Originally published Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 12:00 AM
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ShareSonics notes: Wilkins steps into big shoes
Damien Wilkins is not Vladimir Radmanovic. That needs to be mentioned early in any conversation the Sonics' reserve swingman has these days...
Seattle Times staff reporter
SAN ANTONIO — Damien Wilkins is not Vladimir Radmanovic. That needs to be mentioned early in any conversation the Sonics' reserve swingman has these days.
In Game 2 of the Sonics' Western Conference semifinal series, Wilkins will take over Radmanovic's spot in the rotation, but he can't do what Radmanovic can.
He can't shoot three-pointers like Radmanovic, who severely sprained his right ankle in Game 1 Sunday and won't play again in the series. He's not as tall as Radmanovic, 4 inches shorter at 6 feet 6.
And he's not a fashion maven like his teammate, who created a stir a couple of weeks ago with his homemade dreadlocks.
"Vlade is Vlade and he's an awesome player," Wilkins said. "I'm Damien Wilkins. I'm just me and, hopefully, that's good enough."
It was good enough at times over the final 19 games of the regular season when Wilkins stepped in for Radmanovic, who suffered a stress fracture in his right fibula.
In that period, Wilkins hit his career scoring high, 21 points on 7-for-10 shooting, and reached double figures eight times.
"I'm definitely ready, and unfortunately it's got to come at the expense of an injury and a loss," Wilkins said. "I'm ready. I know the game plan. I know how coach wants us to play and execute on both ends. It's a matter of me going in and doing whatever he says and playing off of Rashard [Lewis] and Ray [Allen]."
Upon further review
Allen amended comments he made after Sunday's defeat and stopped short of blaming San Antonio forward Bruce Bowen for his right ankle injury."I'd have to see tape," Allen said. "It's hard for me to say now."
Initially after the game, Allen chastised Bowen's adhesive defensive tactics. Still, Allen is unsure if he landed on Bowen or simply turned his ankle because he landed awkwardly. Television replays are inconclusive, and several spectators were also unsure.
"It looked like a basketball play," Sonics guard Antonio Daniels said. "It could have happened to anybody."
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