When Seattle SuperSonics rookie Vladimir Radmanovic played Sunday in his team's 89-77 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, he matched the most games he had played in any season in his brief professional career - 33.

And when he played that many games for teams in Europe, they were stretched over a much longer season than the first two months of an NBA season.

But clearly, as his performance Sunday attests - 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists - Radmanovic has not hit the rookie wall associated with young players not accustomed to the daily grind of the NBA.

On the contrary, he appears to be settling into a niche, proving himself as one of the most talented youngsters in the league.

In fact, he has emerged as the top 3-point shooter in the NBA, hitting 47.6 percent of his triples, well above the Grizzlies' Shane Battier, second at 39.7 percent.

"This is more games than I have played ever in this short a period," Radmanovic said. "But I feel good. I don't know why. I don't feel tired. My body is fresh, and I can give 100 percent of my game."

Radmanovic thinks some of his energy stems from the team's way of travel.

"I thought it would be harder because in Europe, when you travel, you have to check your bags, check your ticket, do all those things, and it takes a lot of time," Radmanovic said. "Here, you take your bags on the plane, you take off, you land, a bus is waiting for you, you get to the hotel. It's easy. In our league, with all the games, it is the best way."

Reunion - The Sonics saw a familiar face in Memphis.

Former guard Hersey Hawkins is the color announcer for Grizzlies broadcasts, taking the job after retiring last season.

"It's different," Hawkins said. "You feel like a rookie all over again."

Hawkins still lives with his family in his palatial home in Charlotte, N.C., so he makes a 1 hour, 10 minute flight to each of the home games he calls. He said he was scheduled to do 70 games.

"I'm learning," Hawkins said.

Lineup thoughts - With Art Long struggling for two consecutive games, and Radmanovic playing so well, Seattle coach Nate McMillan said he was thinking about tinkering with the starting lineup.

"We'll look at it as we prepare for Chicago," McMillan said. "We have to look at Chicago's starting lineup, see if that is a fit, and if not, we will stay with Art.

"I just told these guys, we will make adjustments according to the game. Everybody has to be ready to play."

Around the rim - Attendance Sunday was announced at 12,832, but far fewer fans were present at The Pyramid. Locals said scheduling a 2 p.m. game on a Sunday afternoon in the thick of the Bible Belt was not fantastic foresight. ... After the game, a reporter asked for McMillan's thoughts about the play of Grizzlies point guard Jason Williams. McMillan started, laughed at what he was about to say, then became more diplomatic. "Jason has so much talent," McMillan said. "Sometimes he gets too creative when he doesn't have to. He is an entertainer, that's his game."

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SIDEBAR: GAME DAY

MATCHUP - Sonics at Chicago Bulls.

WHEN - 5:30 p.m., United Center.

TV - None. RADIO - 950-AM.

THE SERIES - Seattle swept both games last season and has won three in a row at the United Center.

SCOUTING REPORT - Seattle can win its first set of back-to-back games on the road this year, after defeating Memphis on Sunday. Former Sonic Bill Cartwright is the Bulls' new coach, taking over for Tim Floyd, who resigned last month. The Bulls play much better defense under Cartwright, though they still lack in talent. Seattle native and Rainier Beach High grad Jamal Crawford is on the injured list for the Bulls.

NEXT - 5 p.m. Wednesday, at Minnesota Timberwolves, Target Center.