CASEY AT BAT: Sonics assistant coach Dwane Casey was interim coach last night, subbing for Nate McMillan, who returned home to Raleigh, N.C., to be with his ailing mother. It's expected to be a one-night gig for Casey, now in his eighth season in Seattle. His previous head-coaching experience was a five-year stint in Japan, directing the national team. Casey, who spoke with McMillan earlier in the day, said McMillan's mother had been hospitalized with a kidney problem, but didn't know how serious her condition was. McMillan's return is undetermined, but he expects to return for the Sonics' next game, Wednesday in Utah. Before the game, the Sonics' usual No. 2 man said he was left with no special coaching instructions for Cleveland. "If we lose, it's on me," Casey said. "The mark of a well-coached team is they can win without their coach."

HOME COOKING: While he's home, McMillan will have his North Carolina State jersey (10) retired during halftime ceremonies at tomorrow's N.C. State-Duke game in Raleigh. He becomes the second Wolfpack player to have his shirt set aside, and second former Sonics player to receive this honor, joining David Thompson (44). McMillan, of course, had his Sonics jersey (10) retired in 1999. Thompson played for Seattle during the 1982-83 and '83-84 seasons, and his NBA jersey is probably crumpled up in a drawer somewhere.

WHISTLE THIS: With a final pass to Cavs center Chris Mihm getting slapped away at the final buzzer, and Mihm appearing to get slapped away as well, Cleveland coach John Lucas chased after the officials once the final buzzer sounded. He had to be encouraged to head to the locker room by his associates.

DISHING OFF: Sonics games are now available on satellite dish systems, thanks to a deal negotiated between the team and its broadcast partner, KING-TV. To find these offerings, turn to channel 962 on DirecTV (depending on receiver) for KING games and channel 967 for KONG games, and for Echostar/Dish Network, flip to channel 8612 for KING games and channel 8617 for KONG contests.

HEAD CASE: It had to happen. Next Saturday's Sonics game in KeyArena against Denver will feature the Gary Payton bobblehead doll giveaway. The first 10,000 fans in the door will receive one of these treasures, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.