Seattle coach Nate McMillan was late emerging from the locker room after the SuperSonics defeated the Orlando Magic, 123-119, in a thrilling double-overtime game Monday night.

When assistant Bob Weiss walked out, he laughed and said, "Nate'll be out in a minute. He's on a respirator."

What does he think his players feel like?

Through 58 grueling minutes, through Rashard Lewis' career night, through Gary Payton finally finding his offense, and through Tracy McGrady missing a dramatic layup at the end, the Sonics battled to kick off their five-game trip along the Eastern seaboard successfully.

"It was blow for blow," McMillan said, "and we had the last blow to get out of here with a win."

Barely.