 Oklahoma City WiretapSonics cool Terry's homecoming splashVia Jeff Denberg/Atlanta Journal-Constitution Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Barry named Sonics leaderIn the absence of Gary Payton guard Brent Barry has been named a co-captain with Rashard Lewis, Percy Allen of the Seattle Times writes. And whlie Barry was anxious to find out exactly what does go on in those pre-game captain-referee meetings after finding out the truth he couldn't help but be disappointed. "I was joking around with Kobe (Bryant) and Shaq (O'Neal) because Rashard (Lewis) and I were up there doing the captain thing," Barry said. "The ref just goes, 'You guys have any questions?' And we said, 'No.' And they said, all right, have a good game.' And I said, 'That's it? I've been waiting to do this, and that's it? That's all you get?' " Barry has made new teammate Ray Allen feel welcome since his arrival, showing him around the city and getting him out of the hotel. Coach Nate McMillan believed that making Allen a co-captain immediately after his acquisition was not the best thing for his star player, while Barry has taken the role seriously. "I don't know what I would have did without Brent yesterday," Allen said. "He got me out of that (hotel) room and took me around (the city)." "Brent has really made an effort to become a leader in the sense of speaking to guys, communicating with guys and letting them know exactly what we want to do," McMillan said. "(Sunday) night I thought he did a good job of getting us in the offense." Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Kobe Express ContinuesIs it possible for a basketballer to struggle to get 41 points? That was the case last night at the Staples Center when Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant continued on his phenominal run with his ninth consecutive game with 40 or more points, tying Michael Jordan's streak during the 1986-87 season and now sits only five more games behind Wilt Chamberlain's all-time record of 14. Bryant scored 16 points in the third quarter, hitting on six of eight attempts. Earlier in the season Bryant made a league record 12 three point shots, but in this one he hit only one, and things certainly were not as open for him this time around. Bryant sat on 39 points from the 5 minute mark of the fourth quarter until 23 seconds remained in the game, missing five consecutive shots before earning a trip to the free throw line to put him over the magical mark. I took us out of our system, but that's such a tough challenge to back down from," Bryant said. "I have to apologize to my teammates. It was tough because of the challenge ahead of me." "These five guys wanted to stop me from scoring a single basket. I'm willing to take my odds on that." Ray Allen starred in his debut role for the Sonics, coming one assist shy of a triple double while finishing with 26 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists. Bryant will have an opportunity to tie Chamberlain's record if he can score 40 or more points against the Clippers, Pistons, Sonics, Pacers and Timberwolves. If he can manage to do this he will then have a chance at surpassing Chamberlain against Philadelphia on March 9. The game is scheduled to be televised on ABC. Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Feb 2003 Archive
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