. Things will be different next season, when there's pressure again. Meanwhile--enjoy it. The athleticism of Wilcox and Watson makes this team pretty great to watch.