ATLANTA — Ray Allen declined to confirm whether he has received a threat, but he did not deny it and was vague when asked why he has hired a bodyguard who began accompanying him during All-Star Weekend in Houston.

"It's just for precaution," the Sonics' guard said. "Sometimes you don't need a threat."

Since joining the Sonics, Allen had never employed additional security, and he would not say how long he intended to use the bodyguard who sat behind the Sonics' bench on Tuesday in San Antonio and Wednesday in Atlanta.

A teammate said Allen used bodyguards to protect his mother, Flora Allen-Hopson, after two men allegedly tried to kill his stepfather, Derek Hopson, three years ago.

Terrance Battle, 31, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and as an accomplice to attempted murder. He's being held on a $750,000 bond and is scheduled to appear at the Superior Court in Middletown, Conn., on March 6, according to court documents.

His attorney, Averum Sprecher, said he's hoping charges are reduced.

Earnest C. Garlington, 37, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and was released on bail.

Star of the game: Nearly half of Ray Allen's baskets were three-pointers as he sank five of eight shots from behind the arc and scored a game-high 33 points. He converted 11 of 20 field goals and sank all six free throws. Allen also distributed seven assists and collected four rebounds.

Play of the game: Damien Wilkins lost Joe Johnson on a pick on the left wing and streaked to the basket, where he flushed a dunk on Josh Smith despite being fouled with 4:46 remaining in the game. The basket and ensuing free throw gave the Sonics a 101-99 lead.

Up next: Orlando, 4 p.m. Friday at TD Waterhouse Centre.

Percy Allen

Surgery for Swift

Center Robert Swift underwent surgery on Wednesday morning to repair his broken nose and will attempt to play Tuesday against Oklahoma City/New Orleans at KeyArena.

He's listed as out indefinitely, but he'll be fitted for a protective mask next week, and he told Sonics officials he would like to play as soon as possible.

Notes

• Allen was planning an excursion to Disney World for as many as 30 Sonics players and employees today. He attempted to organize a similar outing to Alcatraz Island on Jan. 15, but he was serving a league suspension for fighting and didn't make the trip to San Francisco.

• Forward Danny Fortson was scheduled to join the Sonics today after having his sore left knee examined by two doctors. Coach Bob Hill was unsure whether he'll be activated. Fortson hasn't played since Jan. 6.

Times staff reporter Jayda Evans contributed to this report.

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