SEATTLE - Seattle SuperSonics forward Rashard Lewis was scratched from the lineup for Game 4 against San Antonio on Sunday because of a sprained left big toe.
“That’s a painful injury,” Sonics coach Nate McMillan said. “I knew it would be tough for him to play in this game.”
Antonio Daniels was expected to start at shooting guard, with Ray Allen moving to Lewis’ spot at small forward. Lewis, averaging 16.9 points and 5.3 rebounds in the playoffs, was hurt in Seattle’s Game 3 win on Thursday.
McMillan said Lewis’ status for Game 5 in San Antonio will be determined at tipoff on Tuesday night.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said the absence of the All-Star may motivate Seattle.
“People pick up their games,” Popovich said. “You worry about your own group letting up a little bit psychologically and subconsciously. Teams become more aggressive and play with a desperate sort of attitude, a greater sense of urgency."
Jeremy Lin hit a free throw with 4.9 seconds left to overcome a dreadful second half and lift the New York Knicks to their fifth straight victory, 100-98, over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
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