Sonics Notebook | Allen happy to see Bowen get a warning

For years, Ray Allen has complained about Bruce Bowen's defensive tactics. So it came as no surprise to him that the San Antonio guard has been warned by the NBA about his habit of sliding under players while they're shooting.

"What he does on the court, he does," Allen said, "and we know, around the league, what everybody does.

"When you do something on the grand stage in New York City, everybody definitely pays attention."

Although several other players, including Allen and New Jersey's Vince Carter, have been harsh critics of Bowen's habit of crowding shooters, it wasn't until Bowen used a similar tactic against New York's Steve Francis that Bowen drew the ire of the league office.

Knicks coach Isiah Thomas verbally blasted Bowen during the game.

Stu Jackson, NBA vice president of operations, chose not to fine Bowen, but gave him a warning.

"I don't know if that will be enough," Allen said. "The one good thing is now he knows that they [the referees] are watching it."

In Fortson's court

Coach Bob Hill is letting Danny Fortson tell him when he's ready to return after what's becoming a prolonged absence due to a sore right knee.

Fortson hasn't played since Nov. 15 and he's missed the past six games.

When first diagnosed, Fortson was expected to miss a week.

Hill, however, isn't sure when Fortson will be ready and would like to have him available for a practice before putting him in a game.

Notes

• The Sonics announced that any ticket-holders unable to attend the game Sunday because of the inclement weather will be able to redeem their tickets on Wednesday or Dec. 5. Attendance Sunday was announced at 15,483.

• Hill is at a loss to explain the Sonics' 2-5 record at KeyArena. "I'm thinking about it," he said. "I think about it when I'm sleeping. I think about it when I'm eating. I think about it all the time. ... Somewhere in this little thing, they got to accept some responsibility for themselves. I can't go and play for them."

• San Antonio guard Michael Finley started in place of Manu Ginobili, who did not play because of a lower back contusion.

• In three games against the Spurs last season, Rashard Lewis averaged just 13 points.