Warriors fans came in from the Bay Area again to support their team and talk trash about the Kings in their own house, again. Last time they got away with it. It was an electric atmosphere as usual. Fans colliding for the regional match-up. The Kings, however, were once again shorthanded. Ron Artest(stiff elbow), Spencer Hawes (strained foot) and John Salmons (sprained ankle) were feared to be out for the game. Instead, Hawes and starting point guard Beno Udrih (strained back) were out. Udrih was a surprise out of nowhere, and the Kings had a tall order up against them, but back-up PG Anthony Johnson would fill in the void with maybe his best performance as a King, ever.
1ST QUARTER
Johnson, drafted by the Kings in 1997, got his first start with the team in 10 years, filling in for the injured Udrih. Martin started up the game with a dunk, but the Warriors' team play struck back making 2 staight shots. Martin and Artest led the attack against Baron Davis and Al Harrington in a dead heat between 2 hot teams. Stephen Jackson left because he had 3 early fouls in the game. At the end of the quarter, the Warriors had the edge 29-31.
2ND QUARTER
It was the Kings bench's turn with Francisco Garcia, Quincy Douby and Shelden Williams came out to score the first points for the team. A little after Douby's dunk ot was the Kevin Martin show. Martin had 2 straight alley-oops from AJ, and the Kings had 4 straight offensive rebounds resulting in Brad Miller making the last shot in.
Despite their effort, Kelenna Azubuike had 10 points to help keep the game close. Azubuike got booed as he hit Martin trying to get a missed free throw. After that, Davis and Artest exchanged some words. Golden State Warrior vs. Tru Warrier. Artest was thrown with a technical already but kept his cool. Martin had 11 points in the quarter on 3/4 shooting. Johnson had 7 assists in the half. The Kings had a slight edge of 61-57.
3RD QUARTER
The Kings absolutely took control control late in the quarter, as they dominated the Warriors. They've been good in the 3rd quarter this year, especially when they erased a 23 point deficit in the third quarter against the Heat. AJ and BDArtest and Martin were a tandem, with Martin getting 11 points and Artest with 8 points.
All night everything Artest put up turned into gold. Fade-aways, 3 pointers, jumpers leaning left and right, all going in. The Warriors' 3 pt shooting was ice cold. They were 1-6 in the quarter and 5-27 for the whole game. The Kings went up by as much as 22 points silencing the visiting fans from Oakland with a 40 point quarter. Despite giving up a huge lead, the Warriors had one more run in them.
4TH QUARTER
At the beginning, it looked like the Kings had the game locked up, but Brandan Wright and Matt Barnes led a late attack from the bench leading up to a 17-2 run to cut the Kings' lead to 6 points, down from 22 points. The Kings had lost all of their momentum. All that changed with a huge Mikki Moore dunk on Azubuike which helped send the Kings on a 15-0 run, and the last play was another dunk by Moore to cap the game for the Kings beating Golden State 122-105.
HIGHLIGHTS
*=Team High
**=Game High
KINGS
Martin: 34 pts**, 7 reb, 2 stl, 2 ast
Artest: 26 pts, 5 reb (2 off.), 3 stl**, blk, ast
Johnson: 13 pts, 13 ast**, 6 reb, blk
Moore: 19 pts, 10 reb, 3 blk**
Miller: 14 pts, 13 reb**, 3 ast, blk, stl
Garcia: 8 pts, 4 reb, 2 blk, ast (bench)
Salmons: 2 pts (reverse lay-up buzzer beater before halftime), 3 reb (bench)
Douby: 4 pts, ast (bench)
WARRIORS
Davis: 24 pts*, 8 ast*, 2 reb, stl
Azubuike: 12 pts, 8 reb* (4 off.), 2 ast (bench)
Biedrins: 13 pts, 8 reb*
Jackson: 9 pts, 6 reb, 3 stl**, 3 ast
Harrington: 10 pts, 3 reb, 2 stl
Barnes: 8 pts, 6 reb (4 off.), stl (bench)
Ellis: 11 pts, 2 reb, ast
Wright: 8 pts, 2 off. reb, 2 blk* (bench)
Pietrus: 6 pts, 2 reb, blk, stl (bench)
While Warriors fans were sent back to the Bay Area shaking their heads to the loss, the Warriors were sent packing to L.A. to face the Clippers the next day. The Kings would go to sleep, winners of 4 out of the last 5 games, beating the Lakers, Blazers, Raptors and losing only to the Suns. They face the Spurs on Friday to look for their 5th win in 6 games.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Martin Leads Kings Over Raptors, 106-100
Even without Bosh, Jason Kapono and Rasho Nesterovic both scored 20+ and kept the slumping Toronto Raptors aiming for a win in Sactown. Team play kept the Raps off of their back to get their 3rd win in 4 games. Hope NBATV enjoyed the game.
1ST QUARTER
Beno led the way with 12 points for the Kings, including 7 straight points for them. Despite a great start from the Kings, it was a bad quarter as the Kings didn't have their best bench player, John Salmons, injured at Phoenix a day before. Rookie center Spencer Hawes went down with a left foot strain and didn't return for the rest of the game. The Kings led 32-23.
2ND QUARTER
The Kings got a good performance from Anthony Johnson's early 4 points. Late in the quarter, Toronto overcame a 15 point lead and went on a 16-2 (10 straight from Kapono) run and trailed 53-49.
3RD QUARTER
The Raps took their only lead at 55-56 until the Kings unleased a 15-2 run, led by Kevin Maritn's 11 points. Toronto stayed in the game with a late 12-4 run to end the quarter 76-73.
4TH QUARTER
Despite blowing 2 double digit leads, the Kings weren't ready to give up another lead, despite Carlos Delfino, Kapono and Nesterovic leading their team behind the Kings by 1 point. Mikki Moore had a big game with 17 points. K-Mart had a great 4th quarter with 11 points, finishing with 32 points.
HIGHLIGHTS
KINGS
Martin: 32 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast, stl, 5 TO
Ron Artest: 19 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl
Brad Miller: 14 pts, 11 reb, blk, ast
Moore: 17 pts, 7 reb
Beno Udrih: 15 pts, 7 ast. 6 TO
Francisco Garcia: 5 pts, 3 reb (bench)
Johnson: 4 pts, 2 ast (bench)
Shelden Williams: 0 pts, 6 reb (bench)
RAPTORS
Kapono: 26 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, stl (bench)
Nesterovic: 20 pts, 8 reb, 2 blk, 2 stl, ast
Anthony Parker: 11 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast, 2 blk, 2 stl
Carlos Delfino: 8 pts, 6 reb, ast (bench)
Jose Calderon: 6 pts, 9 ast, 3 reb, 3 stl
T.J. Ford: 7 pts, 5 ast, 2 stl, reb (bench)
Kris Humpheries: 8 pts, 2 reb, blk, stl (bench)
Andrea Bargnani: 5 pts, 3 reb
The benches would be the reason the Raptors stayed in the game. A difference of 49-9 difference in favor of the Raptors. The Kings had a huge advantage on rebounds 50-36. The Kings managed to hold on despite a desprate Toronto team going 0-4 on their road trip, playing the Jazz the next day. For 9 games, Chris Bosh hasn't seen action but plans to play Wednesday against the Heat.
Just a cool fact before I'm done. Anthony Parker, whose sister is women's college basketball phenom Candace Parker, played against her fiancé Shelden Williams. The NBA is full of family ties. Once Mike Bibby and Eddie House, brother-in-laws, were teammates on the Kings. For a lot players in the league, the NBA is a family affair.
1ST QUARTER
Beno led the way with 12 points for the Kings, including 7 straight points for them. Despite a great start from the Kings, it was a bad quarter as the Kings didn't have their best bench player, John Salmons, injured at Phoenix a day before. Rookie center Spencer Hawes went down with a left foot strain and didn't return for the rest of the game. The Kings led 32-23.
2ND QUARTER
The Kings got a good performance from Anthony Johnson's early 4 points. Late in the quarter, Toronto overcame a 15 point lead and went on a 16-2 (10 straight from Kapono) run and trailed 53-49.
3RD QUARTER
The Raps took their only lead at 55-56 until the Kings unleased a 15-2 run, led by Kevin Maritn's 11 points. Toronto stayed in the game with a late 12-4 run to end the quarter 76-73.
4TH QUARTER
Despite blowing 2 double digit leads, the Kings weren't ready to give up another lead, despite Carlos Delfino, Kapono and Nesterovic leading their team behind the Kings by 1 point. Mikki Moore had a big game with 17 points. K-Mart had a great 4th quarter with 11 points, finishing with 32 points.
HIGHLIGHTS
KINGS
Martin: 32 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast, stl, 5 TO
Ron Artest: 19 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast, 4 stl
Brad Miller: 14 pts, 11 reb, blk, ast
Moore: 17 pts, 7 reb
Beno Udrih: 15 pts, 7 ast. 6 TO
Francisco Garcia: 5 pts, 3 reb (bench)
Johnson: 4 pts, 2 ast (bench)
Shelden Williams: 0 pts, 6 reb (bench)
RAPTORS
Kapono: 26 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, stl (bench)
Nesterovic: 20 pts, 8 reb, 2 blk, 2 stl, ast
Anthony Parker: 11 pts, 6 reb, 6 ast, 2 blk, 2 stl
Carlos Delfino: 8 pts, 6 reb, ast (bench)
Jose Calderon: 6 pts, 9 ast, 3 reb, 3 stl
T.J. Ford: 7 pts, 5 ast, 2 stl, reb (bench)
Kris Humpheries: 8 pts, 2 reb, blk, stl (bench)
Andrea Bargnani: 5 pts, 3 reb
The benches would be the reason the Raptors stayed in the game. A difference of 49-9 difference in favor of the Raptors. The Kings had a huge advantage on rebounds 50-36. The Kings managed to hold on despite a desprate Toronto team going 0-4 on their road trip, playing the Jazz the next day. For 9 games, Chris Bosh hasn't seen action but plans to play Wednesday against the Heat.
Just a cool fact before I'm done. Anthony Parker, whose sister is women's college basketball phenom Candace Parker, played against her fiancé Shelden Williams. The NBA is full of family ties. Once Mike Bibby and Eddie House, brother-in-laws, were teammates on the Kings. For a lot players in the league, the NBA is a family affair.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Kings Douse Blazers 96-85, Calling out Odom
After coming off a huge victory against the Lakers, the Kings don't miss a beat by controlling the Blazers in a wire-to-wire win against a cold Blazers squad. They absolutely couldn't keep up with the Kings' all-around team play for the whole game despite getting as close as 7 points behind them. They were bringing in "L.A. energy" that they used to beat the Lakers with to beat the Blazers. A lot of fans wanted the Kings to take complete control of the game by blowing out the Blazers as they were down as many by 17 points. And at the very bottom, I'm calling out Lamar Odom for calling the Kings a high school team.
1ST QUARTER
The Kings started off on Ron Artest's 6-2 run. He had 9 points in the quarter to go along with 3 steals, 2 from Steve Blake. Brad Miller hit his first 3 pointer and looks like he's back on track. Later on, the Kings went on a 10-5 run, started by John Salmon's reverse slam on Travis Outlaw. Outlaw came in later with a long dunk, but hanging on the rim will get you a technical. Then Channing Frye hit a half court shot before the buzzer sounded. The Kings went through their whole regular rotation in the quarter, and they had a 34-27 lead at the end.
2ND QUARTER
The benches were cleared out on both teams. It was Salmons, Shelden Williams, Quincy Douby, Spencer Hawes, and Francisco Garcia vs. Outlaw, Frye, Jarret Jack, Sergio Rodreguiez and James Jones. The Kings bench schooled the Blazers' bench with an 8-0 run and ended it as an 13-3 run. Those were the only 3 Blazers points for the first 5:50 of the quarter. In the whole quarter, they were 7-26 FG (26.9%) while the Kings were 10-24 FG (41.6%). Salmons had 7-11 points in the quarter too, something fans want to see more of when he comes off of the bench. Hawes had some great post moves on Joel Przybilla as the Kings led 58-44.
3RD QUARTER
This quarter wasn't great for either team. The Blazers shot 6-21 (28.5%) from the field while the Kings shot 3-16 (18.75%). They made more points (8) on free throws than field goals (6). Kevin Martin tried a huge dunk over Przybilla but missed and on the other side, Outlaw couldn't dunk over Brad Miller. There was a scary moment where Artest was running with Brandon Roy when Roy stepped on his foot and Artest crashed into a screen by LaMarcus Aldridge, which looked like he was leaning in. Artest turned his ankle and had a really bad fall, but he was OK. The Blazers went on an 8-0 run at one point but the Kings were all but ready to give up their lead, as they led 72-63.
4TH QUARTER
The Kings didn't want to fall behind as they started out with a quick 8-2 run. Beno Udrih led the way a with his signature spin move on Brandon Roy, something I haven't seen Roy do in a while. Because of his spin move, color commentator and Director of Personnel Jerry Reynolds nicknamed him the "Tasmanian Slovenian." The "Slovenian Devil" would sound better, but his nickname has got out nationally, and Udrih doesn't seem to mind. Portland answered back with another 8-0 run. The Kings held their ground for the rest of the game, and after a couple of dunks from Garcia and Artest in the second half of the quarter, the game was over, 96-85.
HIGHLIGHTS
*=Team High
**=Game High
KINGS
Artest: 22 pts, 6 stl (season high), 4 reb, 3 ast
Udrih: 14 pts, 8 reb (ties career high), 7 ast, 6 TO
Miller: 14 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, stl
Salmons: 11 pts, 2 reb, 2 blk, ast (bench)
Moore: 10 pts, 5 reb
Garcia: 5 pts, 5 reb, 2 stl, 2 ast (bench)
Martin: 6 pts, 2 reb (1 off.), ast, stl
Douby: 6 pts, 3 reb (bench)
Hawes: 6 pts, reb (bench)
BLAZERS
Roy: 21 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl, blk, 5 TO
Aldridge: 20 pts, 6 reb, stl, blk
Przybilla: 4 pts, 10 reb, 3 blk
Outlaw: 13 pts. 5 reb, 2 blk, stl (bench)
Blake: 6 pts, 6 ast
Frye: 4 pts, 7 reb (bench)
Webster: 10 pts, 2 reb
The Kings' bench outscored the Blazers' bench 30-24. Although they were outrebounded, the Kings played great defense, causing 20 TOs (2 on shot clock violations) and staying in front of their man. Artest's 6 steals played a major role against this team which could have taken away a potential 12 points. The Tasmanian Slovenian was on his way to a quadruple double, the bad one. He had a 7:6 assist to TO ratio but he did tie a career high 8 boards. 28 first half points in the paint helped out a lot too. Everyone who stepped on the court contributed to the team. Eight Kings scored 6+ points.
Portland just didn't play well out there and performances like that say that the playoffs are not in this team's future, at least this year. The players just didn't play well. Roy was the bright spot, but none of the other players stepped up to try and win like last time in Portland, where Martell Webster and Outlaw were shooting the lights out, but still lost. At least they tried. It's been a long road trip for this team, but in the end it looked like they just flat out quit.
While the Blazers go home to play the T'Wolves tomorrow, the Kings will take on the Suns on the same day, fresh off of a win against the Warriors. The Suns have beaten the then hobbled Kings 3 times already before the new year began. This will be the only time the Kings will face Shaq this year, and he's avoided Sacramento all year. They saw Shawn Marion 5 times this year. The Kings are going in confident and bringing that L.A. energy that they used to beat the Lakers to take on the Suns, because if the Lakers can beat the Suns, and the Kings can beat the Lakers, then the Kings can beat the Suns.
Another thing, I've been hearing a lot, saying that no one takes the Kings seriously. If the Lakers didn't take them seriously, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant wouldn't have had 40+ minutes in that game. Odom had the nerve to call the Kings Dominguez High School (#1 high school team in California). Where was your defense on Artest? I still haven't seen it for 2 games especially when Artest dunked on you. In fact I'm putting up lost flyers around Sacramento because that's where you lost it. Your radio announcers are scared because they think the Kings match-up to your team too well. So before you call out on a team who just beat you, make sure you show up to the game. See you in Sac. Peace.
1ST QUARTER
The Kings started off on Ron Artest's 6-2 run. He had 9 points in the quarter to go along with 3 steals, 2 from Steve Blake. Brad Miller hit his first 3 pointer and looks like he's back on track. Later on, the Kings went on a 10-5 run, started by John Salmon's reverse slam on Travis Outlaw. Outlaw came in later with a long dunk, but hanging on the rim will get you a technical. Then Channing Frye hit a half court shot before the buzzer sounded. The Kings went through their whole regular rotation in the quarter, and they had a 34-27 lead at the end.
2ND QUARTER
The benches were cleared out on both teams. It was Salmons, Shelden Williams, Quincy Douby, Spencer Hawes, and Francisco Garcia vs. Outlaw, Frye, Jarret Jack, Sergio Rodreguiez and James Jones. The Kings bench schooled the Blazers' bench with an 8-0 run and ended it as an 13-3 run. Those were the only 3 Blazers points for the first 5:50 of the quarter. In the whole quarter, they were 7-26 FG (26.9%) while the Kings were 10-24 FG (41.6%). Salmons had 7-11 points in the quarter too, something fans want to see more of when he comes off of the bench. Hawes had some great post moves on Joel Przybilla as the Kings led 58-44.
3RD QUARTER
This quarter wasn't great for either team. The Blazers shot 6-21 (28.5%) from the field while the Kings shot 3-16 (18.75%). They made more points (8) on free throws than field goals (6). Kevin Martin tried a huge dunk over Przybilla but missed and on the other side, Outlaw couldn't dunk over Brad Miller. There was a scary moment where Artest was running with Brandon Roy when Roy stepped on his foot and Artest crashed into a screen by LaMarcus Aldridge, which looked like he was leaning in. Artest turned his ankle and had a really bad fall, but he was OK. The Blazers went on an 8-0 run at one point but the Kings were all but ready to give up their lead, as they led 72-63.
4TH QUARTER
The Kings didn't want to fall behind as they started out with a quick 8-2 run. Beno Udrih led the way a with his signature spin move on Brandon Roy, something I haven't seen Roy do in a while. Because of his spin move, color commentator and Director of Personnel Jerry Reynolds nicknamed him the "Tasmanian Slovenian." The "Slovenian Devil" would sound better, but his nickname has got out nationally, and Udrih doesn't seem to mind. Portland answered back with another 8-0 run. The Kings held their ground for the rest of the game, and after a couple of dunks from Garcia and Artest in the second half of the quarter, the game was over, 96-85.
HIGHLIGHTS
*=Team High
**=Game High
KINGS
Artest: 22 pts, 6 stl (season high), 4 reb, 3 ast
Udrih: 14 pts, 8 reb (ties career high), 7 ast, 6 TO
Miller: 14 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, stl
Salmons: 11 pts, 2 reb, 2 blk, ast (bench)
Moore: 10 pts, 5 reb
Garcia: 5 pts, 5 reb, 2 stl, 2 ast (bench)
Martin: 6 pts, 2 reb (1 off.), ast, stl
Douby: 6 pts, 3 reb (bench)
Hawes: 6 pts, reb (bench)
BLAZERS
Roy: 21 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast, 2 stl, blk, 5 TO
Aldridge: 20 pts, 6 reb, stl, blk
Przybilla: 4 pts, 10 reb, 3 blk
Outlaw: 13 pts. 5 reb, 2 blk, stl (bench)
Blake: 6 pts, 6 ast
Frye: 4 pts, 7 reb (bench)
Webster: 10 pts, 2 reb
The Kings' bench outscored the Blazers' bench 30-24. Although they were outrebounded, the Kings played great defense, causing 20 TOs (2 on shot clock violations) and staying in front of their man. Artest's 6 steals played a major role against this team which could have taken away a potential 12 points. The Tasmanian Slovenian was on his way to a quadruple double, the bad one. He had a 7:6 assist to TO ratio but he did tie a career high 8 boards. 28 first half points in the paint helped out a lot too. Everyone who stepped on the court contributed to the team. Eight Kings scored 6+ points.
Portland just didn't play well out there and performances like that say that the playoffs are not in this team's future, at least this year. The players just didn't play well. Roy was the bright spot, but none of the other players stepped up to try and win like last time in Portland, where Martell Webster and Outlaw were shooting the lights out, but still lost. At least they tried. It's been a long road trip for this team, but in the end it looked like they just flat out quit.
While the Blazers go home to play the T'Wolves tomorrow, the Kings will take on the Suns on the same day, fresh off of a win against the Warriors. The Suns have beaten the then hobbled Kings 3 times already before the new year began. This will be the only time the Kings will face Shaq this year, and he's avoided Sacramento all year. They saw Shawn Marion 5 times this year. The Kings are going in confident and bringing that L.A. energy that they used to beat the Lakers to take on the Suns, because if the Lakers can beat the Suns, and the Kings can beat the Lakers, then the Kings can beat the Suns.
Another thing, I've been hearing a lot, saying that no one takes the Kings seriously. If the Lakers didn't take them seriously, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant wouldn't have had 40+ minutes in that game. Odom had the nerve to call the Kings Dominguez High School (#1 high school team in California). Where was your defense on Artest? I still haven't seen it for 2 games especially when Artest dunked on you. In fact I'm putting up lost flyers around Sacramento because that's where you lost it. Your radio announcers are scared because they think the Kings match-up to your team too well. So before you call out on a team who just beat you, make sure you show up to the game. See you in Sac. Peace.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Kings Upset #1 Lakers in 4th Quarter Thriller
Wow. That's all I can say. Going on the road to face the best team in the Western Conference, coming in 0-9 against the Pacific Divison, their division. The Lakers already beat them at Sacramento 5 days before, and now they come to the toughest arena the team will face. It wasn't the veterans who stepped up for the team, it was the young players Beno Udrih, rookie Spencer Hawes, and Francisco Garcia in the clutch and putting up a highlight reel in the 4th. A 4th quarter thriller is an understatement.
By the way, there are some new faces in the rivalry.
Kings: Beno Udrih, rookie Spencer Hawes, Mikki Moore, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright DNP, Anthony Johnson DNP
Lakers: Pau Gasol, Trevor Ariza DNP, rookie Coby Karl DNP, D.J. Mbenga DNP
RECAP OF FIRST 3 QUARTERS
It was a seesaw for the first quarter until the Kings had the lead until the 4th quarter. Ron Artest was taking pull up jumpers, and making them. Kobe didn't take long to warm-up like the last game. He made 15-29 of the Laker's first quarter points. In the second quarter, lamar Odom and Pau Gasol stole the show with some dunks, but it was the Kevin Martin show when he scored 10-40 points in the quarter, leading the Kings to a season high 71 first half points, while the Lakers trailed with 60 points.
In the third quarter things started to get rough as Pau Gasol and Brad Miller got into it and were thrown a double technical. Bryant, after all of his complaining, finally got thrown with a technical and leads the league with 13 technical fouls this season. This season he makes Rasheed Wallace seem calmer. Meanwhile, after doing so well, Artest left 16 minutes before the game ended because his sore foot flared up again. Going into the 4th quarter the Kings led 92-89 and the Lakers would get a look at what might be the future of Hawes as the Kings highlight reel began in what could be one of the best 4th quarters in Kings history vs. the Lakers.
4TH QUARTER
Garcia and Hawes started up on fire as Hawes had a slam dunk and dished out 2 impressive assists for Garcia's contested lay-ups for 6 unasnwered points. The Lakers went on a 7-0 run on the faultering to tie the game at 100, including a flop by Sasha Vujacic to get Mikki Moore a technical foul. Hawes and Moore combined for 3 straight slam dunks. After this Phil Jackson called a timeout after letting a rookie drive in and dunk it. King Killer Derek Fisher hit a corner 3 pointer during the dunkfest. After his dunk, Moore hit a jumper and had another dunk, finishing with 14 points. The Kings had 5 clutch dunks in the quarter (Hawes 3, Moore 2), putting up nothing less than a spectacular play.
The game wasn't over yet though. The Lakers would complete their comeback with a Gasol lay-up to put them up 112-113 with 15 seconds left. Usually, this would doom the Kings, being that they're playing the Lakers at the Staples Center. Not this time. Udrih would drive-up to the side of the basket, only to be fouled by a fallen Vujacic. He made both shots with 4.6 seconds left. Coming out of the time out, clutch player and MVP canidate Kobe Bryant would have the ball in his hands.
Guarded by John Salmons, he shook his way to what would be an open shot, until Moore put a hand in his face. Bryant let go with 0.1 (maybe 0.0) left on the clock as the ball looked like it would go in. To see the ball hang in the air after the buzzer sounded, it was a Lakers' dream and a Kings'nightmare. It's what every Laker fan at the arena, watching on TV and listening on the radio wanted to see. A game winner from their supertar against a rivaled team. It hit the rim short.
Suddenly, it was a Lakers' nightmare and a Kings' dream come true. The clock ran out, no more time to play. The Kings won 114-113. Every Kings fan at the arena, the few who were brave enough to come, every fan who watched on the TV or listening on the radio, every guy who bet $20 that the Kings would win, had a big sigh of relief that their team had survived the best team in the Western Conference. Artest was popping his collar with his Kings warm-up jersey, showing the "Kings" logo on it, just how Kobe did it 5 days ago after exploding in ARCO Arena. He actually wanted it to say Sacramento, but I guess he forgot his road jersey was under it. Kobe didn't like Artest's notion, basically call him a copycat, but that was Artest's idea. Revenge. Overall, it was an excellent game.
HIGHLIGHTS
*= Team High
**= Game High
KINGS
Udrih: 25 pts*, 2 reb, 10 ast** (ties career high), stl, game winning free throws
Hawes: 14 pts, 8 reb (4 off.**), 4 blk** (career high), 3ast, stl (bench)
Artest: 17 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl**, blk (did not play 4th qtr, sore foot)
Martin: 21 pts, 4 reb, ast
Moore: 14 pts, 9 reb*, ast, stl, technical foul
Garcia: 15 pts (3-4 3pt FG), ast (bench)
Salmons: 4 pts, 4 reb, 2 stl (bench)
Miller: 2 pts, 6 reb, blk, technical foul
LAKERS
Bryant: 26 pts**, 3 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl, technical foul, (missed last second shot)
Gasol: 25 pts, 7 reb (3 off.), 9 ast*, 2 blk*, stl, technical foul
Odom: 16 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast, 2 blk*
Vuajacic: 15 pts, 2 reb, ast, stl (bench)
Radmonovic: 9 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast
Fisher: 13 pts, 3 ast, reb
Famar: 5 pts, 2 ast, reb
Walton: 4 pts, 4 reb (2 off.), ast
Turiaf: 0 pts, 5 reb (4 off.**) 2 blk*, ast
It was a great game, and in Sacramento, the rivalry lives on. Kobe thinks that it's not there yet, but after the loss, he says that the Kings will be playoff contenders in years to come. If Kobe said that, any Kings fan would take it. After seeing a breakout game from Hawes in a clutch situation, not many would find that hard to believe. Hawes made the game difficult for Gasol. The guy had 4 blocks in the game, including on Gasol. Gacia, Moore, Udrih and Hawes all stepped up in the clutch when Artest wasn't coming back. This team might rebound faster than expected, because if the young players can hold their ground against a veteran, championship contender, the Kings definitely have a bright future ahead of them.
By the way, there are some new faces in the rivalry.
Kings: Beno Udrih, rookie Spencer Hawes, Mikki Moore, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright DNP, Anthony Johnson DNP
Lakers: Pau Gasol, Trevor Ariza DNP, rookie Coby Karl DNP, D.J. Mbenga DNP
RECAP OF FIRST 3 QUARTERS
It was a seesaw for the first quarter until the Kings had the lead until the 4th quarter. Ron Artest was taking pull up jumpers, and making them. Kobe didn't take long to warm-up like the last game. He made 15-29 of the Laker's first quarter points. In the second quarter, lamar Odom and Pau Gasol stole the show with some dunks, but it was the Kevin Martin show when he scored 10-40 points in the quarter, leading the Kings to a season high 71 first half points, while the Lakers trailed with 60 points.
In the third quarter things started to get rough as Pau Gasol and Brad Miller got into it and were thrown a double technical. Bryant, after all of his complaining, finally got thrown with a technical and leads the league with 13 technical fouls this season. This season he makes Rasheed Wallace seem calmer. Meanwhile, after doing so well, Artest left 16 minutes before the game ended because his sore foot flared up again. Going into the 4th quarter the Kings led 92-89 and the Lakers would get a look at what might be the future of Hawes as the Kings highlight reel began in what could be one of the best 4th quarters in Kings history vs. the Lakers.
4TH QUARTER
Garcia and Hawes started up on fire as Hawes had a slam dunk and dished out 2 impressive assists for Garcia's contested lay-ups for 6 unasnwered points. The Lakers went on a 7-0 run on the faultering to tie the game at 100, including a flop by Sasha Vujacic to get Mikki Moore a technical foul. Hawes and Moore combined for 3 straight slam dunks. After this Phil Jackson called a timeout after letting a rookie drive in and dunk it. King Killer Derek Fisher hit a corner 3 pointer during the dunkfest. After his dunk, Moore hit a jumper and had another dunk, finishing with 14 points. The Kings had 5 clutch dunks in the quarter (Hawes 3, Moore 2), putting up nothing less than a spectacular play.
The game wasn't over yet though. The Lakers would complete their comeback with a Gasol lay-up to put them up 112-113 with 15 seconds left. Usually, this would doom the Kings, being that they're playing the Lakers at the Staples Center. Not this time. Udrih would drive-up to the side of the basket, only to be fouled by a fallen Vujacic. He made both shots with 4.6 seconds left. Coming out of the time out, clutch player and MVP canidate Kobe Bryant would have the ball in his hands.
Guarded by John Salmons, he shook his way to what would be an open shot, until Moore put a hand in his face. Bryant let go with 0.1 (maybe 0.0) left on the clock as the ball looked like it would go in. To see the ball hang in the air after the buzzer sounded, it was a Lakers' dream and a Kings'nightmare. It's what every Laker fan at the arena, watching on TV and listening on the radio wanted to see. A game winner from their supertar against a rivaled team. It hit the rim short.
Suddenly, it was a Lakers' nightmare and a Kings' dream come true. The clock ran out, no more time to play. The Kings won 114-113. Every Kings fan at the arena, the few who were brave enough to come, every fan who watched on the TV or listening on the radio, every guy who bet $20 that the Kings would win, had a big sigh of relief that their team had survived the best team in the Western Conference. Artest was popping his collar with his Kings warm-up jersey, showing the "Kings" logo on it, just how Kobe did it 5 days ago after exploding in ARCO Arena. He actually wanted it to say Sacramento, but I guess he forgot his road jersey was under it. Kobe didn't like Artest's notion, basically call him a copycat, but that was Artest's idea. Revenge. Overall, it was an excellent game.
HIGHLIGHTS
*= Team High
**= Game High
KINGS
Udrih: 25 pts*, 2 reb, 10 ast** (ties career high), stl, game winning free throws
Hawes: 14 pts, 8 reb (4 off.**), 4 blk** (career high), 3ast, stl (bench)
Artest: 17 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast, 4 stl**, blk (did not play 4th qtr, sore foot)
Martin: 21 pts, 4 reb, ast
Moore: 14 pts, 9 reb*, ast, stl, technical foul
Garcia: 15 pts (3-4 3pt FG), ast (bench)
Salmons: 4 pts, 4 reb, 2 stl (bench)
Miller: 2 pts, 6 reb, blk, technical foul
LAKERS
Bryant: 26 pts**, 3 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl, technical foul, (missed last second shot)
Gasol: 25 pts, 7 reb (3 off.), 9 ast*, 2 blk*, stl, technical foul
Odom: 16 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast, 2 blk*
Vuajacic: 15 pts, 2 reb, ast, stl (bench)
Radmonovic: 9 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast
Fisher: 13 pts, 3 ast, reb
Famar: 5 pts, 2 ast, reb
Walton: 4 pts, 4 reb (2 off.), ast
Turiaf: 0 pts, 5 reb (4 off.**) 2 blk*, ast
It was a great game, and in Sacramento, the rivalry lives on. Kobe thinks that it's not there yet, but after the loss, he says that the Kings will be playoff contenders in years to come. If Kobe said that, any Kings fan would take it. After seeing a breakout game from Hawes in a clutch situation, not many would find that hard to believe. Hawes made the game difficult for Gasol. The guy had 4 blocks in the game, including on Gasol. Gacia, Moore, Udrih and Hawes all stepped up in the clutch when Artest wasn't coming back. This team might rebound faster than expected, because if the young players can hold their ground against a veteran, championship contender, the Kings definitely have a bright future ahead of them.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Martin Sets Record in Loss to T'Wolves, 103-111
Nothing new. Just another disappointing loss to a subpar team, only this time I was there to see it. Seriously, after getting beat by the Lakers and a double OT loss to the Clippers, I thought the Kings were going to come out with more fire and not let the T'Wolves come into ARCO and beat them. Instead, Kevin Martin scores a career high and a Sacramento-era record 48 points in a regulation game, previously held by Mitch Richmond's 47 points. Chris Webber holds the record for 51 points in a game, accomplished in overtime. Ron Artest was a late scratch to the game, again.
1ST QUARTER
Here's how the game went for me. I went to the game with my dad, again. We bought our $25.50 tickets, we went to go sit in our nosebleed seats. That would change later. Ron Artest skipped his second game with a sore foot, while Antoine Walker didn't show up in the arena. When we got to our seats, the Kings were on a 9-2 start and things seemed to be right on track. Minnesota, led by Al Jefferson's 8 points, tied the game at 20. The Kings trailed 24-25 at the half.
2ND QUARTER
The Kings stayed right behind the Wolves, but the Wolves stayed on top for the quarter as they began to build their lead. From where I was sitting, it was appearent that the Kings were playing to the level of their opponent. Martin was single handedly trying to keep his team in the game, as he scored 12 of his team's 20 points in the 2nd quarter, finishing with 22-44 first half points. When Martin scores big points, it's usually silen, but that's Martin for you. Silent, but effective.
HALFTIME
Just a recap of what happened around me other than the game itself. We're sitting in are seats when a guy dressed in a suit walked up and asked if we were together. We said yes and he gave us 2 tickets to go sit in the lower level with tickets worth $89.50. So after getting a waffle cone with Dreyer's Rocky Road ice cream and Butterfinger topping, we headed to our seats. I love upgrades. Also, when the now controversial Kings Dance team came out when we were sitting at the top, a guy pulled out a pair of binoculars and his eyes were just glued to it. Everyone around him, including me, were having a good laugh about it.
3RD QUARTER
I liked our new seats. From Section 209 Row S at the very top, to Section 109 Row Q, 17 seats from the floor. So close you could yell to a player. Too bad I got a better view of 2 T'Wolves injuries. Randy Foye was the first to go down. It looked like he reaggrevated his left knee, which had a brace on it. Shortly after, Sebastian Telfair went down from what looks like an ankle injury, which could really hurt his team if he's out for a few games. Ironically, Foye subbed in for Telfair after he came out of the locker room. John Salmons had a great quarter, scoring 11 of his 15 points. He seemed to be the calvary to help Martin, but that was it for him. Brad Miller went scoreless through the game and didn't play after being pulled out. Al Jefferson helped power the T'Wolves witth his 8 points and led 71-80
4TH QUARTER
Although the Kings got to within 6 points, the Kings could never retake the lead. Coach Reggie Theus went with the line-up of Martin, Spencer Hawes, Shelden Williams, Francisco Garcia and Beno Udrih before switching Udrih with Quuincy Douby for the rest of the game. None of them would step up against Minnesota's hot bench. Martin on the other hand was amazing. Scoring a career high 48 points in 41 minutes. He scored 26 of the Kings last 45 points of the game. In the end, the Kings lost 103-111.
HIGHLIGHTS
*= Team High
**= Game High
KINGS
Martin: 48 pts**, 6 reb
Salmons: 15 pts, 7 reb, 3 stl**
Udrih: 13 pts, 4 reb, 7 ast**
Miller: 0 pts, 8 reb*, 2 stl
Hawes: 5 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 4 blk** (bench)
Williams: 4 pts, 5 reb, 2 blk (bench)
TIMBERWOLVES
Jefferson: 21 pts, 13 reb** (6 off**), 3 stl**, blk
Rashad McCants: 22 pts*, 3 stl** (bench)
Gomes: 17 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, stl
Craig Smith: 18 pts, 3 reb, 3 blk* (bench)
Kirk Snyder: 8 pts, 3 reb, 2 blk*, stl (bench)
Foye: 7 pts, 3 reb, 5 ast*
Corey Brewer: 4 pts, 5 ast* (bench)
Telfair: 2 pts, 4 ast (injured 3rd qtr)
It's official now. Without Artest, the Kings are weak defensively and their scoring disappears. Miller's scoring was also missed, and I didn't know he didn't score for the whole game. He's been hot this year after getting Player of the Week after getting two 20 point 20 rebound performances in the same week. It was a game for players to develop, especially the young players. Martin benefitted the most while the bench just seemed lost on the court. Usually, Miller and Artest compliment Martin's scoring, with Miller averaging 14.2 PPG and Artest averaging 19.9 PPG. It was no help when Artest sat out again and Miller didn't show up on offensive.
The Kings' record is worse than it was last year at 27-35, and with games against the Lakers, Blazers and Suns coming up, it doesn't get any easier. With 20 games left the Kings will play at L.A. next against the Lakers, with 2 more meetings after that. 16 games will be against teams over .500, 13 of those games are against Western Conference playoff teams, and every team that they're facing have beat them before. Right now, they're at the equivalent of their 7 game losing streak last year, only they've lost 7 of their last 8. They have to shape up fast if they want to make it over 33 wins, because right now it looks like a good possibility that they might not get over it.
1ST QUARTER
Here's how the game went for me. I went to the game with my dad, again. We bought our $25.50 tickets, we went to go sit in our nosebleed seats. That would change later. Ron Artest skipped his second game with a sore foot, while Antoine Walker didn't show up in the arena. When we got to our seats, the Kings were on a 9-2 start and things seemed to be right on track. Minnesota, led by Al Jefferson's 8 points, tied the game at 20. The Kings trailed 24-25 at the half.
2ND QUARTER
The Kings stayed right behind the Wolves, but the Wolves stayed on top for the quarter as they began to build their lead. From where I was sitting, it was appearent that the Kings were playing to the level of their opponent. Martin was single handedly trying to keep his team in the game, as he scored 12 of his team's 20 points in the 2nd quarter, finishing with 22-44 first half points. When Martin scores big points, it's usually silen, but that's Martin for you. Silent, but effective.
HALFTIME
Just a recap of what happened around me other than the game itself. We're sitting in are seats when a guy dressed in a suit walked up and asked if we were together. We said yes and he gave us 2 tickets to go sit in the lower level with tickets worth $89.50. So after getting a waffle cone with Dreyer's Rocky Road ice cream and Butterfinger topping, we headed to our seats. I love upgrades. Also, when the now controversial Kings Dance team came out when we were sitting at the top, a guy pulled out a pair of binoculars and his eyes were just glued to it. Everyone around him, including me, were having a good laugh about it.
3RD QUARTER
I liked our new seats. From Section 209 Row S at the very top, to Section 109 Row Q, 17 seats from the floor. So close you could yell to a player. Too bad I got a better view of 2 T'Wolves injuries. Randy Foye was the first to go down. It looked like he reaggrevated his left knee, which had a brace on it. Shortly after, Sebastian Telfair went down from what looks like an ankle injury, which could really hurt his team if he's out for a few games. Ironically, Foye subbed in for Telfair after he came out of the locker room. John Salmons had a great quarter, scoring 11 of his 15 points. He seemed to be the calvary to help Martin, but that was it for him. Brad Miller went scoreless through the game and didn't play after being pulled out. Al Jefferson helped power the T'Wolves witth his 8 points and led 71-80
4TH QUARTER
Although the Kings got to within 6 points, the Kings could never retake the lead. Coach Reggie Theus went with the line-up of Martin, Spencer Hawes, Shelden Williams, Francisco Garcia and Beno Udrih before switching Udrih with Quuincy Douby for the rest of the game. None of them would step up against Minnesota's hot bench. Martin on the other hand was amazing. Scoring a career high 48 points in 41 minutes. He scored 26 of the Kings last 45 points of the game. In the end, the Kings lost 103-111.
HIGHLIGHTS
*= Team High
**= Game High
KINGS
Martin: 48 pts**, 6 reb
Salmons: 15 pts, 7 reb, 3 stl**
Udrih: 13 pts, 4 reb, 7 ast**
Miller: 0 pts, 8 reb*, 2 stl
Hawes: 5 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 4 blk** (bench)
Williams: 4 pts, 5 reb, 2 blk (bench)
TIMBERWOLVES
Jefferson: 21 pts, 13 reb** (6 off**), 3 stl**, blk
Rashad McCants: 22 pts*, 3 stl** (bench)
Gomes: 17 pts, 7 reb, 2 ast, stl
Craig Smith: 18 pts, 3 reb, 3 blk* (bench)
Kirk Snyder: 8 pts, 3 reb, 2 blk*, stl (bench)
Foye: 7 pts, 3 reb, 5 ast*
Corey Brewer: 4 pts, 5 ast* (bench)
Telfair: 2 pts, 4 ast (injured 3rd qtr)
It's official now. Without Artest, the Kings are weak defensively and their scoring disappears. Miller's scoring was also missed, and I didn't know he didn't score for the whole game. He's been hot this year after getting Player of the Week after getting two 20 point 20 rebound performances in the same week. It was a game for players to develop, especially the young players. Martin benefitted the most while the bench just seemed lost on the court. Usually, Miller and Artest compliment Martin's scoring, with Miller averaging 14.2 PPG and Artest averaging 19.9 PPG. It was no help when Artest sat out again and Miller didn't show up on offensive.
The Kings' record is worse than it was last year at 27-35, and with games against the Lakers, Blazers and Suns coming up, it doesn't get any easier. With 20 games left the Kings will play at L.A. next against the Lakers, with 2 more meetings after that. 16 games will be against teams over .500, 13 of those games are against Western Conference playoff teams, and every team that they're facing have beat them before. Right now, they're at the equivalent of their 7 game losing streak last year, only they've lost 7 of their last 8. They have to shape up fast if they want to make it over 33 wins, because right now it looks like a good possibility that they might not get over it.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Kings Solid but Kobe & Lakers Win 105-117
The Kings played 3 1/2 quarters of great basketball staying on top of the Lakers. It was a intense game like the Kings-Lakers rivalry is always. But Kobe, as usual, led the Lakers with 17 of his 34 points in the 4th quarter, part of a 24-5 run to give Pau Gasol his first win at Sacramento. The 43-18 Lakers are just a better team, but the Kings reminded everyone how well they can play too.
1ST QUARTER
The energy was bursting in a sold out Arco Arena (only the 2nd time), a rivalry renewed for another season. Kings and Lakers fans alike gathered to see 2 teams battle it out for the 8th year. The Kings started off with a balanced 6-0 run, but the Lakers trailed behind them. One thing I never thought would happen for a while, Kevin Martin shut down Kobe Bryant for 2 points, while he got 12 points. It was great to see his defense step up against him because usually Ron Artest defends him. Martin came out on fire with 12 first quarter points. John Salmons played his part for the first time in a while, scoring 6 points in the quarter. Gasol led the Lakers with 10 points as the Kings led 33-27.
2ND QUARTER
Salmons made 7 straight points for the Kings as they began their push to pull away from the Lakers. For almost 5 minutes, the Lakers missed 7 straight shots and had 2 turnovers as the Kings went on an 11-0 run ending as a 15-2 run that lasted almost 7 minutes. The Lakers pulled in, but trailed 58-53 at the half.
3RD QUARTER
The Lakers made 2 shots to pull to 58-57, but the Kings wouldn't give up their lead yet when they got 7 points. It was about to get physical, and personal. Bryant tried to steal the ball from Martin with a dash, but ended up crashing into a photographer while Martin got a wide open dunk. Throughout the game, Martin, Salmons and Artest took turns guarding Bryant who only had 17 points through 3 quarters. Gasol got hacked by Brad Miller with no foul call. Even though Lamar Odom made a shot right after, Gasol got hit with a technical, which Martin sunk. Miller would get hit with a T later, which Derek Fisher hit. There were more scraps for the ball than before and it was tough to play in that game. The Kings pulled away by as much as 12 points as they led 87-81.
4TH QUARTER
Artest was getting real emotional. He was in the game with passion. The Kings stayed competitve for the beginning of the game but they changed from the style of teamwork to too much one-on-one play down the stretch. The Lakers tightened their defense so that style couldn't work. They wouldn't let an inside or outside shot be taken. When the Lakers had the ball, Kobe was their go to guy. He had 15-17 points during his run, including a 360 slam that said GAME OVER. The Kings would go on to lose 105-117.
HIGHLIGHTS
*= team high
**= game high
KINGS
Artest: 23 pts* 5 reb, 2 ast, stl, 2 blk*
Martin: 23 pts* (scoreless in 4th qtr), 3 reb
Miller: 14 pts, 12 reb (4 off.*), 4 ast*, blk
Salmons: 17 pts, 4 reb, 3 steals**, ast
Beno Udrih: 15 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
Mikki Moore: 6 pts, 13 reb**, 3 ast, stl, blk
LAKERS
Bryant: 34 pts** (17 in 4th qtr) 10 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
Gasol: 31 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk**, (first win in Sacramento)
Odom: 19 pts, 12 reb* (6 off.**), 3 ast, stl, blk
Fisher: 17 pts, 2 reb, 6 ast**, 3 stl**, blk
Luke Walton: 7 pts, 4 reb (2 off.), 4 ast, stl
Kobe was unstoppable in the 4 th quarter, and after what happened to Dallas the day before, no one shoud feel bad for the Kings, but feel good about them. Kobe didn't drop 52 points on them. They actually played very well for most of the game.
I've said this throughout the season that the Kings have played well despite their record of 27-33, 6 wins away from last year's record. Many thought they'd be 20-40 at the most right now. They've handled adversity very well. Examples:
1ST QUARTER
The energy was bursting in a sold out Arco Arena (only the 2nd time), a rivalry renewed for another season. Kings and Lakers fans alike gathered to see 2 teams battle it out for the 8th year. The Kings started off with a balanced 6-0 run, but the Lakers trailed behind them. One thing I never thought would happen for a while, Kevin Martin shut down Kobe Bryant for 2 points, while he got 12 points. It was great to see his defense step up against him because usually Ron Artest defends him. Martin came out on fire with 12 first quarter points. John Salmons played his part for the first time in a while, scoring 6 points in the quarter. Gasol led the Lakers with 10 points as the Kings led 33-27.
2ND QUARTER
Salmons made 7 straight points for the Kings as they began their push to pull away from the Lakers. For almost 5 minutes, the Lakers missed 7 straight shots and had 2 turnovers as the Kings went on an 11-0 run ending as a 15-2 run that lasted almost 7 minutes. The Lakers pulled in, but trailed 58-53 at the half.
3RD QUARTER
The Lakers made 2 shots to pull to 58-57, but the Kings wouldn't give up their lead yet when they got 7 points. It was about to get physical, and personal. Bryant tried to steal the ball from Martin with a dash, but ended up crashing into a photographer while Martin got a wide open dunk. Throughout the game, Martin, Salmons and Artest took turns guarding Bryant who only had 17 points through 3 quarters. Gasol got hacked by Brad Miller with no foul call. Even though Lamar Odom made a shot right after, Gasol got hit with a technical, which Martin sunk. Miller would get hit with a T later, which Derek Fisher hit. There were more scraps for the ball than before and it was tough to play in that game. The Kings pulled away by as much as 12 points as they led 87-81.
4TH QUARTER
Artest was getting real emotional. He was in the game with passion. The Kings stayed competitve for the beginning of the game but they changed from the style of teamwork to too much one-on-one play down the stretch. The Lakers tightened their defense so that style couldn't work. They wouldn't let an inside or outside shot be taken. When the Lakers had the ball, Kobe was their go to guy. He had 15-17 points during his run, including a 360 slam that said GAME OVER. The Kings would go on to lose 105-117.
HIGHLIGHTS
*= team high
**= game high
KINGS
Artest: 23 pts* 5 reb, 2 ast, stl, 2 blk*
Martin: 23 pts* (scoreless in 4th qtr), 3 reb
Miller: 14 pts, 12 reb (4 off.*), 4 ast*, blk
Salmons: 17 pts, 4 reb, 3 steals**, ast
Beno Udrih: 15 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
Mikki Moore: 6 pts, 13 reb**, 3 ast, stl, blk
LAKERS
Bryant: 34 pts** (17 in 4th qtr) 10 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl
Gasol: 31 pts, 10 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 3 blk**, (first win in Sacramento)
Odom: 19 pts, 12 reb* (6 off.**), 3 ast, stl, blk
Fisher: 17 pts, 2 reb, 6 ast**, 3 stl**, blk
Luke Walton: 7 pts, 4 reb (2 off.), 4 ast, stl
Kobe was unstoppable in the 4 th quarter, and after what happened to Dallas the day before, no one shoud feel bad for the Kings, but feel good about them. Kobe didn't drop 52 points on them. They actually played very well for most of the game.
I've said this throughout the season that the Kings have played well despite their record of 27-33, 6 wins away from last year's record. Many thought they'd be 20-40 at the most right now. They've handled adversity very well. Examples:
- A rookie coach with no previous experience at the NBA level besides playing.
- Brand new coaching staff, everyone but the trainer.
- The constant acquiring of and cutting new players, trying to fit with the team during the regular season.
- Injuries to 3 star players, from 12/27-1/12 all at once, including Mike Bibby (10/25- 1/16), Ron Artest (Suspension 10/31-11/12, Daughter's Illness 11/21, Injured 12/27-1/16) and Kevin Martin (12/5-1/12).
- Trade rumors swirling around Bibby and Artest.
- Bibby getting traded.
Out of that, the Kings saw the breakouts of Beno Udrih, John Salmons and Francisco Garcia. It's been tough for the Kings, but it could be worse. It's a rebuilding year, but they're not like the Clippers, Sonics, T'Wolves, or Heat. If you look at them, they're cut off from the Clippers and cut off from the Blazers in the Western Conference. Rebuilding teams look only to get better for the future so they can be the teams on the top. That's what the Kings are doing right now. It doesn't mean losing games, it means getting better.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Kings Erase 23 Pt. Deficit, Beat Heat 120-109
It got ugly in the 2nd quarter. Boos from the crowd, 3 pointers were raining for the Heat (even from center Mark Blount!), haunting memories of losing to Miami less than a week ago, it was getting bad fast. But it's Arco Arena, where amazing happens. It's was the second time this year the Kings erased a 20 point lead, previously their first home game against Seattle. This time, it was an incredible 2nd half effort to erase Miami's incredible 1st half effort. It only took the third quarter for them to erase the huge lead.
1ST QUARTER
In the first half, it was all Miami Heat. Blount made the first 3 pointer for the Heat followed by Jason Williams 2 straight 3 pointers. J-Will went 4-4 in the first quarter from downtown, with a total of 6-10 in only the first quarter. The Heat led in the quarter 27-34, shooting 72% (13-18) from the field. It'd only get worse for the Kings in the 2nd quarter as the Heat would continue to embarass the Kings at their home floor.
2ND QUARTER
The game was heading south for the Kings fast. The Heat went on a 28-12 run to go up 62-39 capped by a Ricky Davis 3 pointer with 3:31 left in the second quarter. The Heat lead 49-69, finishing with an amazing 78.8% shooting (26-32) for the half, including a season record 9-15 (60%) three pt. shooting in a half and a season. The Kings were getting booed by what was left of the 15,028 fans that didn't leave before the second half (a lot of them were still there). After having an off day after a horrible 1-4 trip, the Kings looked like they were never getting an off day for the rest of the season. The game was all but sealed for the Heat. All BUT sealed.
AMAZING 3RD QUARTER
Challenged by Reggie Theus to turn around the game in 5 minutes, or the young guys were going in for the rest of the game, the Kings came out with a fire hotter than the Heat's 1st half. Kings fans couldn't believe what they were seeing.
The Kings went on an incrdible 33-12 run, led by Beno Udrih, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest, scoring the team's 40 points. Martin had 18 3rd quarter points, along with Artest and Udrih's 11 points each (combined 40 points). Martin hit the 3 to tie the game at 87 and Udrih hit the 3 to end their scoring in the quarter, leading 90-89. The Kings made 18-20 free throws, a big piece of their comeback. Miami only scored 20 points, with Artest shutting down Dwayne Wade for 4 points, while Shawn Marion had 6 points.
4TH QUARTER
The Kings would continue to flourish at the end of the game. Udrih dished out 9 assists with no turnovers. Brad Miller finally came out to play by scoring 7-14 points in the quarter. The Heat wouldn't go down without a fight, but Wade and Marion only combined for 9-20 points for the quarter. After a lackluster finish for the Heat, Martin's breakaway dunk was the dagger that sealed the game for one of the most impressive games that they've had in a while. A win for the Kings, 120-109.
HIGHLIGHTS
KINGS
Udrih: 23 pts (9-12 FG, 2-2 3PT FG), 4 reb, 9 ast, 3 stl, 0 TO
Artest: 32 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, stl
Martin: 29 pts, 4 reb, stl
Miller: 14 pts (7 fourth qtr), 9 reb, 7 ast
Mikki Moore: 4 pts, 8 reb, stl, blk
John Salmons: 8 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast (bench)
Spencer Hawes: 4 pts, 2 reb (1 off), ast, 8 min (bench)
HEAT
Wade: 26 pts, 2 reb, 7 ast
Williams: 18 pts, 5 reb, 8 ast, stl
Marion: 19 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, blk
Ricky Davis: 14 pts, 2 reb, ast (bench)
Udonis Haslem: 6 pts, 5 reb, ast, blk
Marcus Banks: 8 pts, 2 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl (bench)
Udrih has been phenomenal the past 3 games averaging 24.3 PPG (63.8% FG), 4.3 RPG and 7.3 APG, with only 2 TOs during that span. Martin has been great the past 2 game averaging 27 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.5 APG and 1 SPG. He's finally back on track after a skid. Artest's averaging 25.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.6 APG and 1.3 SPG after 3 games. Those are some great numbers for the past 2 games combined.
The Kings went on a 68-34 run to finish the game. They were a new team in the second half. The Heat thought they were going to have another easy win, being that they had an 8 game win-streak against the Kings. They Kings made 12 three pointers after the Heat made 9 in the first half, finishing with 11. Now the Kings look to take on the Lakers, while the Heat try to figure out how they blew a 23 point lead.
1ST QUARTER
In the first half, it was all Miami Heat. Blount made the first 3 pointer for the Heat followed by Jason Williams 2 straight 3 pointers. J-Will went 4-4 in the first quarter from downtown, with a total of 6-10 in only the first quarter. The Heat led in the quarter 27-34, shooting 72% (13-18) from the field. It'd only get worse for the Kings in the 2nd quarter as the Heat would continue to embarass the Kings at their home floor.
2ND QUARTER
The game was heading south for the Kings fast. The Heat went on a 28-12 run to go up 62-39 capped by a Ricky Davis 3 pointer with 3:31 left in the second quarter. The Heat lead 49-69, finishing with an amazing 78.8% shooting (26-32) for the half, including a season record 9-15 (60%) three pt. shooting in a half and a season. The Kings were getting booed by what was left of the 15,028 fans that didn't leave before the second half (a lot of them were still there). After having an off day after a horrible 1-4 trip, the Kings looked like they were never getting an off day for the rest of the season. The game was all but sealed for the Heat. All BUT sealed.
AMAZING 3RD QUARTER
Challenged by Reggie Theus to turn around the game in 5 minutes, or the young guys were going in for the rest of the game, the Kings came out with a fire hotter than the Heat's 1st half. Kings fans couldn't believe what they were seeing.
The Kings went on an incrdible 33-12 run, led by Beno Udrih, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest, scoring the team's 40 points. Martin had 18 3rd quarter points, along with Artest and Udrih's 11 points each (combined 40 points). Martin hit the 3 to tie the game at 87 and Udrih hit the 3 to end their scoring in the quarter, leading 90-89. The Kings made 18-20 free throws, a big piece of their comeback. Miami only scored 20 points, with Artest shutting down Dwayne Wade for 4 points, while Shawn Marion had 6 points.
4TH QUARTER
The Kings would continue to flourish at the end of the game. Udrih dished out 9 assists with no turnovers. Brad Miller finally came out to play by scoring 7-14 points in the quarter. The Heat wouldn't go down without a fight, but Wade and Marion only combined for 9-20 points for the quarter. After a lackluster finish for the Heat, Martin's breakaway dunk was the dagger that sealed the game for one of the most impressive games that they've had in a while. A win for the Kings, 120-109.
HIGHLIGHTS
KINGS
Udrih: 23 pts (9-12 FG, 2-2 3PT FG), 4 reb, 9 ast, 3 stl, 0 TO
Artest: 32 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, stl
Martin: 29 pts, 4 reb, stl
Miller: 14 pts (7 fourth qtr), 9 reb, 7 ast
Mikki Moore: 4 pts, 8 reb, stl, blk
John Salmons: 8 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast (bench)
Spencer Hawes: 4 pts, 2 reb (1 off), ast, 8 min (bench)
HEAT
Wade: 26 pts, 2 reb, 7 ast
Williams: 18 pts, 5 reb, 8 ast, stl
Marion: 19 pts, 8 reb, 2 ast, blk
Ricky Davis: 14 pts, 2 reb, ast (bench)
Udonis Haslem: 6 pts, 5 reb, ast, blk
Marcus Banks: 8 pts, 2 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl (bench)
Udrih has been phenomenal the past 3 games averaging 24.3 PPG (63.8% FG), 4.3 RPG and 7.3 APG, with only 2 TOs during that span. Martin has been great the past 2 game averaging 27 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.5 APG and 1 SPG. He's finally back on track after a skid. Artest's averaging 25.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.6 APG and 1.3 SPG after 3 games. Those are some great numbers for the past 2 games combined.
The Kings went on a 68-34 run to finish the game. They were a new team in the second half. The Heat thought they were going to have another easy win, being that they had an 8 game win-streak against the Kings. They Kings made 12 three pointers after the Heat made 9 in the first half, finishing with 11. Now the Kings look to take on the Lakers, while the Heat try to figure out how they blew a 23 point lead.
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