Preview: Hawks at Kings, Game 5
by Tom Ziller on Nov 4, 2009 12:15 PM PST
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THE OPPONENT
This is the Hawks.
That was the Hawks.
The Hawks knocked off the Blazers in Portland (!) last night to go to a record of 3-1. Atlanta's offense has been good so far, with Jamal Crawford augmenting the Hawks attack positively. (A minor victory.) Crawford was brilliant in PDX, scoring 27 points on 16 FGAs, with seven assists and no turnovers. That might actually be a positive for the Kings, as Crawford is not exactly known for his game-to-game consistency. (Ask Warriors fans.)
The Hawks defense is what got them to above average, though, with Al Horford and Josh Smith manning the paint and Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson providing plus defense on the perimeter. Mike Bibby is still a turnstile, from what I can gather, but shoots like no one's business and will require defensive effort from Tyreke Evans and Beno Udrih.
Check out Peachtree Hoops for insight on the Hawks and for a killer blackberry cobbler recipe.
THE KEY BATTLE
Kevin Martin vs. Joe Johnson. There are actually a number of intriguing battles up and down the rosters, but two of the league's greatest scorers could really light ARCO on fire. J.J. is actually a similar player to O.J. Mayo, though more physical and polished while less athletic. Given Atlanta's superior help defense in comparison with the Grizzlies, Martin may need to be more careful going to the rim -- Smith and Horford are all business from the weak side, and Zaza Pachulia became an effective shotblocker last season. At the other end, Martin would do well to play Johnson as he did Mayo: crowd him at the arc, and prevent him from getting straight-ahead lines to the rim. With Spencer Hawes back in the starting five, Martin has better help at the rim behind him, and he can afford to play too tight to prevent Johnson from getting on a hot streak from long-range.
Johnson also happens to be a killer defensive rebounder. If Martin can sneak in to steal a few of those, the Kings should be able to capitalize. It can't come at the expense of decent transition defense, though. While Atlanta will never be considered a fast team, Smith can fly and the Atlanta backcourt is smart.
THE INTERESTING SIDESHOW
It will be interesting to read the body language of Omri Casspi, Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni if the Kings don't hang with what is a clearly better team. All three of those fellows let their aggravation (and excitement) show, and an ineffective effort after a darling win might bring out the worst. I find it especially nerve-wracking with Hawes, who needs to play well to keep the larger population of Kings fans in his corner. And he has a real challenge with Horford, who is smaller and less versatile but clearly tougher and unlikely to be shredded in the post. This is a big game for Hawes. The spotlight's on him now, and the danger of disappointment is so, so clear.
The same goes for Kings fans. The gym will be noticeably more sparse, and the opponent is much tougher. Bad recipe for continued momentum for the crowd.
BOLD PROCLAMATION
Tyreke Evans won't be the one to shut up all this "Start Beno?" nonsense. Beno will.
'08-09. Never forget.
DETAILS
The game will be another 7PM start in the River City. CSN and KHTK have it, as always. Game thread will magically open at 7PM. Post-game thread will magically open at 10PM. Recap will magically be posted by noon Thursday.
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Tough matchup
I threw out some observations in one of the fanposts.
Expect a lot of small ball lineups from the Hawks and the Kings to counter with more Beno, Casspi and Mason along with Tyreke and Kevin.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Nov 4, 2009 12:41 PM PST reply actions
Is there going to be a 2nd half thread too?
(If there wasn’t plans for one, can I request in advance for one?)
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
you are rapidly becoming the Threadmaster around here
on many levels
"I make love to pressure" - Stephen Jackson
Heh.
Not quite. Just making a request on behalf of multiple people who will complain if there is one thread and 800 comments by the 3rd qtr.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
And since I'll be here this time
I’m good for at least 100 comments
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Gracias senor
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Thanks
2nd half thread is much more important than post game thread, imo.
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 Nov 4, 2009 4:56 PM PST up reply actions
The return of Team Dim.
Not a typo.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen.
by andy sims on Nov 4, 2009 12:50 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
If you hadn't said it wasn't a typo
It would have taken me hours to get that. Nice sims.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Is Bibs still carrying the entourage?
I miss him so little
"I make love to pressure" - Stephen Jackson
as his skills continue to diminish
it has become more of an offtourage.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
it is sad
to hear kings fans talk that way about mike bibby. he contributed a lot to the team while he was there and even when he was traded, he only had good things to say about sacramento and kings fans.
Much love for the Bibster
Key part to our winning teams. I soured on him a little when he thought he was the best person on the team in 05 – 07. But will always have fond memories of him on the court.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
nice to hear that
but wasn’t he the best player on the team that time and maybe even before that? anyway, he’s ok where he is now. and i’m sure he also has fond memories of sacramento.
Wondering about Reke's injury
Is it his ankle? Is he fine? Is this anything that might linger, or to be concerned about? He was definitely effected last game.
We'll see how he plays tonight
If its still bothering him, I’d rather he sit tonight and be prepared vs. D-Will.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Offtopic
Anyone catch Kenny Thomas’ interview with Mike and Grant yesterday afternoon?
Desmond Mason - Untied the balloon in Colorado, forged Obama's birth certificate, and ruined the careers of Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans.
I try to avoid listening to Mike & Grant
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
As do I
I click in when KNBR is on commercial to see if they are talking about the Kings, and they mentioned the K9 interview.
Kenny’s an interesting guy, I don’t think I’d heard him interviewed in the past. He’s got a solid perspective on the last few seasons, and doesn’t appear to want to play the blame game.
It sparked my curiosity – has there ever been a decent accounting by our local newspapermen/woman about WHY Kenny was banished to the bench?
Desmond Mason - Untied the balloon in Colorado, forged Obama's birth certificate, and ruined the careers of Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans.
The difference is you drive home
And your radio can tune into 1140.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Unfortunately true
Still waiting for a rival station to jump into the local sports scene, but doubt that will ever happen.
Desmond Mason - Untied the balloon in Colorado, forged Obama's birth certificate, and ruined the careers of Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans.
I think Seattle only has two
The major one plus ESPN radio. It’s not like Sacramento is alone in this.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
As far as Kenny
Yeah, I’m sure he’s not an idiot. His contract was bad, and I’m interested to see if a team would want him. It’s not like he hasn’t worked out, done what the team asked for, or anything else.
I think he’ll be on a training camp roster at a bare minimum next year.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
He can play some D and rebound
When his already very sketchy shot totally (I mean completely south, everyone soured on him. For a while, despite that, he kept insisting he was a Starter ala AI.
He seems to have completely backed off that now and just wants to contribute. I welcome any positive contribution he provides, just don’t shooot very often Kenny.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 4, 2009 4:14 PM PST up reply actions
Amick on Twitter: Kmart might miss the game
@sam_amick: #nbakings shooting guard Kevin Martin is questionable for tonight after injuring left (non-shooting) hand – http://bit.ly/2oeqIB
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Nov 4, 2009 1:12 PM PST reply actions
Ugh
No bueno.
Desmond Mason - Untied the balloon in Colorado, forged Obama's birth certificate, and ruined the careers of Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans.
I think
Both Sergio and Beno will play tonight. If Kmart can’t go, they may split the Mike Bibby assignment and Reke will play the 2.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Nov 4, 2009 1:50 PM PST up reply actions
That sucks
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 Nov 4, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions
I bet he'll play
I don’t think he’ll want to miss this one for a hurt non-shooting hand.
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Nov 4, 2009 1:17 PM PST up reply actions
He'll play
He’s pulling a Willis Reed so that he can rub Jalen Rose’s nose in it.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
5 bucks says Kevin plays
and another 5 says that if he doesn’t, we lose by A LOT.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
So you wanna lose 10 bucks huh?
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
You want to make this an actual bet?
I’ll get on pay pal.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Read what I wrote again
Then tell me if I want to bet. LOL
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
yeah, I thnk that bet ends up = $0
the way you phrased it.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 4, 2009 4:16 PM PST up reply actions
He wins 5 if Kevin plays which ends that scenario
if Kevin doesn’t play he’s already lost 5 and if the Kings lose by 1 he loses 10, or am I taking the comment too seriously
Yes
But you’re right. I either win 5 or lose 10.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Word on the street is...
…a blue exercise ball was seen rolling quickly away from the Kings practice facility shortly after Kevin Martin’s injury.
Desmond Mason - Untied the balloon in Colorado, forged Obama's birth certificate, and ruined the careers of Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans.
by otis29 on Nov 4, 2009 1:52 PM PST up reply actions 7 recs
The second monkey on Kevin's back
Kevin is doing a good job shaking the “He doesn’t play a lick of D” argument. Now he comes up against another supposed demerit: his brittleness.
"The basis for winning an NBA title is having a superstar in his prime. Not an all-star, or a bunch of all-stars, but a superstar."
by coolcatreportdotcom on Nov 4, 2009 1:53 PM PST reply actions
Telling the Hawks K-Mart is questionable
…will make them ever more over-confident, then….
BOOOOYA..
K-Mart goes for 35 and we win by 10
who starts at 3 for the Hawks?
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
Who would rip Omri Casspi up to shreds...
…but what do I know?
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
is
Donte Greene still a King? haha.. can we wave him already? I know, out of place post, Im just done with him.
Put that in your juice box and suck it
Obviously
given the vast amount of playing time he’s gotten so far this year, we should all be changing our opinion of Donte. I mean, in those 30 minutes a game he’s getting, he’s doing nothing.
What has Donte done this year, where before you were ok with him and now you’re done, wear an ugly sportscoat?
Professional Hyperbole Slayer
actually
I have never liked Donte. When we got him from Houston, when he came back from the D league, the 2 mins. we saw this year, and his ample summer league and pre season playing time. Let him devlop somewhere else. I have, and will continuously be D-U-N DONE with him.
Put that in your juice box and suck it
Way too soon to give up on him
though I share the doubt
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 4, 2009 4:17 PM PST up reply actions
I have plenty of doubts myself
but he’s done nothing lately to give anyone ammo either for or against him.
If he does enough to get another legitimate shot with this team, we’ll see what happens; by picking up his option, GP seems to think he’s not hopeless yet, let’s see it play out.
Professional Hyperbole Slayer
I watched the Hawks-Blazers game last night
and I generally like to watch the Hawks—because I really like Horford…and J-Smoove is a spectacle, too.
Anyways…I like to pay attention to Horford and watch him defend—he gets all over the court to hedge on screens, to switch, and to close out on shooters…and he still gets position to rebound. I think his defensive activity and effort is unequalled for a big man. But take note for yourself.
I would really like JT to watch and learn from Horford as I think he is a similar enough player physically and skill-wise for JT to take great lessons from.
by DustyG on Nov 4, 2009 3:56 PM PST reply actions 6 recs
Wishing that I could rec this observation more than once
Spot on.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
and Horford is 'undersized'
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 4, 2009 4:19 PM PST up reply actions
For a Center.
He’s perfect as a PF.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
He plays Center
6’9" (maybe) isn’t a huge PF either.
Wasn’t Griffin too small at 6’9"?
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 4, 2009 4:52 PM PST up reply actions
It's not Griffin's height that ever concerned me
It’s his length.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
TWSS
Desmond Mason - Untied the balloon in Colorado, forged Obama's birth certificate, and ruined the careers of Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans.
She's gotta be more original
I’m tired of hearing her talk.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Horford is small for a C but he's a hoss.
Sure he can’t hold off a Yao or Shaq but he’s more than adequate against most of the 5’s in the league. His strength, quickness and skill trump most of his opponents.
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
I'm excited about going to a real game tonight
but will be very dissappointed if KM doesn’t play because of a sore non-shooting wrist.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
Go with Omri, Oh My
since that’s yours. But shout “Trey-del!” after every 3 he makes.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Start Beno!
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Banned!
You’re lucky Ziller is smart enough to keep my away from the big red button, sir. I would ban and reinstate you several times per day with that kind of thinking.
You'd do that a lot more than a few times Carl
So, dictator 4 lyfe Carl!
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
if Kev sits they might start Beno and Evans
oh how i miss Garcia
Another flaw in the human character is that everybody wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance. Vonnegut
I'm hoping they're tired from last night's great game.
Kevin should play – period.
On the bright side they haven’t beaten a team that’s over .500. Sure, we know Portland is good but it seems they’ve momentarily lost their way this season (I’m sure they’ll get it together).
They like to steal a lot and all their bigs have quick hands so Hawes and JT should be aware of that. They also shoot free throws well but it shouldn’t help them tonight since we’ll probably get a few extra calls in our favor at home.
They have the advantage at the 4 & 5 but I’d say Joe Johnson and Kevin are arguably equal (I’ll take Martin anyday). SF and PG are pretty much even in my eyes. Bibby can shoot but can he shoot over Tyreke? I say no. I know for sure Tyreke can get around and shoot over Bibby, if he plays.
Marvin Williams is streaky but he plays mad D. It’ll be a nice learning experience for Casspi and I think NOC can totally neutralize Williams at any time.
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
Does beating a team over 500 mean anything 4 or 5 games into the season?
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Any win is a win I'll take
I generally agree with Jet. Its the frontline match-ups that will decide this game.
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Nov 4, 2009 4:50 PM PST up reply actions
Why wouldn't it? If the Kings beat anyone it would mean SOMETHING.
A quality opponent is a quality opponent.
They lost big to the Lakers (a true contender) which means the Hawks are a better than average team but not a true NBA Giant (ie. Orlando, Boston, Lakers, Denver).
But whatever, you’re on you’re period today so I’ll leave it at that. It’s your world, kid.
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
Crawford IS their bench.
It’s like they have clone studs working their 2 position. Joe Johnson comes out and then Crawford comes in. Sorta scary. I’m guessing Mason works his arse off tonight on the defensive end.
If Kev and ’Reke play tonight – who the hell is Bibby guarding? Jeff Teague might see more minutes tonight for his speed.
I hope we play more than perfect ball and get the DUB tonight. GO KINGS.
33 Wins. Yeah, I said it.
I am really excited about tonight. Monday nights game was the first time in maybe 3 years where I felt that the Kings played TEAM BALL at a high level for a long extended period of time and, most importantly, with a flair, toughness and determination. Also they seemed to be on the same page as a 5-man team on the court not just on offense, but on DEFENSE as well. I know it won’t be like that every night, and tonight is not the Grizzlies, but hopefully they can keep building on that effort!
Kings rule! (They are royalty - right?)
by dalt99 on Nov 4, 2009 5:27 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Bibbinator
Tyreke was most likely less then thrilled with his play in the home opener, which included not seeing the court n the 4th qtr or OT. I think hes going to come out strong tonight vs Bibby, who by all accounts is the worst starting PG defender in the league. Lets not spot them 15 in the first like we did vs Memphis.
i noticed
that kings fans haven’t gotten over mike bibby. move on, guys. he’s happy where he is now.
I was over Mike Bibby in 2003
So, I’m not one of them. (And if MIke Bibby was such a huge draw, why wasn’t there more than 7000 ppl at Arco last night?)
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
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