Originally published Monday, April 14, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Notebook | Cuban speaks out: Don't move the Sonics
Some signs in the KeyArena crowd encouraged Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to run for NBA commissioner. In the buildup to the Sonics'...
Seattle Times staff reporter
Play of the game: With 14.3 seconds remaining, rookie Kevin Durant gave the Sonics the lead with a layin.
Up next: At Golden State on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Oracle Arena.
Some signs in the KeyArena crowd encouraged Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to run for NBA commissioner. In the buildup to the Sonics' potential move to Oklahoma City, Cuban has spoken out against the measure.
He did so again Sunday.
"I'm trying to stand up and say I don't think moving is the best choice," Cuban said. "I think Clayton Bennett would be phenomenal for the NBA, I just don't think moving the team from Seattle is the way to do it."
Mavericks player Jason Terry, who is from Seattle, reiterated his disbelief at the possible loss of his childhood team. Before and after the game, Terry was decked out in green and black, in honor of the Sonics.
"To realize it may be a reality is going to be tough," said Terry, who gave 60 tickets to Sunday's game to family and friends. "Seattle without basketball? We love the Mariners, we love the Seahawks, but the Sonics are always in our hearts."
Terry, a former Franklin High standout, missed a three-pointer with 21.9 seconds left that would have given the Mavericks a two-point lead.
Terry said the enthusiasm from the 16,272 fans lifted the Sonics to a 99-95 victory.
"Maybe if they would have got that support early in the year from the fans, maybe they would still be here," he said. "I don't know if it's a money issue or they need a new arena, but KeyArena is fine with me. It's been great for many, many years. ... If I was the owner, I would keep them here."
NOTES
• Sonics center Johan Petro returned to the starting lineup against Dallas. He replaced trade acquisition Francisco Elson, who has averaged 34.2 percent shooting from the field, 2.9 rebounds and 3.0 points in 20 games with Seattle.
• The Sonics on Sunday signed guard Ronald Dupree through the end of the season. He initially signed a 10-day contract.
• Mouhamed Sene rejoined the team for the home finale. He's unable to participate in the Idaho Stampede's playoff run in the NBA Development League because of a knee injury.
• The NBA's Board of Governors votes later this week on whether to approve owner Bennett's request to move the Sonics to Oklahoma City. Seattle is suing the franchise to honor its KeyArena lease, which runs through September 2010. The trial begins June 16.
Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 9:40 PM
Portland stops Orlando, which plays without suspended Dwight Howard
Chicago Bulls hand Miami Heat fourth straight loss | NBA
Local NBA connections: Catching up with Martell Webster
New Jersey earns 137-136 victory over Toronto in 3 OT in London
Ex-Washington Husky Nate Robinson has knee surgery | NBA

general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Electronics
just listed
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels AKC reg pupp...
Diamond ring
FINAL DAYS/ Store Closing/ Go To Your Room/...
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
- Madrona dad killed by a bullet as he drove through Central Area
- Matt Flynn has good day in Seahawks' 3-way QB competition
- Brandon League looks out of his own for Mariners
- Facebook messages trigger melee at Whitman Middle School
- Why dealing for Kellen Winslow makes sense for Seahawks | Steve Kelley
- Ex-boyfriend sought in death of Renton girl, 17
- Seattle police twice face hostile crowds at scenes of violent crime
- Komen controversy hurting Race for the Cure
- Juror alternates' actions have court on red alert
- Driver fatally shot in Central Area
- Opponents of gay-marriage law say they have enough signatures
891 - Mariners look to get back on winning track against Angels
477 - Madrona dad killed by stray bullet as he drove through Central Area
466 - Typical CEO made $9.6M last year, AP study finds
166 - Seattle police twice face hostile crowds at scenes of violence crime
134 - Fact check: Ad exaggerates Obama's debt
128 - A worthwhile conversation about charter schools
107 - Brandon League blows save in the ninth...again
81 - May questions, volume seven
72 - Brandon League looks out of his own for Mariners
66
- Madrona dad killed by a bullet as he drove through Central Area
- Driver fatally shot in Central Area
- Facebook messages trigger melee at Whitman Middle School
- Downtown building fetches $55M, thanks to Amazon effect
- Opponents of gay-marriage law get unexpected aid: from Muslims
- A second chance for idle electronics
- 'Tutankhamun' in Seattle: artifacts both dazzling and humble | Art review
- Get a sitter — please — for these 10 great date-night restaurants | All You Can Eat
- Komen controversy hurting Race for the Cure
- Rescued teen tells author how story helped him survive
