Rockets 110, Kings 97 ... But What's That Awful Shrill Noise?

by Tom Ziller on Oct 23, 2008 10:15 PM PDT in Recaps

That's the high note. The Kings decided to check it out.

The last 4-5 minutes were discouraging, but not enough to damper the enthusiasm built in the second and third quarters tonight. Spencer Hawes took out his frustrations (caused by Greg Oden), exploding for 25 points and (ahem) 16 rebounds. !!! Hawes was a beast, and he played a good chunk of his minutes opposite all-decade pivot Yao Ming. No fluke numbers here -- every flip, dunk, jumper, rebound and pass was real and repeatable and extremely encouraging.

Jason Thompson had a fine night, too, leading a defensive surge to close the first half from the small forward position. While Shock* had troubles repelling the Houston attack in the fourth quarter, he did strong work to hold his own and box out Rockets. His offense, while still inefficient at 40% shooting, looked better than it has since July with a few made jumpers and at least one flawless post move on Luis Scola.

If Bobby Brown shot ever starts to fall, he's going to cause some brush fires. He can launch confidently from anywhere on the floor -- he has absolutely no problem getting an open shot off. He just needs a few to go in. Based on his college numbers (a ridiculous .567 eFG, including 38.8% from three) he can hit open shots. It's going to take more than eight games though, apparently.

I'm not sure we can expect this sort of gaudy offensive rebounding output (34% of opportunities) from Shock & Hawes** regularly. Hawes wasn't a terribly good offensive rebounder last season, and to be honest Houston wasn't desperately lurching for boards like they will in November. Thompson and Hawes had great energy, and that gave them a huge advantage. But it's a boost over the incumbent expectations of Miller and Moore. And that's exciting.

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Just got back from the game

Someone gave me and Chris the Greek some phenomenal seats about 10 rows directly behind Peaches and Jerry. Spence’s monster performance was even more spectacular up close. Arco wasn’t even half full though, which was depressing. Near the end of the game we tried to get a “We want Donté” chant started but nobody caught on. It was so quiet in there I think Reg heard us anyways but gave us Bobby Brown instead.

Ran into KJ at the beginning of the second half and Greek made an Akeem dunk joke that seemed to go over well. I walked up to Henry Turner and said hi after the game and was promptly ignored.

I can’t reiterate enough how hot Kayte Christiansen is in real life. I asked her why she hadn’t approved my MySpace friend request yet and she actually stopped to tell me she had cancelled her MySpace over the summer. Every time I’ve met her she’s been awesome and extremely friendly. Next time I’m totally slipping her my number.

Peaches once again got up quickly, put the cell phone to his ear and scurried off to the tunnel. We yelled at him that he was faking and that his phone didn’t even ring, and then I serenaded him with the “Peaches” song, which got a laugh out of Jerry.

And finally, I ran into Geoff Petrie on our way up towards the concourse. He was stuck behind the line of kids who shoot free throws after games and I told him that if security said I was too old for the line then so was he (in hindsight I probably should have thanked him for declining the option on Douby and Mr. Candace Parker). Again, totally friendly and I snuck in a Rookie of the Year joke before we finally called it a night.

More of this brand of hilariosu insight can be found at vegaskings.blogspot.com and now reclaimingthetitle.blogspot.com

by Muff209 on Oct 23, 2008 10:55 PM PDT reply actions

Love it

Love the vignettes. And this sort of thing can only happen in Sacramento, I think.

by Tom Ziller on Oct 24, 2008 5:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Again, you are my hero

HA! The Peaches stuff absolutely never gets old. Very nice work, sir.

Shut up and Coach

by Carl on Oct 24, 2008 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I've met katie as well

and told her what a good job I thought she was doing (this was last season), she was very nice and yes – attractive, but just a little on the tall side for a regular guy like me.

She’s a big woman.

Cisco? Cisco? CISCO!!!! #*$!%! !

by lietothegirls on Oct 25, 2008 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Sounds like a great game...

can someone please post a link of highlights?

by Shizzo on Oct 23, 2008 11:32 PM PDT reply actions

Lack of defense

once again killed the Kings. Salmons with 5 TOs, the guy needs to learn how to pass and not dribble into a triple team. Not much scoring from the PG position. Bringing K9 into the game once again ruined chemistry and the Rockets went on a scoring surge.

by KingsFan on Oct 24, 2008 9:03 AM PDT reply actions

This what shock needs to do on a nightly basis to keep the Kings competitive. He and Jason need to rebound the heck out of the ball.

Spencer was very encouraging last night as was Jason. Beno, Jason and Spencer are going huge in determining whether ESPN is correct or that the Kings are going to repeat last year’s performance.

BOOK IT!

by kingme18 on Oct 24, 2008 9:12 AM PDT reply actions

Matenja

Jason and Spencer can help very well to Kevin Martin and John Salmons, and if Beno is OK, the team could be a good team

by Matenja on Oct 24, 2008 10:02 AM PDT reply actions

What's with the asterisks?

Are they supposed to mean something? Just curious..

by Deez on Oct 24, 2008 10:56 AM PDT reply actions

He's slowly

trying to change “Shock and Hawes” from a nickname for Spencer into dual nicknames for JT(Shock) and Hawes(Hawes). Which is ok, Shock does describe most people’s response to JT’s selection on draft night, but IMO that leaves Spencer without a nickname and when you have a good nickname like JT I’m not sure you really need another one. And the whole “Shock and Awe” thing really fits in with Spencer’s political leanings.

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Oct 24, 2008 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Couple quick comments...

Spencer’s line was great, but Imore than the stats I loved how quick and active he was. Last made me think that the knee definitely bothered him last year as I don’t ever remember him being that quick (I can’t believe I’m using the word “quick” to describe Spencer). I really like the rebounding, follow ups and he has started blocking a lot more shots. The jumper comes and goes, but effort and activity will always reap rewards.

My favorite moment was when he went over the back of Scola (with no call). I mean how many times are we on the other end of the “over the back” no call, getting pushed around in the paint and then turning to whine to the refs. Miller and Divacs perfected that move.

by R-Man on Oct 24, 2008 5:02 PM PDT reply actions

Agreed

Hawes looks fairly quick around the basket, footwork is pretty good. With a little more strength I’m not so sure he couldn’t play a very effective PF(?).

We’ll see – but poor Mikki looks more and more expendible.

Cisco? Cisco? CISCO!!!! #*$!%! !

by lietothegirls on Oct 25, 2008 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions