There was good reason why Robert Swift began the second half in the Sonics' lineup and it wasn't because of his play in the first half.

While Swift was on the KeyArena court to begin the third quarter Tuesday against the New York Knicks, Reggie Evans was being administered a random NBA-mandated drug test, according to teammate Ray Allen.

Allen said after the Sonics' 104-101 loss that an NBA drug testing agent would not allow Evans to return the court until he finished his test. Evans did not return to the game until there was 1:48 left in the third quarter. He said he apologized to his teammates for letting them down because he "was in the bathroom."

A few minutes later, Allen revealed what he believed happened.

"I don't know if you guys know, but Reggie was back there taking a drug test," Allen said, "Which I think is ridiculous. It's not his fault, but he said the guy wouldn't let him out. He had to take a drug test for the NBA. It's ridiculous because Swift starts and you know how we started in the first half, we didn't have that same chemistry going into the third quarter.

"I'm not looking for excuses, trying to point blame, but there is no reason that should have happened, not during an NBA game. When we were drawing a play for the third quarter, Rob (Swift) said 'Where's Reggie at?' It's ridiculous for them to be trying to conduct a drug test during an NBA game."

Said Evans: "I felt like it (threw us off). I felt like I kind of messed my team chemistry up because coach had to put Swift in there."

After the game, Sonics coach Bob Weiss said he was unaware that Evans was taking a drug test and said he could not comment on the league's testing policy.

"As far as I know, Reggie was in the bathroom," Weiss said. "I don't know if he was taking a drug test."