The San Antonio Spurs did not lose this game. The Sacramento Kings won it.
Going into the game, San Antonio had the league's best home record at 9-0. The Kings were only 1-7 on the road and hadn't beaten San Antonio since 2007. Nobody expected Sacramento to win this game tonight, but they did, and they did so by playing like a team (for most of the game).
The Kings started the 1st quarter clicking on all cylinders. The ball movement was crisp, the offense was up-tempo and the Kings were hitting their shots. This looked like the team that Keith Smart was promising when he took over, and it was glorious. The Kings finished the quarter up 32-20, with 9 assists and only 1 turnover, and would push the lead to 15 early in the 2nd. The Spurs are not pushovers however, and they started to take advantage of the Kings mistakes. The offensive ball movement also began to stagnate as San Antonio's defense tightened, and Sacramento was lucky to still be up at halftime.
The Spurs kept it close for much of the second half and finally took the lead late in the 4th as they started to string some threes and fast break buckets together. Tony Parker was the catalyst of the comeback, and he finished with 24 points and 6 assists, with no other Spur scoring more than 10. Down by 4 points with a minute and a half left, the Kings had to get a couple of big shots from somewhere. It wasn't the clutch Marcus Thornton who stepped up however, but the oft-maligned John Salmons. John hit two consecutive jumpers to tie the game, and Tyreke Evans hit the deciding bucket on the next possession to give the Kings the lead.
San Antonio had two chances to tie the game and failed on both possessions thanks to some good Kings defense (which was good all night, holding the Spurs to just 37.8% shooting). The Kings tried to extend the lead to 4 after the Spurs 1st attempt, but the shot rimmed out and was almost corralled by Sacramento for a 2nd chance but instead went out of bounds, giving San Antonio a final chance with 5.5 seconds left. The Kings had a foul to give, and according to Tyreke Evans' post-game interview, the initial plan was to use it. Instead the Spurs inbounded the ball to Tim Duncan (who had sat for most of the 2nd half) and looked to have him either pass it to a cutting Tony Parker or hand it off to Danny Green. Tyreke Evans did a great job of sealing off Parker, and Green got the ball and actually got a decent bit of space, but missed the running floater badly. Tim Duncan had position on DeMarcus Cousins and managed to tip it, but it was also short and the Kings won just their second road game and also won consecutive games for the first time this season.
Tyreke Evans was the clear star of the game, with 23 points on 10-19 shooting (including the de facto game winner) along with 11 rebounds and 7 assists to just 2 turnovers. Tyreke is definitely evolving as a player, especially in the mid-range. He is starting to realize that when he drives, teams will pack the paint, so the mid-range jumper is there, the pass is there if they swarm him, or he can attack the basket. He still makes some mistakes, but definitely not as many.
DeMarcus Cousins and Marcus Thornton were also huge, with both scoring 17 points. Cousins added 13 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals thanks to his great anticipation and quick hands. Cousins left the game in the 3rd quarter after being hit in the head by DeJuan Blair, but he came back midway through the 4th and had some timely rebounds. Most of Marcus' damage came early, but he also added 4 assists. He cooled off later in the game however and did have 5 turnovers. Marcus is not a terrible playmaker, but it's definitely not thinking about creating for others most of the time. The guy is a scorer, and will look to get his points above all else. This can both help and hurt a team, and tonight it did a bit of both. There's no way the Kings don't win without a couple of Marcus' scoring bursts, but he also made it difficult on the team with some of his poor decisions, particularly the possession late in the game where he had the ball for 10 seconds with a defender right in his face and then opted to shoot a tough contested two pointer right inside the three point line, literally the worst shot you can take in the NBA.
Jason Thompson started again and again continued to play well, having a 10 point, 10 rebound double-double in 30 minutes. His hands did look they were being remote controlled by someone else at points though as he fumbled a couple of nice passes and shot attempts that should have been easy buckets.
As mentioned before John Salmons came up big for the Kings late, with two of his three buckets coming in the deciding stretch. He also hit a three and played very solid defense on Richard Jefferson, who went just 2-8 from the field. This is the kind of game from Salmons that I can live with, and hopefully it's a nice confidence booster to get him out of this shooting slump.
The bench for Sacramento wasn't anything special, but there were some good contributions. J.J. Hickson came in and was phenomenal at hitting the offensive glass, snagging 4 (6 total rebounds), and scoring 6 points on 3-6 shooting in 24 minutes. Isaiah Thomas got good looks on offense but couldn't hit shots, but drew a key charge late on Tony Parker.
The Kings also struggled from the Free Throw line, going only 11-19, which almost cost them the game. The ball movement and shot making also sagged off after that incredible 9 assists / 1 turnover 1st quarter, as they had just 7 assists and 13 turnovers afterwards. Still, this team is making progress under Coach Smart (now 4-5 since taking over) and hopefully they can carry this momentum into Memphis tomorrow.
3 recs | 146 comments
Lets get a win in memphis!
CousinsEvansDUO - January 20, 2012
John Salmons
Say what?
Jim Les - January 20, 2012
Team Basketball! Where have you been?! Love It!
Go Kings, Baby!
paleface - January 20, 2012
in the land of westphal. thats where they been.
Bambooozled - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Paul Westfail
Shizzo - January 21, 2012
Fantastic win
I had 100% dislike for Salmons and now its down to only 80%. Thornton needs to learn how to put on the brakes as he has at least on bad charge per game.
JT in the starting lineup is great and I still don’t get why JJ was starting ahead of him.
Salmons may be coming around. He wasn’t as much of a black hole as in the past.
I still can’t fathom why Westphal coached this team for so long and why he didn’t run more like they are now.
Bambooozled - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Hey! It's their job to make him happy.
Shizzo - January 21, 2012
This team isn't going to suck from 3pt land forever
There are way too many good shooters playing below par. Seriously, if we play defense like we did today, hit our free throws, and shoot a decent percentage from 3pt land we can take on anyone.
Seriously? The best home team in the NBA vs the worst road team in the NBA, and the road team won ? This may be the start of something special gentlemen…
Scirocco - January 20, 2012
i agree
It is the start of something there’s no doubt about it. Kings are only a few games out of the 8th spot and they just beat the 4th best team in the east and the spurs.
Bambooozled - January 20, 2012 via mobile
JT with lots of false hustle tonight
What are we going to do with that kid??
otis29 - January 20, 2012
Blob'd
BPaoliano - January 20, 2012
Nice.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
Keep him in starting line-up. Until Chuck Hayes gets healthy.
He rebounded within his area. And scored when teammates drew his defender. Just what I and any reasonable fan would expect. And not anything else, since his skills dictate so. Carry on.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
How does his dictate?
section214 - January 20, 2012
ask Kobe.
Jim Les - January 20, 2012
Check your grammar if you want a response.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
The fact that you missed the joke just makes it funnier.
Aykis16 - January 20, 2012
What?
His skills dictate so. In other words, he scores when he is left open and rebounds in his area. What else can he do? Not much. Given his skill level, good job, JT.
/bored
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
LOL
otis29 - January 20, 2012
LOL
BPaoliano - January 20, 2012
LOL
Aykis16 - January 20, 2012
LOL
Crazy King Man from OZ - January 20, 2012
LOL
sac_faithful - January 20, 2012
Can't....stop...laughing...
otis29 - January 20, 2012
Um...
I am not ignorant to the fact that the word dictate can be made to sound like “dick tastes” but I am sort of above and beyond 13 year old humor…but I know that I know my audience, it explains a lot as to why I am outcast around here.
So long, guys.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
That's one way to handle it, I suppose
otis29 - January 20, 2012
For the record
I don’t like you.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
I'm ok with that
For the record, I do like you. I think you’re a bit thinkskinned – but pretty smart, and occasionally funny when you aren’t taking yourself overly serious.
Sorry it rubbed you the wrong way. Hope you hang around.
otis29 - January 20, 2012
Or thinskinned, more accurately.
otis29 - January 20, 2012
The record will so reflect.
Juan Primo - January 20, 2012
Who is in charge of the record as StR?
I for one would like to take some time and review it.
ElRonToro - January 20, 2012
Pookey: StR Stenographer
How did you think he learned to type so many paragraphs so fast?
wallywagon11 - January 20, 2012
It is where you learn dictating skills.
Slam_Dunk - January 21, 2012
lolz
Shizzo - January 21, 2012
Kings won!
Good times right??
outrider - January 20, 2012
13?
I’m movin’ up! I was a 2 year old in the post game thread a couple of nights ago.
They grow up so fast…
section214 - January 20, 2012
perv
Shizzo - January 21, 2012
I know I'm pushing my limits on here tonight
Naw, Iove your opinions bench_bob. Welcome any time in my mind.
bignerd - January 20, 2012
Stick around, Blob,
I know I’m a nobody on these forums, but I do enjoy your perspective on the team—especially when you write a fanpost.
The “banter” between you and otis29 is part of what makes this place unique.
The Crown Royal Gentleman - January 20, 2012
The whole world is a bunch of 13 year olds masquerading as adults.
vikinginferno - January 20, 2012
I so thought you said masturbating when I first glance
I was like Wha? Yes, I am a perv. I need a 12 step.
ElRonToro - January 20, 2012
Just 12 jerk and it'll be alright.
iashwash - January 21, 2012
Blob your far from an outcast
You just have stubborn random man hate for JT an its funny
KingsFanInPortland - January 20, 2012 via mobile
I like you blob
But agree with Otis when he says you’re a little “thin-skinned”. Lighten up a little. Aside from your JT bashing I appreciate your takes
Allbenji - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Blob I like ur posts.
DO WHAT U DO!
Shizzo - January 21, 2012
I may be stepping in a chasm but I'll help clear up section214's joke...
The Crown Royal Gentleman - January 20, 2012
Aw you're spoiling the fun.
Aykis16 - January 20, 2012
/flagged
ruined it
bignerd - January 20, 2012
Oops, sorry.
The Crown Royal Gentleman - January 20, 2012
Tates like your Grammer
But I don’t think she’s going to like you saying that about her.
sj60615 - January 20, 2012
Chasm is
About as many steps as it would take to finish the dribbling you’ve got going on there ;D. Pretty big.
HarveySpecter - January 20, 2012
Damn it section
Gonna make me wake up the kid!
otis29 - January 20, 2012
this was begging for a
“I dunno why don’t you tell me” response.
wallywagon11 - January 20, 2012
Unfortunately and apparently,
all of the other 13 year olds had already gone to bed.
section214 - January 20, 2012
polotown - January 21, 2012
He had a nice running lefty hook on Duncan today
It impressed me anyways
Scirocco - January 20, 2012
Agree. Nice lefty shot in second half.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
He's been using the left hand with more and more success
Great skill to have.
Aykis16 - January 20, 2012
TWSS
Mityt - January 20, 2012 via mobile
JT is doing a ton better job on defense
He’s getting the tougher assignments now and is typically doing a pretty nice job. Tonight was one of his worst nights in a while it seemed and he still handled Duncan reasonably well for the few minutes he played. That would have never happened with hyperactive, foul-a-minute JT from a couple of years ago.
Grasul - January 20, 2012
Agree, like he gave up the baseline bank shot from Duncan early.
Then, he didnt give up the baseline against Duncan the rest of the game.
Wonderchild - January 20, 2012
well done Otis
MichaelMack - January 20, 2012
I'm sad I missed the game but happy at the result
Smart for coach of the year if the Kings play .500 ball. Tyreke showing development after just 10 games? Improvement on the court with virtually no practice time? Makes me want to tar and feather the Malindas for being so cheap. We could have had a real coach with our ROY from day one.
sac_faithful - January 20, 2012
Actually I hope he doesn't win COY because then he'll immediately cost too much for the Maloofs
prowseinthehouse - January 20, 2012
And Im pretty sure Doug Collins has the COY in the bag, unless Philly completely tanks.
Wonderchild - January 20, 2012
Other early candidates would be
Thibs, Vogel (though Indy’s schedule gets a lot tougher) and George Karl.
section214 - January 20, 2012
I would also add Nate McMillan
He seems to be the Rodney Dangerfield of NBA coaches.
Wonderchild - January 20, 2012
New Jerry Sloan - as far as COY is concerned
SPTSJUNKIE - January 20, 2012
We have 3 young stars...
And as I have said before when all 3 play well, we have damn great chance to win anywhere against anyone, and thats what happened tonight:
Tyreke with near triple double.
DeMarcus with rare efficient shooting (7 out of 12 field, 3 out of 4 line)
and Marcus was consistently aggressive all night.
I know High Tops does not like his efficiency, but Marcus is close to being back. I expected a big game tonight, and we almost got one. The first two games off injury he was not himself. Against the Pacers he was once again healthy, just not quite to his sharpest form. And tonight, he made plays just not as many as he is capable, but getting close.
The sum amounts to 2.5 out of 3 which was enough to knock of a previously undefeated home team and the BEST win of the season. Congrats to Coach Smart for an awesome job preparing his team against formidable odds.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
Disagree about Thornton, I actually see him becoming worse
especially with his decision making
prowseinthehouse - January 20, 2012
Not worse.
Just mixed results. I love his aggressiveness. Look, if you want to influence the outcome of games, you have to make plays. Marcus can make plays. He is extremely confident and assertive. And he doesn’t let mistakes influence the next play. I love the way he approaches the game. Marcus is a winner. The best is yet to come.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
...
I agree. He’ll learn to pick is spots as he grows and this team gels. I definitely see a passion in the man.
The Crown Royal Gentleman - January 20, 2012
Yes
And he’s still young with room for improvement. I believe he got drafted the same year Tyreke did, The guy is aggressive/competetive/clutch.
Chent - January 20, 2012 via mobile
MT23
has missed some open shots and had forced his share of shots… but I see him coming along. Playing D, pushing the ball and being very aggressive. Lets not forget this is his 3rd year in the league.
ridingthebench - January 20, 2012
I couldn't find a place to fit it into the recap
But I agree with you that we are tough to beat when our “Big Three” of Tyreke and DeMarcus Squared have a good night, and we haven’t had many nights this year where all three have been clicking.
Aykis16 - January 20, 2012
Sorry, I can't buy the just coming off of injury excuse, averaged the same pts per shot his entire career
He’s been a high frequency shooter his entire career. The problem for me is he just isn’t consistent so while his average looks ok, he has more down games then up games. He’s averaging 36% from the field in 8 losses, and 45.5% in the 5 wins he’s played. He took 88 shots in the 5 wins or 17.6 attempts per win, and he took 114 shots in the 8 losses or 13.2 shots per lose.
He played 279 minutes in the loses and 189 in the wins. So, in the wins he averaged a shot every 2.15 minutes and averaged a shot every 2.45 minutes in the losses. He really doesn’t care if he’s shooting well or not he’s going to chuck one up every 3 minutes hes’ on the court.
I like Marcus and I’m not saying he isn’t a good asset on this team, but he has just got to change his full speed ahead style whether he’s hot or not. He gets calls for a charge or push off at least twice a game, and his passing isn’t all that great. But, my biggest complaint is that he takes way too many contested shots or shots not in the flow of the offense. These are the things that hurt his efficiency and the team.
HighTops - January 20, 2012
How do you pull those stats out your ... ?
I will say he has not been impressive to me except for the opener. But he was damn impressive last year for the few games he was here. I hope we see that type of player again soon.
hesabasketballplayer - January 20, 2012
So you agree he is an asset to the team?
And he needs to improve on his shot selection? Very astute observation. Give Smart time to coach these guys and I think we will all see an improvement as a team and as individuals. Im not too worried about MT23 in the long run. People seem to forget it is only his 3rd year in the league and really… only his 11th game of the season.
ridingthebench - January 20, 2012
Of course I like him, but as I said he isn't consistent
I only brought up the facts because Blob directly mentioned me as not liking his efficiency, so I thought I’d let the rest of the readers know why.
The fact that he is in his 3rd year, and saw his minutes drop in NO bothers me. You’d think after being traded once already, he’d at least start to understand that he’s not this or any teams main weapon. And, that when he’s not shooting well but still putting up huge numbers of shots, that he is taking those shots away from the teams real scorers.
And, that as long as he continues to be inefficient, it will be much easier to find someone who can replace him.
HighTops - January 20, 2012
Well said
MichaelMack - January 20, 2012
Your data seems to conflict with your conclusions
He shoots 25% less frequently in losses than he does in wins, a pretty clear indication he does slow down on pulling the trigger, at least a little, when we don’t win.
In addition, according to your data, in games where he took 17.6 attempts(wins) he shot 45.5%, in games he shot 36% he took 25% less shots, so clearly Thornton shoots less when he’s not going well.
I agree he takes some bad shots. Part of that is being young, part of it is being asked to play a role he needs to grow into and isn’t ready for. Patience, it never happens as fast as we hope. :-)
Grasul - January 21, 2012
You seem to be ignoring the 2nd part.
I broke it down to minutes, because if you look just at shots per game you don’t take into consideration that the coach may not play him as much when he’s chucking them up badly.
Shots every 2.45 minutes when he shots poorly is one shot every 2:27 . Shots every 2.15 is every 2:09. That’s 18 seconds less is actually 12.2% less, but let’s not argue over percentages.
The point is that I don’t want to have anyone shooting 36% taking 13 shots per game when he’s not our leading scorer. Tyreke has played 3 more games and 102 more minutes but has only taken 28 more shots than Thornton. Thornton is shooting 40% for the season. How many teams have someone shooting 40% taking the most shots per game.
It’s great when he’s hot, but he has only shot above 40% in 5 of the 13 games he’s played and we only won 4 of them. He shot 29% and 41% in our last 2 wins, so how valuable has he been. There is no way he should be playing 36 mpg and taking the ball out of Tyreke’s hand. The only reason he is, is because we don’t have anyone shooting better right now. But even that doesn’t justify some of the terrible shots he’s taken.
HighTops - January 21, 2012
*
Damn I just love when tyreke has games like this. He is really smartening up and making many good decisions.
CousinsEvansDUO - January 20, 2012
Yep. All the critics disappear when Tyreke plays like he did tonight.
He owned the court on both ends. Fantastic effort.
bench_blob - January 20, 2012
Yes. Nice to see him have games like this.
It must feel good for him after having a dismal season last year.
Slam_Dunk - January 20, 2012
Great write up
Especially considering the time constraints.
section214 - January 20, 2012
I can't be turning into a Kings fan...
I enjoy watching them alot, I want them to win and I really like their players. Oh damn, well anyways a great win for the Kings. Like I said, I really enjoyed the game! Keep that streak running!!! (Nice to see Tyreke passing first, he really gets the team going like that)
JulyFishSB - January 20, 2012
It's not too late to repent
God forgives :)
Allbenji - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Join us!
Shizzo - January 21, 2012
Shizzo - January 21, 2012
We got exactly what we needed from everyone tonight
Nothing more, nothing less. That’s a GOOD thing.
Allbenji - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Great work Aykis
Loved and agreed with this:
This was our best game of the season. Great basketball played for most of the night tonight.
In the new offense, Evans is starting to show glimpses of making a third year leap.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 20, 2012
And he is not forcing the issue or doing the same turnovers over and over .
KINGKENJI - January 20, 2012
Agree. Think it shows both his growth and importance of good offensive system
There are more easy assists and less need to force.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 20, 2012
I hope we could see the beast mode that is Tyreke Evans
consistently, he looks like he plays free out there with good decisions.
KINGKENJI - January 20, 2012
If he continues to play like he has the last few games,
he will be an all star, if not this year, next
hesabasketballplayer - January 20, 2012
Agreed, but still have a lot of work to do, but he's making strides slowly but surely i guess
KINGKENJI - January 20, 2012
Only saw the 4th
Loved the Tyreke midrange game. If he consistently includes that in his arsenal, the league will be in deep(er) doo doo. Loved the DMC O board put back there as he just wrestled the ball away from the Spurs guys and put it in. Power basketball baby. Lovin’ the DMC double double action. When he cuts down on the fouls and turnovers…my goodness!!
outrider - January 20, 2012
Nice to see Salmons breakthrough in the closing seconds, when the Kings needed to make plays
KINGKENJI - January 20, 2012
I voted three wins in that poll earlier this week
Does that count the Pacers home game?
bignerd - January 20, 2012
Yeah, was for the 9 game stretch, 8 on the road.
I voted 3, but picked ’em wrong except for Toronto.
AnotherStupidSN - January 21, 2012
Nice team win
Amazing what a couple of wins will do for morale.
You could see the green shoots of a team identity tonight: the running team that rebounds and plays tough man defense. Tyreke played within himself for the most part; we didn’t see too many poor jumpers or threes with 15 seconds left on the shotclock. DeMarcus is turning into a real beast and a game changer. Isaiah Thomas looks like a legit change of pace guard off the bench. I’m not sure where we’ll end up with this team identity, but the last 2 games have got me believing in Keith Smart’s ability to get more than the sum of the parts on this roster.
discocricket - January 20, 2012
Was at the game tonight
Just got home. Man oh man, what a rush.
I was rockin the 55 J-Will special, and my 9-year-old strutted in his cherished Bibby jersey. Spent the entire game texting with my son’s 4th grade teacher; he’s also a Kings fan from Sac and also was at the game. On StR a Kings win means dance gifs; for my son it means 20 extra paw points just for him. That’s a cool teacher, right there.
After the game, I was able to sneak down to behind media row – and had the incredible opportunity to chat with Gary Gerrould for several minutes, until Security saw us and gave me the hook. 3 minutes with the G-man is worth it’s very own FanPost. The experience defies description.
What. A. Night.
doogman77 - January 20, 2012
Rec'd for the Gary Gerrould story
classy man
Scirocco - January 20, 2012
Rec'd
Awesome – thanks for sharing!
section214 - January 20, 2012
Also rec'd
I’ve made it a goal to have a chat with the G-Man at some point. Awesome guy.
HarveySpecter - January 20, 2012
Take a ton of pictures of your son in his Bibby jersey doogman
I took my son to his first Kings game at ARCO when he was nine and I couldn’t talk him out of getting a Bibby jersey so I sprung for it ($60 -tax as I recall). He wore that thing to every Kings game I took him to at ARCO and many games we watched on TV for 4 more years. When he was 13 he was getting ready to go to another Kings game and came out of his room with his arm and head stuck in the jersey.
The Bibby jersey that had literally hung down to the top of his shoes when he was 9 no longer fit. He has just started his second semester at college and we look back at those Kings games fondly. I wish I had taken more pictures of him in his Bibby jersey. Good times!
Bluejohn - January 21, 2012
The thing I learned about this the last few weeks is that being patient with this Team
I was disappointed the last week with the way they are playing, that i say i will not watch them again, but I was wrong. The reason was I wasn’t being patient, just like the young guys out there playing. Now slowly i was seeing good basketball back with the Kings and I am slowly getting back to watching them again.
KINGKENJI - January 20, 2012
Caption
In one fell swoop, Jimmer converts Parker into a Believer with a subtle bop to the head.
convoy - January 20, 2012
You've just never seen Jimmer's Jedi mind trick before
J: “You will…give me…the basketball…”
sj60615 - January 20, 2012
Smart getting it done
4-5 for the Smart Era and the Kings got their second biggest win of the season (LA being first) Can’t wait to see what Smart does with more practice time.
kuhreem - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Would have to disagree about the “seconed biggest win”. They just beat the spurs, who were undefeated on their home floor in San Antonio. Now they are 9 and 1
hesabasketballplayer - January 20, 2012
Proves can beat any team that manages to score under 90 points. Reke has been a roller coaster this season. He’s great, than meh, than bad than starts the loop all over the again.
bignerd - January 20, 2012
He's been solid for quite a few games in a row
The difference is he’s contributing greatly even when he’s not scoring…
otis29 - January 20, 2012
Yep not so bad if he goes 5 for 20 as long as he has the offense rollin'.
hesabasketballplayer - January 20, 2012
He's certainly improved his "all around" game since Coach Smart took the helm.
I like when a player still finds ways to contribute, even when the scoring isn’t there.
The Crown Royal Gentleman - January 20, 2012
A surprising win tonight over a veteran team.
To think, just a couple of weeks ago most of us thought the season was a total loss, but Smart is turning out to have a few tricks up his sleeve. I really wasn’t expecting much from him, but he has been a pleasant surprise. I hope this trend continues and Smart proves that he possesses a combination of qualities to turn our team around.
Nice recap, as usual Aykis.
Slam_Dunk - January 20, 2012
I like that Cousins is getting double doubles on a regular basis
he’s got 10 already
lemmetakeutodamovies - January 20, 2012
He's tied for 3rd with Andrew Bynum
He can tie Dwight Howard tonight
http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/DoubleD.jsp?league=00&season=22011&conf=OVERALL&position=0&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=Y&yearsExp=-1&splitDD=
I wonder when Cousins will start to get respect as one of the best Centers. He is hanging with Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum is almost every category there is and he’s doing it with less minute than both of them. The media completely ignores Cousins and dwells on his red flags.
HeuristicLineup - January 21, 2012
100% agree
I just checked the box score from last night at NBA.com and watched the little recap video that they show along with it. They made sure to highlight his technical foul and turnovers. I think it’s going to take a while for him to shake his reputation, but he seems to be heading in the right direction.
Crocoduck - January 21, 2012
I think the best part is that he is very aware of that fact
When asked about whether those things were in the past, he answered that they’ll never be.
He’s a smart kid, and knows there will always be those that are going to take shots at him. He’s handling it well.
HighTops - January 21, 2012
We have taken out the Lakers, and the Spurs...
………next is the Griz.
After that…………….we take China.
ThankgodwehaveWhiteside! - January 20, 2012
Watch out for Doubys
prowseinthehouse - January 20, 2012
Good call
Shizzo - January 21, 2012
"Only Nixon can go to China"
May we live long and prosper.
HarveySpecter - January 21, 2012
I'm really enjoying Coach Smart so far (small sample size, I know) and seeing actual progression..
with this young team. The players seem to be buying into whatever Smart has been selling to them and wow, what a night and day difference from the PW led Kings squad. They still make a crap-ton of bonehead mistakes but I’m seeing much more intensity on the defensive side of the ball, more passing, more fast breaks, more offensive rebounding, off ball defense and just better overall team cohesion. Since Smart has been HC we’ve seen better decisions with timeouts and quicker recognition when a lineup isn’t working, actual offensive patterns, more vocal and more supportive with and of players, etc, etc, I could go on but I’ll spare all of you.
Go coach Smart!!! Thank you for a renewed outlook for this franchise’s future.
DiegoKing - January 20, 2012
I agree. Smart is a genius.
ridingthebench - January 20, 2012
Genius? maybe, but he's certainly working Hard along the sidelines
what I found interesting is that Pop matched up with us. Last year PW always set his rotations based on what the other coach had on the floor.
Pop held Duncan out for part of the 3rd and all of the 4th until the last 5 seconds of the game.
HighTops - January 20, 2012
Instead of Keith Smart, it should be Keith Genius
SaKINGS - January 21, 2012
What I've liked best
Is that after every practice he gets with this team, the team comes out the next night with signs of improvements. The team is listening and the team is translating what he is saying on the court and it’s noticeable.
HeuristicLineup - January 21, 2012
That first quarter had me doing this
kyleramos - January 20, 2012
Question about 'Reke's buzzer beater 1Q...
IIRC, he faded away when he shot that three. Was that necessary, or habit? It’s generally so much harder to hit a fadeaway, I don’t know why he reverts to that. Just asking because I seem to remember his technique looking very good in the first game or two.
HarveySpecter - January 21, 2012
Fades more often than not
I wish he’d stop
ElRonToro - January 21, 2012
but his release point has gotten pretty darn consistent
ElRonToro - January 21, 2012
That shot could have been blocked had he went straight up with it.
Ultrakingsfan - January 21, 2012
Yep, had someone right on him and faded away to create space, good move
HighTops - January 21, 2012
I think it may have to do with Reke's long arms
and the way he swings wide with his dribble—thus telegraphing his slower-moving pull-up and giving the defender more time to react.
Fading away obviously gives him more distance from a swipe or block, but does in fact, make the attempt a lower percentage shot. Looks nice when it goes in, tho.
VirginiaBlue - January 21, 2012
question on the NBA league pass
If I want to catch replays of kings games such as this one, would the league pass provide that for me? Or would the replay of the kings through NBA league pass be blacked out because I live in the Sacramento region??
Stinky_916 - January 21, 2012
It will be blacked out probably
All of Minnesota’s games are blacked out for me. (I live in MN)
Grasul - January 21, 2012
Blackout rules apply still…Biggest Sham in all sports..Blackout rules
Widowwolf - January 21, 2012
thanks for the response
guess I need to invest in a dvr system =(
Stinky_916 - January 21, 2012
DVR will change your life.
Shizzo - January 21, 2012
One other thing I loved
The Spurs announcers have gone from unlistenable a few years ago when the Spurs walked on water and never committed a foul or did something dumb to merely terrible now, but still, with a couple of minutes left Sean Elliott said (paraphrasing) “Young teams implode under the prssure” and was really wading deeply into the arrogance pool.
It warmed the heart to see our guys get the job done down the stretch. Salmons has been terrible and still made some bad decisions tonight, but there was at least a glimpse of the guy he could be on this team. He could be an asset, it may be asking him to change too much attitude-wise though.
Grasul - January 21, 2012
Salmons walked over to cousins to see if he was ok after getting an elbow to the head so he’s not a bad of a teamate. im still pist about his game , and jacking up missed 3s and ball hogging the past games but he played a little better tonight. overall the team played like a team. a fun game to watch.
Beer_man - January 21, 2012
Great win, so fun to watch them pull it off at the end.
The half court offense still needs a lot of work. The spacing looked good most of the night, but they’re (mainly Thorton and Salmons) still taking to many shots outside of the offense.
In the second half the Spurs turned up the D and put a lot of pressure on the guards with the bigs stepping out on every screen. They need to stop trying to dribble out of that and make the pass as soon as they see it coming. JT was open at the free throw line almost everytime, and could of made some plays.
Rebounding and defense has won the last two games, hopefully they keep it up tonight.
Crocoduck - January 21, 2012 via mobile
Winning rules...
garylicious - January 21, 2012
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