Last season, the Sonics were one of the best shooting teams in the NBA, with three players among the top 10 in three-point accuracy.

Seattle has become even more formidable from long range because of rookie Vladimir Radmanovic.

The 6-foot-10 small forward isn't just one of the best shooters on the Sonics.

Statistically, Radmanovic is among the best in the NBA. Radmanovic entered last night's game shooting 47.8 percent, for fourth best in the league.

"He should be in the three-point shooting competition, if he continues doing what he's doing," Coach Nate McMillan said before the game. "He's shooting the ball well. He's stroking it. His release has been nice.

"And he looks comfortable shooting that shot. He's not rushing it. And when he's left open you feel it's going in."

Sonics GM Rick Sund has lobbied the NBA that Radmanovic participate in the three-point shooting contest.

Desmond Mason will play on the sophomore team of the Rookie Challenge at the All-Star festivities.

The game, pitting first-year players against second-year players, will be Feb. 9 at Philadelphia's First Union Center.

Note

? Sonics owner Howard Schultz believes that Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has some valid points about the NBA's refereeing system being flawed. But Schultz agrees with the NBA fining Cuban $500,000 for publicly lambasting Ed Rush, the league director of officiating.

"I think it's justified," said Schultz, who attended the game. "There's a better way to communicate frustrations, and it should be behind closed doors. He has to understand that his remarks are actually more divisive to him and the league. He should grow up."

Wednesday's game at a glance

Player of the game: Kevin Garnett caused headache problems for the Sonics all night with his versatility. The guard/forward/center finished with 29 points (on 11-of-16 shooting), 10 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.

Top reserve: Anthony Peeler was a Sonics killer again. Peeler was more effective than most starters, with 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 7 of 9 from three-point range.

Key to the game: The Sonics kept waiting for Minnesota to cool off. Instead, the Timberwolves made tough shot after tough shot to finish shooting 52.6 percent. Minnesota was also hot from three-point range (45 percent) and the free-throw line (80 percent).

Next: Tomorrow at 7 p.m. against the Cavaliers at KeyArena.