As the Seattle Supersonics move closer to securing a playoff berth ? they can officially eliminate the Los Angeles Clippers sometime this week, it seems as though the team is putting much more on the line than simply filling in playoff numbers.

They recently beat Western Conference powerhouses San Antonio and Portland, have won seven of their past eight (including four in a row), and according to Tim Moore of the Seattle Post they are establishing themselves as legitimate contenders.

"We follow our leader," said center Jerome James. "We believe we can beat anybody."

If they keep following their leader they could climb as high as No. 5 if they can overtake Minnesota (45-28) and Portland (44-29).  The team currently sits at 43-31 and has gone on their run without the services of their starting small forward (Rashard Lewis), starting power forward (Vladimir Radmanovic), starting center (Calvin Booth) and backup center (Art Long).  Factor in that Vin Baker and Earl Watson are coming off injuries and are not yet 100% and this could be a team healthy could be one to be reckoned with.