As frustrating as it might be, the Sonics were in it against the L.A. Clippers for three quarters on Sunday before falling 115-101 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

That leaves the club 0-3 for the first time in 22 seasons.

The Clips only led by 2 going into the final frame, but this year's edition of the L.A. Clippers likes to push the ball. They like to run, and that was too much for a Seattle team that committed 22 turnovers. It didn't help that Tim Thomas drained three treys in the span of a minute late in the game.

But check this out: Seattle hit 47 percent of its shots, compared to 46 for the Clippers. They were even with L.A. in terms of three-point percentage, and they shot a better free-throw percentage. However, the Sonics committed 22 turnovers compared to 12 for the Clips.

That's a killer.

Yes, Kevin Durant is as good as advertised. Clippers announcer Ralph Lawler compares him to George Gervin. Jeff Green had his moments in the second quarter, too. However, this team does not have a floor leader. It's a group of young, talented players without a ton of floor direction.

Sonic of the game: Kevin Durant. He had eight defensive boards and 24 points for the game.

Team grade: C-. Truth is, this team is close. No, not to winning it all or to making the playoffs. They're close to winning a game, to putting it together for all four quarters. The key word here is "patience."

Next up: Sacramento, Tuesday.