1.   At times it seems the Sonics cannot play any better defensively.

2.   But she may not need to play any better than she did on Sunday.

3.   But the backups, Howard Eisley and Charlie Ward, have not played any better, so a change right now is doubtful.

4.   Can they play any better offensively?

5.   It would be difficult for Austin to play any better.

6.   No one played any better than Leonard, a second-year pro who was a runner-up twice last season.

7.   One team, the better team, was able to romp even though its quarterback played no better than the QB of the poorer team.

8.   The other option, alas, is to conclude that after four months of treading water, this team is dog-tired and can no longer play any better.

9.   The safeties have played no better than fair.

10.   They believe New Jersey cannot play any better than it did Sunday, while the best for Boston is yet to come.