Kings vs. Bulls Preview: I AIN'T SHOW OFF I JUST SHOW UP

by Tom Ziller on Dec 29, 2011 2:57 PM PST in Commentary

MVP? Oh yeah
D-Rose made that leap for sure
Will Tyreke follow?

Chicago Bulls at Sacramento Kings
The Gymmer, Sacramento
7 p.m. Pacific, Comcast SportsNet California

Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls continue their West Coast road trip in Sacramento on Thursday as the Kings return home after a brief jaunt to Portland. That jaunt wasn't all roses, as Sacramento's offense collapsed in the second half, its transition defense fell apart and the Blazers aced a win.

But momentum is mental, and a rocking gym in Natomas can switch the tracks. The team was so good on Monday at home that it's hard to imagine they'll carry over more from the Portland stink than the Lakers blossom. Marcus Thornton and Tyreke Evans were both bad in Portland; the Bulls have an exceptional defense, but can it last, especially with Rip Hamilton starting? Every Bull is a threat, but Sacramento has looked surprisingly good on defense, and outside of Rose, there's no player to be panicked about.

Rose is definitely someone to panic about, though. A brilliant driver and solid shooter, he's what we hope Evans to become ... and we know how much of a monster Tyreke can be already. Rose is fully formed and a problem. You can count on a player like Kobe taking tough shots that, if they miss, doom an offense. Rose will take a tough shot or two, but he's more likely to try to force it down your throat. He tends to be effective at doing so. There's a lot less margin for error against an offense featuring that sort of aggression, especially without a shotblocker on the floor. (#freehassan) (#notreally)

On the other end, using ball movement to stretch the Bulls' rotations until they break is the best bet, though attacking Carlos Boozer is a close second. Chuck Hayes isn't a huge offensive threat, or at least hasn't been for the Kings though we know he can do a few things. To minimize Boozer's offensive capacity, trying to goad him into foul trouble by attacking from the perimeter could be something the Kings look to do. Praying deep jumpers off the dribble fall is another option, albeit one doomed to fail many nights.

Game threads at 7 and 8:30. Recap afterward. Let's go Kings!

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Comments

Is anyone else going around the office telling people that the Kings play tonight in the Gymmer?

I figure if I say it enough it will catch on. Better than PBP.

by SharkKings49 on Dec 29, 2011 3:03 PM PST reply actions

Is it actually on CSN this time?

Or am I gonna have to go through all the channels until I find it again?

FirstWorldProblems

by LightningStrike5 on Dec 29, 2011 3:05 PM PST reply actions

It looks like it will be on CSNa (or CSN+) again

Which is really annoying for those of us on U-Verse, as it is not listed in the program lineup and therefore makes it a royal pain to DVR.

I’d normally be viewing from The Gymmer, but a bit under the weather today.

First World Problems, indeed.

I miss Big Mike and his Arco Thunder monologue.

by RJinFairOaks on Dec 29, 2011 3:28 PM PST up reply actions

You could check

WGN. They usually play Bulls games – Away and Home.

"Contraction, I didn't say anything about contraction. I'm talking about shrinking the league." - Lebron James

Thanks Lebron, for reminding me how miserable my life is.

by DTG13 on Dec 29, 2011 3:30 PM PST up reply actions

Does anyone have DirectTV?

What is the backup channel? Games are normally on 699.

by LightningStrike5 on Dec 29, 2011 3:50 PM PST up reply actions

I do

but unfortunately, I can’t check. I’m at work.

"Contraction, I didn't say anything about contraction. I'm talking about shrinking the league." - Lebron James

Thanks Lebron, for reminding me how miserable my life is.

by DTG13 on Dec 29, 2011 3:52 PM PST up reply actions

I have the same issue

How did you watch the Portland game?

by LightningStrike5 on Dec 29, 2011 3:58 PM PST up reply actions

NBA league pass preview

You should have it on 700 something. Can’t remember.

"Contraction, I didn't say anything about contraction. I'm talking about shrinking the league." - Lebron James

Thanks Lebron, for reminding me how miserable my life is.

by DTG13 on Dec 29, 2011 4:01 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah thats how I did it

But everyone was talking about it being on some alternate CSN channel

by LightningStrike5 on Dec 29, 2011 4:08 PM PST up reply actions

It will be on 699 tonight

by HeuristicLineup on Dec 29, 2011 4:00 PM PST up reply actions

Awesomesause

Thanks

by LightningStrike5 on Dec 29, 2011 4:08 PM PST up reply actions

I dunno

For the game Tuesday the DirectTV channel listing changed between 5pm and tipoff, not mention it resisted the game as Kings vs Bulls.

Support Ron Paul for President

by bignerd on Dec 29, 2011 4:16 PM PST up reply actions

This is going to be a tough game

The last time we played these Bulls we lost by 40. Albeit that was without Tyreke and Marcus was still figuring the team out. Hopefully we’ll be a bit more competitive this time around.

Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.

by Aykis16 on Dec 29, 2011 3:05 PM PST reply actions

Was also on the road

Hoping for, but not expecting a win tonight, but mainly just hope it’s a competitive game for the full 48 minutes.

The devil is dryhumping the details - Tom Ziller

by rpmonkey on Dec 29, 2011 3:07 PM PST up reply actions

It will help that we can throw both Evans and Salmons at Rose this time around

Though Rose is impossible to stop, but maybe they can slow him down some

by HeuristicLineup on Dec 29, 2011 3:07 PM PST up reply actions

and IT

"First we get jobs, then we get the khakis, then we get the chicks."

by Wonderchild on Dec 29, 2011 3:10 PM PST up reply actions

40 Points is too much. If we could only find a way to be down 35 points again...

We run the Bulls when we are down 35

by SharkKings49 on Dec 29, 2011 3:15 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Am I the only one that wants this to say "fully bloomed"?

Rose is fully formed and a problem.

by HeuristicLineup on Dec 29, 2011 3:07 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

Heh

"Contraction, I didn't say anything about contraction. I'm talking about shrinking the league." - Lebron James

Thanks Lebron, for reminding me how miserable my life is.

by DTG13 on Dec 29, 2011 3:12 PM PST up reply actions

Why did you post a picture of Gregg Popovich?

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Dec 29, 2011 3:34 PM PST up reply actions 6 recs

Well played

Bauer

"Contraction, I didn't say anything about contraction. I'm talking about shrinking the league." - Lebron James

Thanks Lebron, for reminding me how miserable my life is.

by DTG13 on Dec 29, 2011 4:41 PM PST up reply actions

Whats the over/under on how many times Boozer says "And 1"

"First we get jobs, then we get the khakis, then we get the chicks."

by Wonderchild on Dec 29, 2011 3:11 PM PST reply actions

One fewer time than Mikki Moore circa 2008

I miss Big Mike and his Arco Thunder monologue.

by RJinFairOaks on Dec 29, 2011 3:30 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

every shot he takes, so, 15?

"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower

by lietothegirls on Dec 29, 2011 4:21 PM PST up reply actions

Reke: Leap Year Baby

If Reke doesn’t “show up” in a game like tonight, against someone like D Rose, I think its an obvious concern that he may never do so…a talent like his should demonstrate an elite, teeth nashing, white-knuckled passion to dominate every game…particularly against an opponent like the Bulls and D Rose.

This is it, I think this year will tell us all we need to know.

by WhentheKingswinyouwin! on Dec 29, 2011 3:23 PM PST via mobile reply actions

I'll be in the house again tonight,

as my secret ~~Santa~~ Shlomo struck again! This not having season tickets is working out quite well.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Dec 29, 2011 3:23 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

I, too, will be in the house

for a 2nd straight game. It was ridiculously packed Monday, just like the “good old days” (all I want for Christmas is a concourse I can walk around without feeling like a sheeple, thank you very much,) but it was GREAT to see the fan support and the fact that it wasn’t all Yellow jerseys in the house. Anticipating a similar crowd tonight, and similar results on the floor. Enjoy the game Section, and Let’s GO KINGS…!!!

...Watching DeMarcus Cousins’ transformation from large human to immortal kill beast...

by Sacto_J on Dec 29, 2011 4:32 PM PST up reply actions

For those watching on TV

I would recommend knowing if there is a non HD version available. Turn it to standard definition when Boozer is on the free throw line. No one wants to see that guy in high def.

by spragueito on Dec 29, 2011 3:30 PM PST reply actions

i really want boozer to be traded to the blazers

then both sides of the jersey will sum up my life

by yaboyrafa on Dec 29, 2011 3:39 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs

lol

"Contraction, I didn't say anything about contraction. I'm talking about shrinking the league." - Lebron James

Thanks Lebron, for reminding me how miserable my life is.

by DTG13 on Dec 29, 2011 3:41 PM PST up reply actions

They have Joakim Noah...

and you’re worried about seeing Boozer?

by HeuristicLineup on Dec 29, 2011 3:43 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

But THIS is our whole offense!

Praying deep jumpers off the dribble fall is another option

Too soon? :-)

"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower

by lietothegirls on Dec 29, 2011 4:17 PM PST reply actions

Maybe a might too soon, or a prophecy yet to be fulfilled.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy

by HighTops on Dec 29, 2011 4:22 PM PST up reply actions

Kings can win this game

The key is getting rebounds and taking care of the basketball, not committing turnovers. Take care of these 2 areas while playing team basketball and a victory is highly possible tonight.

"Clowns hate how I lock this down, but if they think I'm obnoxious now, wait til I pop Cristal." - Copywrite

by Ninja King on Dec 29, 2011 4:17 PM PST reply actions

Making shots also helps

Hope they bounce back from that poor outing.

Never Turn Back - Crush 40

Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!

by raiderking21 on Dec 29, 2011 4:19 PM PST up reply actions

Doing all that and a playoff berth is highly possible

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy

by HighTops on Dec 29, 2011 4:23 PM PST up reply actions

Wifey and I will be there

Schmoes in the upper deck can spot me by the monk spot on my head and the distant – but piercing – profanity.

"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower

by lietothegirls on Dec 29, 2011 4:20 PM PST reply actions 2 recs

Widowwolf and family will be there tonight in our usual 212 row J STH seats..Look for the women with red hair(No not peaches) and i will be in my #34 purple tonight.

Founder of team Omté Caspeen

by Widowwolf on Dec 29, 2011 4:35 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

I'll be at the game tonight :D

by $KingsElite$ on Dec 29, 2011 5:07 PM PST reply actions

I hope they show the intro again

It was awesome seeing the Nightsticks, also Chuck seems like a great leader for the kings.

The nicest Lakers fan ever, Here we Stay! Er, I mean here you stay... I mean here Kings stay in Sacramento.

by JulyFishSB on Dec 29, 2011 5:22 PM PST reply actions

Gah, the Houston color commentator is AWFUL

The free preview of the NBA League Pass is pretty enlightening. Yes, I do appreciate Grant and Jerry more now.

But that VSP commercial they’ve been playing during the Kings games is pure horsecrap. One of the worst things I’ve seen on TV in a while.

"I DECLARE BANKRUPTCY!" - Michael Scott

by otis29 on Dec 29, 2011 5:24 PM PST reply actions

Ya, any time that you start to dislike Grant

turn on some of the other commentators. Grant appears to be cheering for the other team compared to some of these commentators. Some of them their team can never commit a foul and do no wrong.

by HeuristicLineup on Dec 29, 2011 5:27 PM PST up reply actions

Grant's a pretty good PBP guy and Jerry is corny, but good and is fair about the calls for a color guy.

We have it better than 80% of the league at least, IMO, and I’ve been watching league pass since it has been available on broadband internationally. 3-4 years. Tommy Heinsohn is the poster child for homerism.

by Kfan in Korea on Dec 30, 2011 11:03 PM PST up reply actions

I've been watching League Pass since about 2001 off and on.

There are a lot worse crews out there.

Some of my least favorites:

Detroit’s crew sucks—I can’t stand them and George Blaha is one of the worst of all time to listen to
San Antonio’s crew— it seems to rotate who the announcer is but Sean Elliott is awful to listen to
New Orleans—Bob Licht & Gil McGregor are the worst duo in the NBA; I"m not sure McGregor isn’t fully blown drunk by the time noon hits let alone game time
Boston—I like Mike Gorman cuz he does the announcing and the analysis; Tommy Heinsohn sucks but you wouldn’t expect otherwise from a lifetime Celtic like Tommy
Chicago—Don’t care for Chicago’s crew much because of Stacey King
Charlotte is terrible because they are so boring—-the new announcer the Bobcats have is like nails on a chalkboard and doesn’t know very much unfortunately
Miami—I hate Eric Reid, and long before last year I might add—I fear for my life when the Kings go to Miami this year (okay not really)
Oklahoma City—Brian Davis used to be the radio guy for the Sonics and moved to the TV side when the franchise moved to OKC; I don’t blame Davis but the guy is a total homer who half screams when he’s talking so therefore I find it incredibly irritating
Cleveland—Austin Carr sucks is all I’m gonna say
Portland—The Mike’s; ‘Nuff said
Phoenix—They’ve gone downhill without Al McCoy

I like Dallas, NJ, Philly, Washington (I used to dislike them but I’ve grown to enjoy them in recent years), Minnesota (their games are enjoyable to listen to and finally watch again), Indiana is cool, Milwaukee is a nice broadcast if you can ignore Jon McGlocklin (I find him annoying) because Jim Patschke is excellent, Memphis is not the worst broadcast you’ll hear although they are my least favorite on this list, Utah can grow on you I guess (although I’m not fond of them either), Denver is reasonable given the circumstances, Houston is funnier than anything (Bill Worrell is what he is & Clyde Drexler? No words for him), I don’t mind either the Clippers or Lakers broadcasts, and the Warriors broadcasts are fine with me because I enjoy Jim Barnett’s analysis.

No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....

by pookeyguru on Dec 31, 2011 8:40 AM PST up reply actions

Agreed.

The Rockets’ color commentator is horrible. I’ve been watching Nets/Magic since 7:00, and the YES guys are pretty impartial and give credit where it’s due.

by JuMowbray on Dec 29, 2011 5:33 PM PST up reply actions

Yeah

It makes sense if you have a bad team so you play up the other team. But like the Jazz guys go on and on about how terrible the other team is and how great theire guys are SO WHY ARE YOU GETTING BEAT RIGHT NOW YOU ASSHOLE?!??!?!

GREENE! You’ve been superfluously apostrophe’d! - andy sims
iashwash, you are the voice of reason - Holmdel

by iashwash on Dec 29, 2011 6:55 PM PST up reply actions

Haha. I can’t stand the Jazz guys.

The one game I remember is from 09-10, 7th game or so into the Kings season, when Reke broke out. The Jazz guys were acting like it was nothing special at all. Kings were up by quite a bit, but to them, Williams and Millsap were still the second coming of Malone and Stockton. Homers to the max.

by JuMowbray on Dec 29, 2011 7:00 PM PST up reply actions

I have a feeling

that the game isn’t going to be on league pass because it only says audio when I look at the game but others say video. I hope I’m wrong.

by ThomasGQ on Dec 29, 2011 5:48 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions

Fun matchups

Cuz vs Noah Kings!

Hayes vs Booz Bulls

Salmons vs Deng Bulls

MT23 vs Rip Kings!

Reke vs Rose Bulls

Jimmer vs (rest of Bulls) Kings win!!!!

Always put your right shoe on first, because if you put your left shoe on first then your right shoe will be left...and you will have two left shoes.

by Jim Les on Dec 29, 2011 6:18 PM PST reply actions

Will the Kings be wearing the black again tonight?

by JuMowbray on Dec 29, 2011 6:22 PM PST reply actions

Can we just wear black every game?

Would be awesome

by LightningStrike5 on Dec 29, 2011 6:36 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs

This.

by JuMowbray on Dec 29, 2011 7:00 PM PST up reply actions

I'm watching it on my Roku box...

not as crisp and clear as the pc, but Im not complaining…

by Ryan J on Dec 29, 2011 7:05 PM PST reply actions

Ok sorry to say but I know Rose and Noah and Boozer are all great, but come on Gary Gerould…you made it sound last night like you were commentator for the bulls…Dont get me wrong I love the guy and his work, but last night was outta no where

Founder of team Omté Caspeen

by Widowwolf on Dec 30, 2011 8:24 AM PST reply actions