Player of the game: Like fans, only a few Sonics showed up to play yesterday. Guard Gary Payton, as always, was one of them. The Olympian had a game-high 25 points on 11-for-28 shooting, 11 assists and nine rebounds, in a losing effort.

Digits: The Heat finally won at KeyArena after 13 straight losses over 13 years.

Quote me: "Nice hair dye, Pat!" screamed a fan during a quiet moment in the first half, receiving a light chuckle from surrounding fans who heard the snipe. After years of sporting jet-black, slicked-back hair, Miami Coach Pat Riley's tresses now are a golden chestnut brown.

Next: At Portland, tonight, 7 p.m., Rose Garden.

There are no regrets. Not even while guard Desmond Mason took practice shots in full Sonics gear before last night's game, knowing he probably won't play for another week with a sprained right knee.

But even if given the keys to a time machine, Mason said he wouldn't change a thing about that Milwaukee Bucks game Sunday when Mason collided with a Bucks player in the first quarter. He returned in the second quarter and went on to help the Sonics win, but awoke the next morning with a sprained knee.

"Going back in that game didn't make it worse than what it was," Mason said. "It just made it sore."

Mason, the team's third-leading scorer, has missed three games with the injury. He's able to walk, but not much before he starts grimacing and limping.

Despite needing five hours of treatment a day, Mason hopes he'll be able to play Tuesday at Los Angeles. Sonics Coach Nate McMillan is less optimistic.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed," McMillan said. "The guy recovers quick, but I think it'll be a week or two."

Center Jerome James was able to put his shoe on yesterday ? a big step after two weeks in a boot with a sprained right ankle. McMillan said he's still about a week away from being able to participate in a full-contact practice.

"We're a team that can't afford to lose anybody in our 6-7 rotation," McMillan said.

Baker, Berry to dance

If you didn't get enough of forward Vin Baker in tights last holiday season, then check out his repeat performance in the Pacific Northwest Ballet's "Nutcracker" tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at the Seattle Center Opera House.

Baker will play the character "Grandfather" and will be joined by teammate Brent Barry, who has a background role. Baker played the part last season, complete with tights and makeup that aged him 30 years. For tickets, call 206-292-ARTS.

New look

The Sonics unveiled a new design with added features to the team's official Web site, www.supersonics.com. The redesigned site incorporates the Sonics' new logo and official colors, with added news features and the new Sonics Ticket Marketplace, where season ticket holders can re-sell their unused tickets to the general public.

Anthony Mason on Miami

MILWAUKEE ? Milwaukee Bucks forward Anthony Mason said he never could have envisioned the Heat starting the season so poorly.

"No way would they be 2-14 if I was there," Mason said in a phone interview with the Miami Herald. "They know they should have brought Mason back. When people do good, you reward them."