---

Seattle Sonics big man Danny Fortson was born in Philly, went to high school in Pittsburgh, was a Bearcat at Cincinnati (18.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game over three college seasons) and previously played for the Nuggets, Celtics, Warriors and Mavericks. The 6-8, 260-pound banger has helped Seattle start off strong in 2004-05. InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner met with Fortson after a Sonics win over the Nets in New Jersey for a quick, exclusive interview.

InsideHoops.com: Have you ever gotten so mad in a game that you considered picking up the entire arena and flipping it over?

Danny Fortson: I don't get mad like that, I get mad at myself. That's the thing, people got to understand, "Danny, he never gets mad at anybody, he gets mad at himself!" I handle the situation the right way.

InsideHoops.com: That's a pretty positive mentality; staying focused on yourself and what you need to do.

Danny Fortson: Exactly. And tonight was the perfect example of that.

InsideHoops.com: What's working so well for the team right now? For one thing, you and others have added toughness.

Danny Fortson: I'll tell you one thing, our defense is playing pretty good. People are talking on D. Rashard (Lewis) and Ray (Allen) hitting shots. Guys coming off the bench are doing a hell of a job. I think one of the good things is our bigs; we've been able to set some good screens for these guys, too. And you got good players. Just need to get them open, that's all. And Ray and Rashard, I think they proved that. They're great players. They get good looks at the basket and you can't stop them.

InsideHoops.com: In practice, do games of Horse break out with Ray and others? Some of the dudes on your team are a threat from halfcourt.

Danny Fortson: Let me tell you something. These dudes, there's no need for us bigs to try to play Horse with the guys on this team.

InsideHoops.com: So, no Danny Fortson vs Ray Allen shooting contests breaking out?

Danny Fortson: (Laughs) Naw.

InsideHoops.com: Though, he isn't going to challenge you for rebounding.

Danny Fortson: Exactly.

InsideHoops.com: It evens out.

Danny Fortson: It evens out perfectly... We fool around, play little shooting games, but us bigs can't even compete with the guards, so we don't even try.