HIGHLIGHTS: Desmond Mason, taking a bounce pass from Earl Watson, flew in from the right corner and flushed it with one hand over Suns center Jake Tsakalidis in the second quarter.

LOWLIGHTS: Mason, also in the second quarter, lost control of the ball for a turnover and then committed an offensive foul the next trip down the court.

NICE GESTURE: Before the game, Gary Payton gave gold Corum watches to all of his teammates in appreciation for their contributions to the point guard's All-Star appearance Sunday in Philadelphia. Each watch had the inscription: "Thanks for the All-Star assist. G.P. 2002."

INJURY REPORT: After missing Tuesday's game at Golden State with neck spasms, Vin Baker returned last night and was active early, scoring 11 points in the first quarter.

SONICS ARE FIRST: Nate McMillan's team is No. 1 in the league in community appearances, making 167 to this point in the season. Mason has made a league-leading 33 appearances, 12 more than Philadelphia's Eric Snow, who is second.

NEW LOOK: Wanting a taller presence, coach Nate McMillan started 7-foot-1 Jerome James in place of 6-9 Art Long. Did the move backfire? Perhaps. James had only two points and one rebound in 11 minutes, along with three fouls.

TOTALLY INNOCENT: Payton was called for an offensive foul for elbowing Bo Outlaw. The fans booed. Outlaw took a seat and pleaded his case to teammate Dan Majerle. "I didn't do (bleep)," he said.

DEFENSE, DEFENSE: Earl Watson stole the ball and left a behind-the-back bounce pass for Rashard Lewis, who jammed it to trim the Suns' lead to 65-61 in the third quarter.

NEXT UP: Dallas, KeyArena, Tuesday night at 7