The Sonics strutted into the Staples Center last night like they could beat the world champions.
But after sleepwalking during a 114-94 loss to the Clippers, the Sonics remained the same up-but-mostly-down team that flew here three days ago.

In just 24 hours, exhilaration from stunning the Lakers Tuesday turned to a confounding sense of gloom.

"I have no explanation for it," said Coach Nate McMillan, using almost the same words that describe the Lakers' victory. "How you can play a good game one night, and how you can look so bad just 24 hours later. I don't understand it."

One explanation could be that the ultra-athletic Clippers weren't the kind of team you should play on the second of back-to-back games.

It's a scenario that has meant nothing but misery for Seattle this season.

"You come back to a team that's already been rested for three or four days," Gary Payton said. "It's hard to do that, and then get the energy to do that.

"I don't care how old, young or whatever you are. That's just a hard thing to do. People can say what they want to say. But it's really hard to battle against a Shaq, Kobe the night before and beat them, and come back against a team that's ready for you."