GAME 64 vs Portland, Preview & Game Thread

by Tom Ziller on Mar 13, 2008 3:38 PM PDT in Game Threads

"Yo man, who's this guy hogging the bow?"

PORTLAND BLAZERS (34-31) 108.5 ORtg (#14), 109.4 DRtg (#19), 86.9 Poss (#29)
SACRAMENTO KINGS (28-35) 108.3 ORtg (#15), 111.5 DRtg (#26), 92.8 Poss (# 8)
BALLHYPE | NBA.com PREVIEW | BLAZERS EDGE

When looking at the body of work, Sacramento has the better offense between these two teams. Consider Brandon Roy has missed only four games, and LaMarcus Aldridge has missed five. Kevin Martin missed 17 games, and the Kings spent the first five games of the season without an NBA point guard. (No offense, Orien Greene.) Consider those facts, and the mere 0.2 points per possession advantage Portland's #14 offense holds over Sacramento's #15 offense is put into perspective.

That said, Portland's defense is vastly superior to that of the Kings, and that's the major difference between a 34-31 team and a 28-35 team. Portland's D is #19 in the land -- not fantastic, not even good really. But it is vastly superior to Sacramento's pitiful defense.

While the guard defense has been shaky all year, it remains the frontcourt where the Kings get killed. Opposing power forwards have an aggregate PER of 17.7 against the Kings; opposing centers pull in a 19.1 PER. For all those arguing on the merits and faults of Brad Miller (even in this resurgent season), don't forget these numbers. His defense has improved and his rebounding has gotten more consistent. But it's still the weakness of this team. (Of course, this makes Spencer Hawes's defensive insurgency more audacious, and Shelden Williams's tight lease more curious.)

If Brandon Roy guards Kevin Martin primarily, Ron Artest should have a freaking field day. (No offense, Martell Webster.) If Roy guards Artest primarily, Artest and Martin should have freaking field days. (Seriously, no offense, Martell.) You'd think Portland's best shot at containing Artest would be to plant Joel Pryzbilla on Miller while cheating toward the hoop, letting Aldridge leave Mikki Moore to double an Artest guarded by either Roy or Travis Outlaw, and demand whomever guards Martin to never leave his side. Moore, though, has played well lately (mishandling only two passes a game instead of the usual 17) and Brad's about due for a string of jumpers. Hope springs occasionally!

On the other end? The Kings have got to let Artest try to handcuff Roy while sprinting out to the arc to throw hands in faces while roughing up LMA enough to convince him the elbow jumper is his safe, gentile friend. We expect Pryzbilla to go PRYZILLA on us, so whatever. Just don't let Jarrett Jack, Steve Blake, James Jones, Outlaw, Webster, and Sidney Wicks nail threes all night.

Game is at 7. I'm actually hungry for Kings Basketball; three nights off after that ridiculous victory over the Lakers left me wanting. Go Kings!

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Brandon Roy

In two games this year (both at Portland), (primarily) Ron Artest has made Brandon Roy's life a living hell. While Roy did have the game winner in the 1st meeting, he is a combined 11-33 for 24 total points. Ron really beat him up last time. It will be interesting to see how the game unfolds tonight.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Mar 13, 2008 5:27 PM PDT reply actions

Shock and Hawes

Your girl Angela Tsai just used it to introduce a video with Spencer on the HPL. I guess that means she's still around. ; p

God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were. -section214

by KK on Mar 13, 2008 6:50 PM PDT reply actions

Funny picture

forgot to mention that.

God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were. -section214

by KK on Mar 13, 2008 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions

OH BOy!

StR, Where mainstream media is jealous because it can't say what you can, happens.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 13, 2008 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Shock and Hawes

if my favorite so far. Go Angela.

by Kfan in Korea on Mar 13, 2008 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Didn't you come up with it?

God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were. -section214

by KK on Mar 13, 2008 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah

Doesn't mean it can't be my favorite, does it? ;p

by Kfan in Korea on Mar 13, 2008 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Nope

and, apparently, it's at least 3 people's favorite. You, me, and Angela.

God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were. -section214

by KK on Mar 13, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Instead of watching the game.....

I'm going to Taco Bell. Showing my true fandom doesn't it? (I still have yet to watch the Lakers game from Sunday.)

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 13, 2008 7:17 PM PDT reply actions

Kings look really good

In the first quarter. I also like Theus's substitutions. Lets hope they keep it up.

Wait....Why is everybody clapping? Everyone around me is clapping.... I guess I should be clapping too... GO LAKERS!!! I hate living in So Cal

by 27freethrows on Mar 13, 2008 7:40 PM PDT reply actions

Channing effing Frye

Had to hit a half court thre pointer. Lets see if he puts it in his blog.

Wait....Why is everybody clapping? Everyone around me is clapping.... I guess I should be clapping too... GO LAKERS!!! I hate living in So Cal

by 27freethrows on Mar 13, 2008 7:41 PM PDT reply actions

Looks like

he likes downtown Sacramento after all.

by SavageBeast on Mar 13, 2008 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I guess that's an argument

for a new Cal Expo arena. Especially if you believe Henry Abbott that alot of NBA players like Cheesecake Factory. (There is a CF on Arden and Challenger across from the Doubletree.)

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 13, 2008 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Channing Frye? Channing Frye??

Damn

by Kfan in Korea on Mar 13, 2008 7:43 PM PDT reply actions

Channing Frye can have his buzzer beater...

I'll take our 15 point lead, thank you.

by dkons21 on Mar 13, 2008 7:50 PM PDT reply actions

i want Quincy Douby in the game!

And I want it now! Dammit!

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 13, 2008 8:41 PM PDT reply actions

JR: john salmons as potential 6th man of the year

remember when he said the same thing about kenny thomas?

bobby jackson they ain't...

the sacramento kings: whom amazing happens against

by ptgloden on Mar 13, 2008 8:47 PM PDT reply actions

Hah

He's a possible possible 6th man of the year for the Kings. League wide - not gonna happen.

by Kfan in Korea on Mar 13, 2008 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions

who decides who the camera is on during breaks?

seems like they aim for the most orange woman possible

the sacramento kings: whom amazing happens against

by ptgloden on Mar 13, 2008 9:01 PM PDT reply actions

Yah, but

I like orange women. They look like dirty carrots.

Wait....Why is everybody clapping? Everyone around me is clapping.... I guess I should be clapping too... GO LAKERS!!! I hate living in So Cal

by 27freethrows on Mar 13, 2008 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Kings Cameramen

have a juvenile obsession with blond women showing cleavage. Next game I am going to count how many long lecherous shots the crowd camera guy takes. Maybe the game producer is to blame.

by NYCFan @ Sactown Royalty on Mar 14, 2008 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Blame?

I think the word you are looking for is "salute".

Pau Gasol - serial killer or drunkard?

by otis29 on Mar 14, 2008 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions

touche, sir, touche! :-)

by Kusian on Mar 14, 2008 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions

I think

you and I need to go bar-hopping someday brother.

/Pending wife approval, aka no chance in hell

Pau Gasol - serial killer or drunkard?

by otis29 on Mar 14, 2008 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Just don't do it in Sacramento

Haven't you heard? Night life sucks there.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 15, 2008 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions

Anybody notice Beno is leading the team

in rebounds!

by KingsFan on Mar 13, 2008 9:02 PM PDT reply actions

jerry reynolds leading all announcers

in "wham bam" utterances for the year

the sacramento kings: whom amazing happens against

by ptgloden on Mar 13, 2008 9:06 PM PDT reply actions

Guess that extension course at the

Madden school of broadcasting is paying off.

by Kfan in Korea on Mar 13, 2008 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Quincy Douby! Quincy Douby!

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 13, 2008 9:21 PM PDT reply actions

how were the gorditas?

now for some victory cinnamon twists...

the sacramento kings: whom amazing happens against

by ptgloden on Mar 13, 2008 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Beno speaks quality English

What the fuck is this shit? Hasn't he mastered the Hedo accent by now? Goddammit!

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 13, 2008 9:28 PM PDT reply actions

2 thumbs up for Beno

for ignoring the stupid joke "of" who's Steve Nash. (I hope he was ignoring it anyway.)

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 13, 2008 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions

It looked to me like...

Jerry and Grant were only kidding around. Beno looks like he has yet to master American humor. Could this be why he's a team outcast? Is he a buzzkill?

by KingsFan on Mar 14, 2008 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions

Sorry but......

that's retarded humor. Retarded humor might be American, and if Beno doesn't think it's funny I don't blame him. Whether he got it or not, and I think he's smart enough to get it personally, is not the point. It was a dumb joke regardless of whether Beno understood that or not.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 14, 2008 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions

So, now he's the team outcast?

Really? Do tell. What inside information do you have that says Beno is ostracized? Please bring me up to date on why Beno is the team outcast?

DaveL, I'm talking to you, in case that was unclear.

God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were. -section214

by KK on Mar 14, 2008 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions

It was reported here

I can't remember who posted it. Maybe it was Section214. Somebody who was at the game said Beno was a loner on the team.

by KingsFan on Mar 15, 2008 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions

Wasn't me

I remember seeing it, though. It was much earlier in the season.

My take on Beno is that he is not a laugh fest. He is a guy with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder that is very serious about playing basketball. I don't think that he will ever be in that loveable Euro immigrant mold of Vlade, Peja or Hedo.

The good news is, he does not have to be Chris Rock (or even Yakov Smirnoff) to run this team. He is getting to know his teammates better on the floor, where it counts. More importantly, Beno and Reggie continure to improve their communication with each other.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Mar 15, 2008 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions

It was me

At the first Kings at Clippers game. It actually seemed very obvious too. However, it is very important to say that it didnt seem like the guys were ignoring him, but that he was just an outsider. I always chalked it up to a language barrier, but as the season has gone on, I have seen how well he speaks. I truly believe it was more of a struggle for starting PG with Bibby. You know his tennure with the team gave him tons of pull in hte locker room.
Who knows, maybe it was nothing, maybe it was something. I have long been preparing a much-belated diary to the second Kings at Clipper game, but it wont have anything to do with the game.

Wait....Why is everybody clapping? Everyone around me is clapping.... I guess I should be clapping too... GO LAKERS!!! I hate living in So Cal

by 27freethrows on Mar 16, 2008 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions

What is this?

Dude takes a night off, comes home to find 25 posts? The shame... on a blowout win, too!

All this talk of gorditas, WHERE ARE THE CHALUPAS?!?!

Mikki Moore in the skills challenge! - LPA

by iashwash on Mar 13, 2008 9:34 PM PDT reply actions

No chalupas!

Under 100 points.

God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were. -section214

by KK on Mar 14, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I know that...

That was the joke - people shouldn't worry about gorditas, they should worry about getting to a hundred posts. The exaggeration was meant to be comical. I wasn't talking about 100 points, I was talking about 100 posts.

Mikki Moore in the skills challenge! - LPA

by iashwash on Mar 18, 2008 4:18 AM PDT up reply actions

No the real issue is

that chalupas kick gordita's ass. :)

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 18, 2008 5:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Injuries

should prevent chalupas again tonight.

God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were. -section214

by KK on Mar 18, 2008 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I actually had to read an ESPN game recap today

You guys happy now? Huh? My eyes, they burn, realize this fact.

The writer clearly didn't watch the game. I got more information from the boxscore. Epic Fail.

Mikki Moore in the skills challenge! - LPA

by iashwash on Mar 13, 2008 10:09 PM PDT reply actions

So... KMarts off-night?

I blame TZ for another Jinx.

Any other theories?

This post was mostly meant ot get the comment-count to 30. In this time of inflation, I thought it was a smooth move.

Mikki Moore in the skills challenge! - LPA

by iashwash on Mar 13, 2008 10:24 PM PDT reply actions

Good game for Good ron

i didnt see a post for Ron so here it is 6 STEALS I'll take that any day !!!

GO KINGS !!!

by maiku on Mar 13, 2008 10:29 PM PDT reply actions

Great "D" on Roy too !!!

GO KINGS !!!

by maiku on Mar 13, 2008 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions

If only,

Good Ron showed up for every game, I'd want to have his children.

But yeah, great game from Good Ron. Seriously great game from Good Ron.

Bad game for KMart and it didn't seem to be on anyone but him and Portland. Disappointing, given today's Bee article re: him and Theus.

Either way, Kings win. Yay!

It was such a nice and abnormal feeling to have that they were going to win this one from start to finish. I didn't feel this way before the game started but once it began, I really believed they would win this one.

God bless you, Corliss. You always played as though you knew how expensive my tickets were. -section214

by KK on Mar 13, 2008 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions