SIZZLE, NOT FIZZLE IS SONICS' PLAN.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

Right on schedule, late April in the Pacific Northwest has arrived with another Sonic boom.

A third straight year in Seattle where the beloved SuperSonics achieved near-perfection over the regular season. Sixty-three wins in '94. Fifty-seven in '95. Sixty-four in '96.

But just as the weather clears up to allow daily sightings of nearby Mt. Rainier, locals are waiting for another regional ritual: The first-round crash and burn of the Sonics.

It's become a burden of being a Sonic. Coach George Karl never has a day go by when someone does not mention it, in a voice usually laced with skepticism.

Will Seattle lose in the first round of the playoffs again, just like they did to Denver two years ago and the Lakers last season?

``We just haven't performed under the gun in the playoffs,'' Karl said. ``We have to live with disappointment. I think everybody took their shots at us. But when you are successful and fail, they want you to fail even harder.''

The stakes are even higher after back-to-back seasons of incredible disappointment. How Seattle answers the question in its first-round playoff matchup with Sacramento this week should determine the fate of several players - and Karl.

To combat the jitters, this is being advertised as a different Seattle team. One that can reach its postseason potential. It won't be easy. Even if Seattle gets past the Kings, it could face last year's nemesis, the Lakers, in the second round.

``I think there's a confidence the team hasn't had the last two years,'' Karl said.

For one thing, the Sonics are looser than ever. They took a detour to Phoenix between games in January to catch the Super Bowl.

They also constantly played practical jokes on each other during the season. Forward Frank Brickowski taped a ``kick me'' sign on the back of injured rookie Sherell Ford. The sign remained on Ford's back the entire game.

``Sure we're enjoying each other,'' Karl said. ``The last two years, there were more naggers in the locker room.''

This improved chemistry is cited as a key reason to expect Seattle to break its first-round jinx. The Sonics have also added several mature veterans - Hersey Hawkins, Frank Brickowski, David Wingate - to blend in with the always volatile Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp.

Hawkins has been the biggest calming influence in the locker room. And he provides a nice fourth option behind Kemp, Payton and Detlef Schrempf.

``We've been a lot more serious this year in what we want to accomplish,'' Hawkins said.

Although Hawkins said the Sonics rarely discuss their playoff failures, the early exits are a stigma impossible to ignore.

``I get a sense people are just waiting for something to happen. So then they can say `I told you so,' '' he said. ``We've got to win in the playoffs. Especially with all the unrestricted free agents we have (six, including Payton). They could break this team up. Everybody understands. Even George may not be back.''

The precarious future of the team only adds to the sense of urgency. This is considered the final chance for the Sonics' core group to accomplish something.

Another difference is the maturity that has been demonstrated on the court. The Sonics have won games they would have lost the past two years, including a dramatic victory over the Clippers last month after trailing by six points with 90 seconds left.

``Normally, in a situation like that, we would point fingers, blame someone else. But we played through it,'' swingman Nate McMillan said. ``There used to be a tendency of going at one another or falling apart.

``It's a more mature team. I think we've really grown. Basically (team chemistry) is the best since I've been here.''

Another supposed plus is the leadership of Kemp. Throughout the season, the previously troubled but talented superstar was praised by teammates and Karl for his personal growth.

``Nobody seems to have profited more from losing those two series than Shawn,'' Sam Perkins said. ``After bearing the brunt of the blame, he came back this season physically and mentally ready to accept that accountability.''

Or did he?

Kemp missed three team flights this season, including one two weeks ago just before the final two spots of Dream Team III were selected. Many believe Charles Barkley was chosen over Kemp based on just that transgression.

Kemp also got into a fight with Denver's Tom Hammonds in the final game of the regular season and has been suspended for Friday's playoff opener against the Kings. He will return for Game 2.

On top of all this, Kemp has been unable to regain his consistency since spraining his left foot on March 1.

These incidents could collectively be viewed as an indication Kemp is leading the Sonics toward another unfulfilled postseason.

But Kemp professed that he has changed. And the Sonics have no choice but to believe their star.

``The guys on this team know me,'' Kemp said. ``They know I come to games . . . I come to work.''

As an example of his improved persona, Kemp said he apologized to his teammates after missing the flight a couple weeks ago. Last year, he said, he never would have admitted such a mistake.

``The negative things people said really hurt him,'' Perkins said. ``He's showing them that he's wrong.''

Seattle should also benefit from this year's first opponent. Unlike the then up-and-coming Nuggets or the dangerous Lakers, Sacramento stumbled its way into the playoffs.

The Kings have not been in the playoffs for 10 years and are the No. 1 factor keeping the experts from predicting a Sonics hat trick.

``Once we get through the first round, you'll see this team relax and play basketball,'' Karl said. ``The pressure we have to overcome is within ourselves.''

And all over Seattle.

SONIC BUST Seattle SuperSonics' playoff results the past two seasons:

1993-94: Lost in first round to Denver 3-2. No. 8-seeded Nuggets shock No. 1-seeded Sonics by winning final three games of series, including Game 5 in overtime.

1994-95: Lost in first round to Lakers 3-1. Sonics win Game 1 by 25 points, then lose three straight by a combined 10 points.

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Box: SONIC BUST (see text)