I felt pretty good about the game. The kids got run (except Thompson for whatever reason), we got one step closer to a high pick, Mikki proved himself totally incompetent for the assigned task (catching the ball in the post). I don’t think the Blazers are feeling too good about winning by one at home against our banged-up squad. We’ve been competitive against good teams while going young. That’s very positive for our future. Spencer looks more and more like a difference maker matchup-wise. Now let’s see if our coach can figure out how to draw up a crunch time play that doesn’t involve Salmons iso or bad shooters coming off screens for 18 footers.

personally, Im glad the Kings can even stay with a team like the Blazers, in their place. I know this is going to be a long season, but getting to watch guys like JT, Hawes, and Bobby Brown get more PT and get better is worth all the losses.

“Most of the Kings — the players, the coaches, the front office, the fans — are ready to wait.”

The denizens of this board are a sharp bunch, mostly able to take the long view, but I’m not sure if that view is pervasive in the short-attention-span world we live in. You see it in some of the trade propsoals that are thrown out there and OH LOOK A SQUIRREL.

It makes it far easier to enjoy your team when you realize that they are learning and growing as players. Losses don’t hurt as bad. Win feel that much better. Tempered expectations help immensely. A good team always takes time to grow together. Look at the Spurs. Look at the Pistons. Look at (ugh) the ever-hated Lakers.

Then Boston throws a wrench into the whole thing by cobbling together a Championship team in one year. I hate them too. :p

Up here in Portland, we love you guys too. I am a long-time Blazers fan, but the Kings have also always had a special place in my heart and I am glad you guys share the same hatred towards LA. It was a ‘good’ game to watch even though frustrating from a blazer fan perspective. You guys should have won this one and I was more than impressed with how hard your guys worked down the stretch and I was impressed.

You guys are were Portland was last year or maybe even the year before, and I can’t wait to see how your team continues to develop!

A few ACTUAL ones would perk me up.

who LOVES the Kings. I hope they stick with Theus because he is going to be a really, really good coach before it is all said and done.

And from the game last night…every time Miller or Hawes drifted out towards the three line and our efenders (not a typo…I don’t give them a D if they forget to play it) sagged off, our whole section was screaming in pain. Well, except the Sac-Town fans in the row behind me. This just in; teams should fear the shooting of those guys. Doubling off them does not qualify for our “Good Idea of the Week” segment. When Martin and Garcia get back, I expect to see a few of those Moral Victories be accompanied by Ws in the win column.

Wishing you guys much luck, at least against every team NOT named the Blazers :-)

 I buzzed it up (not really sure what that does) too because it sums up just about every feeling I got. The only difference is how I feel about the Lakers, but that’s because, well, I just don’t hate them for some reason. Or I just don’t hold them at the same stakes that others do. Oh well.

I was ready for some good ol’ fashioned self-loathing, and some Salmons-bashing for good measure. But you bring a great point to light. This is a rebuilding, and it takes time. I guess I’m just tired of envying the Blazers. I’m tired of “next year will be our year.” I’m tired of waiting to see any sort of positive Kings highlight on ESPN. I’m just tired…

I go to so many blogs after my beloved blazers play. I have noticed that many of these sites are way out of touch with reality. I read the Chicago blog after our 42 point blowout and their blogger had the audacity to say it didn’t count because of coaching decisions. This is coming from their blogger not a poster. It is nice to see a community that understands their team and process. I agree with TZ that this is a team on the rise. You just need a little luck to go with that patience and you will be a top team in the west once again. I do agree that our paths are paralled in many ways. I think even currently you have some pieces we envy, Udrih and last night Hawes :) I don’t however think that Kevin Martin is on the same level with Brandon Roy. Kevin Martin is a better shooter overall, but I think that Brandon is a more complete player because of his size and defensive abilities. It allows him to finish in the lane more often. I could be wrong on this because every year Kevin surprises me with his playmaking, but I think at this point even most of you would agree right?

at “Brandon Roy and Kevin Martin are of equal quality.”

I’d take Roy for Martin in a heartbeat, because he knows how to take over a game at crunch time and can play two positions, including the one with the ball in his hands half the time. He is the heart of the Blazers and the main reason why you have them ranked so highly.