My view in Salt Lake City

I just got back from the game against the Jazz here in Utah.  Let me first apologize by saying that I have never seen our Kings win while I was in attendance.  If you are not sure what to blame this game on, blame it on me.  Also, parking at Arco is a whole lot better than parking here.  Energy Solutions Arena has no real parking lot.  We had to wait about an hour to get on to the freeway.  I was at the Celtics game at Arco right after Christmas, and I was on I-5 in less than 15 minutes after getting to my car.  Anyway...

Pre-game -
Nothing too interesting to note here.  Hardly anyone in their seats, and I just watched the boys warm-up.
During game time intros, Ron Artest just stood there when his name was called, laughing.  I noticed that Salmons was starting, and realized Mikki was not there.  I was not sure until I got home why.
1st Quarter -
It seems that Kevin wants to go ahead and get his first technical.  Maybe he just wants to get it over with.  I think maybe he has been watching Brad Miller too much, but a lot of complaining to the refs.
Artest - I can appreciate the energy he can bring (more on that later), but as I heard someone say, he makes it seem that he gets paid by the dribble.  All I can think is to not pass him the ball, because everything just stops until he throws up his shot.  I am getting frustrated. I am surprised to see first Spencer and then Justin Williams playing so early. Nice dunk by Justin, but the quarter ended.
2nd Quarter -
At one point we are up 42 to 38.  I am pleased, and surprised at the same time.  Even though the stats might not show it tonight, I like when Beno and Bibby play at the same time.  The Jazz did a good thing by signing Korver.  Not only was he funny as the host of Punk'd on MTV, he shoots the ball well. He reminds me of the days when we had Hedo coming off our bench.  (Sigh, those were the good times)
Half-time
Some kid throws hula-hoops around some huge Sprite cans. His prize - a Deron Williams Jersey, and the dancers will come throw some balls at his section.  Easier than shooting a half court shot.
Third Quarter -
I feel embarrassed.  Does Ron always pump his chest like that?  Really, I haven't seen any games lately.  PS... I do not like Matt Harpring.  Does anyone remember New Years Eve when Mo Evans was on our team?  Harpring hit him hard, Evans hit the ground, and he started to bleed out of his ear.  He is not as cool as he thinks he is.
Fourth Quarter -
The fans in Utah hate Ron Artest more than they love their team.  The boos were much louder than the cheers.  Deron Williams is a very good point guard.  I know the discussion has been made several times comparing him and Chris Paul, but 14 assists and not one turnover...?  He is good.
I asked my wife why Coach Theus left Artest in the game.  Did he really think anything good would come out of that?  He is not the same coach he was on Hang Time.  I was, though, happy to see Theus get his technical. Kevin has earned respect in this league, but he hasn't gotten much from the refs.  The crowd goes crazy when Ron gets ejected.  Regardless of Ron's past, he is one crazy dude.  How can you like having tens of thousands of people boo you?  And how does pumping your chest make it better?  I want him gone.  I appreciate his effort his first season here, but I would like to see him go.  I am not sure how many teams want that risk on their team.  He did nothing to help his or our cause tonight.
Final Thoughts -
It was a fun game.  Not a lot of Kings fans there.  (That might seem obvious, since we are in Salt Lake, but back in 03, during the playoffs, we had quite a few fans.  I realize this is not the playoffs, but I expected to see more of my fellow fans.)  Francisco Garcia, even though some games his shot does not fall, is an asset to this team. He comes ready to play.  Bibby did not have a great night, but I have a hard time saying that I want to see him go.  He is the last one from those great teams.  He has hit some great shots for us over the years.  I wouldn't mind him staying.  Artest, on the other hand, embarrassed us as Kings fans.  He didn't seem to be playing for the team, just for himself.
I hope someone is still willing to take this guy.