The World is Not Safe

by Tom Ziller on Feb 2, 2008 8:32 AM PST in Recaps

I'm a grown-ass man, and basketball shouldn't bring a tear to my eye. But that first half came close.

Typically with the Kings, we'll take either the extremely active, effective defense... or we'll take the electric, swift offense. We got both in the first half -- constant doubles and traps on Chris Paul (which limited him to 15 points and 19 assists, ha), solid man toughness on David West, good collapsing on Tyson Chandler. The only thing missing defensively was a hand in Peja's face.

On the other end, everyone played well, top to bottom. I mean, you know the Kings are feeling it when Mikki Moore delivers a wrap-around no-look to Brad Miller in the paint. Mike Bibby actually went to the bucket, Ron Artest actually went to the bucket, Kevin Martin nailed half his shots, Miller was a beast, Moore was frisky, Beno Udrih pressed at the right tempo.

The second half wasn't awful; the fourth was a bit slow, almost like Sacramento went into a prevent offense (illustrated by Martin pulling back on a 1-on-2 to get picked by Paul). But they survived, thanks to a few timely buckets (including one by Martin) and some stops. About that one stop, the Peja airball... if that doesn't break your heart, you are a spiteful person. I don't think Peja was born with the yips; all the attention paid to his so-called yips and fulfilled the theory he has the yips. So this is all partly our fault, since as a fan base we harped and harped on his fourth-quarter performance when he was a King. Um, sorry Peja. (Also to blame: Chris Webber. Those post-Minnesota comments sealed Peja's fate.)

Random observation: Tyson Chandler : Brad Miller :: Spencer Hawes : Tyson Chandler, in terms of being a huge frustration. Old Brad would have socked Ty in the third quarter. Current Ty almost socked Spencer. Fun!

I had more thoughts, but the Young Indiana Jones Chronciles in on the History Channel, and I am distracted.

(Two down.)

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Comments

Me Likey Me Likey

(My Pizza) The game is what it is.

I was happy to see a somewhat cognizant unit. This team has way too many ups & downs though to make me say it's a keeper.

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 Feb 2, 2008 12:23 PM PST reply actions

much agreed

Let's see 'em pute several stretches together, reach .500 and still keep improving, before we start saying they can take down the Spurs, Mavs, Suns, Pistons, Celtics and (now) Lakers of the world.

That's alot to ask, for a team to make up that much of a talent differential. Winning a game when the opposing point guard sliced and diced isn't the way to start saying the team has the ability to stop the Mamba, the Truth, the Big Ticket, the Jet, the Matrix, and Mr. Big Shot in the playoffs.

It, however, is a good sign of Theus's coaching, which is the great news we need. Especially that our young'ns are producing.

by iashwash on Feb 2, 2008 5:53 PM PST up reply actions

Cisco

what happened to cisco. not that i'm complaining with the result, but why was cisco on the bench for all but six minutes. was he under the weather or was it just something tactical because he has been in the game in some big games this year and effective. just curious.

when will the Kenny Thomas Reign of Terror end?!!??

by diehardkingsfan5 on Feb 2, 2008 12:41 PM PST reply actions

I think you're begging TZ

to write why Reggie is in the crosshairs of an organization struggle and why it effects playing time. Hint Hint Tz.

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 Feb 2, 2008 12:46 PM PST up reply actions

Frankly

It kind of ruined the win for me. How in the world does Garcia only get 6 minutes?

I didn't see anything in Amick's article, so that probably rules out something disciplinary, and I'm sure we would have seen some info if he was injured. Did he really get a DNP-CD in the second half???

Disclaimer: I am anti-Bibby.

by otis29 on Feb 2, 2008 1:29 PM PST up reply actions

I think it's quite obvious

It's no slight against Cisco. It's simply that Reggie probably felt the starters were doing a great job against a good team and wanted to stay with that winning chemistry. You stay with what is working. Had the Kings struggled with the Hornets I'm sure we would have seen a lot more Cisco.

BTW, did anybody see Mikki dunking over Brad Miller? I was impressed by Mikki's agressiveness.

by KingsFan on Feb 2, 2008 2:26 PM PST up reply actions

one thing

One thing I really didn't like last night was the 6 or 7 man rotation in the 2nd half (I know Salmons came in but I can't remember if Beno did). I wouldn't be surprised if the starters are dying during the game tonight.

by thekangarooster on Feb 2, 2008 1:00 PM PST reply actions

Aside from not getting a hand in

Peja's face, we also gave Tyson Chandler open baskets all night. He had two hard dunks in the first couple minutes. With that said, Brad Miller has been playing like a beast. Ive been down on him for the past few years, but I'd like to see how long he can continue like this.

by evanmeagan on Feb 2, 2008 1:11 PM PST reply actions

I think Theus played match-ups.

Garcia is a very aggressive defender which isn't always a good thing when you are playing again three point set shooters like Peterson and Peja. Instead of letting Garcia pick-up a couple of poorly timed three point fouls, Theus saved his legs for tonight when the Kings play against more aggressive, slashing perimeter players like Deng and Noccioni.

I like the Kings chances tonight. Let's all pray that Artest has the game of his life and Paxson comes calling for him on Sunday.

StR- Where Pookey is long, Otis is short and Section brings down the house.

by jjham15 @ Sactown Royalty on Feb 2, 2008 3:57 PM PST reply actions

I'm not sure that Cisco

Needs his legs saved. Anything under 25 minutes would have been "saving his legs".

I think it's a mistake anytime the Kings are protecting a lead in the last six or seven minutes NOT to have Francisco on the floor. His long arms and ability to defend the three point line are invaluable.

The guy still makes some dumb mistakes from time to time, but his defense and intensity down the stretch of games have not been a problem.

Disclaimer: I am anti-Bibby.

by otis29 on Feb 2, 2008 5:34 PM PST up reply actions

Seems Like

Reggie has shortened his rotation a bit, and Francisco is the odd man out. Basically means his minutes are going to Udrih, Salmons and Hawes, who it seems like is getting slightly more burn recently.

Francisco had that wierd game where he threw up two air balls and missed a technical, so I guess Reggie is waiting to see if that has passed.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 3, 2008 9:38 PM PST up reply actions