Phoenix Suns at Sacramento Kings
7 p.m. Pacific on Comcast SportsNet California
After a truly incredible win on Thursday, the Kings are back at it in Sacramento tonight, meeting the Suns. The Kings have won four of five, and the loss was a two-point defeat at Minnesota during which an epic comeback came juuuust short. (Literally 'just short,' as Donte Greene's three at the buzzer to win it went front rim.)
Thursday erased all of that. Not only did the Kings win the first quarter and hang tough throughout the game, but Sacramento completely out-executed Oklahoma City -- the team with the No. 1 record in the NBA -- down the stretch. Now, the Thunder are exactly known for creative and spectacular execution late in fourth quarters. Many consider that their biggest flaw. But the Kings are among the youngest teams in the league, have a brand new coach and a weird, non-traditional roster. And they schooled OKC's ass in the final five minutes, reeling off a 19-6 run for the win. Just amazing.
Phoenix didn't have similar success on Thursday -- the Suns lost at home to the Rockets. By record, they have been about as good -- err, mediocre -- at home as they have been on the road, so don't expect a walkover. Phoenix is 6-8 on the road and 5-7 at home. But point differential has been a different story: the Suns are -1 per game at home and a rough -5.9 points per game on the road. Of particular issue has been the team's turnover problems: the Suns average 14.7 per game on the road vs. 12.8 at home.
With pretty much the rest of the month on the road, this is a big game if the Kings are serious about getting more national attention this season. A win would vault Sacramento into No. 3 in the Pacific Division. There's a lot of season left, but the Kings haven't finished better than last in the division since 2008. Legit progress, no matter how small, is legit progress.
Game's at 7. Game threads at 7 and 8:30. Important note about GIFs and photos coming at 4. Let's go Kings!
2 recs | 91 comments
No more boobs?
No more boobs.
tomroadrunner - February 11, 2012
ASLplease - February 11, 2012
LMAO
that got got a good laugh
wallywagon11 - February 11, 2012
That is how to get us neandrethals to get your message
ElRonToro - February 11, 2012
Neanderthals only would have gotten the message if she wrote it on her breasts
SPTSJUNKIE - February 11, 2012
i keep watching this
hoping the paper gets caught on the shirt and comes off
FTFeli - February 11, 2012
and judging the degree to which the paper is elevated
Most times, sexy is what you don’t see.
betweentheeyes - February 11, 2012
You are a wise man bte, wise beyond your years
Whoops, forgot for a minute there how old you are. Uhm………………never mind!
In spite of your age, you are a wise man bye.
Bluejohn - February 11, 2012
at our advanced stage of life Bluejohn, we tend to understand that the brain is the most important erogenous zone and the one that secures the best arousal
rather than when I was a good deal younger and all I needed was only a hint of evidence of a pulse and the desired gender
betweentheeyes - February 11, 2012
so right
The hint of a revealed ankle in societies where the women wear long dresses, the glimpse of a young woman’s eyes in those countries where they wear burkas. Sometimes less really is more, a lot more.
Bluejohn - February 11, 2012
Pretty succint post right there.
Probably all that is needed.
HarveySpecter - February 11, 2012
borderline flag worthy
for false pretenses!!!
JVinci - February 11, 2012
Serf - respect?
prowseinthehouse - February 11, 2012
No jiggle; no wiggle
Looks like you guys are going to have to become more creative with your gif selection.
Slam_Dunk - February 11, 2012
Should there be an Over/Under going on how close this comes to being "denigrating?"
HarveySpecter - February 11, 2012
I hope you are not feeling denigrated; not my intent.
Slam_Dunk - February 11, 2012
Oh not me good sir :D.
HarveySpecter - February 11, 2012
Didn't think so, just checking.
Slam_Dunk - February 11, 2012
What?! No more boobs?!?!
HeuristicLineup - February 11, 2012
Tyreke vs Nash, who's the better PG.
I’d like to start off by saying that Thursday’s game was a glorious effort and a huge step for the Kings. They did exactly what they needed to do to win, by limiting their turnovers and maximizing their Offensive Rebounds and 2nd chance points. They continued to go to their strength which was in the paint in spite of getting their shot blocked 17 times which nullified the majority of their 22 FGA advantage. In the end one negative was very apparent; the Kings half-court offense is in need of major work
.
The Kings have a .636 winning percentage at home while playing fewer home games than any team in the West. OKC is the only team in the West that has a better road winning percentage than that, and we know we can beat them at home. So any home game should be a good chance for a victory which brings us to our next victim, the Phoenix Suns.
The Kings were 3-1 against the Suns last season and have won the last 3 including both games at PBP. In our last meeting, the 116-113 victory at PBP on March 29th of last season, the Kings big 3 all had great games. Thornton was the high scorer with 24 and career high 11 rebounds, Tyreke played 26 minutes off the bench and had 11pts, 10 rebs and 8 asts. DeMarcus had 17pts, 7 rebs and a career high 8 assists. Jason Thompson recorded his eighth double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Donte Greene scored 18 points off the bench.
Phoenix is one game ahead of the Kings in the standings, having won 5 of their last 10 games, and is 6-8 on the road. Contrary to their previous history as a high scoring team, the Suns have only scored over 100 pts in 6 of their 26 contests but did win 5 of the 6. Defensively they allowed they opponents to score 100+ points in 10 games and the Suns lost 8 of those. They’ve done it against the weakest schedule in the Pacific division.
While the Suns have the advantage in TS% and Assist Rate, the Kings have the advantage on the boards. The Kings scoring advantage at the rim is partially nullified with Nash dishing out half of his assists at the rim. Nash is dishing out 10 apg down from the last two season’s 11 apg average, but like any true playmaking PG more than half come in the paint and mostly at the rim. JJ would probably be a double-double guy on Nash’s team. Gortat’s FG% at the rim is up almost 10% above his career average before coming to Phoenix, and 82% of his baskets are assisted.
Phoenix is pretty long of tooth, which is probably why the Pace of play has slowed to below the Pace of San Antonio. Their front court of Hill, Gortat, and Frye and their back court of Nash and Dudley have a combined 45 years of NBA experience. Add 11 for Michael Redd, 7 for Sebastian Telfair, 6 from several others and you have a team desperate for youth. Their entire starting lineup is capable of putting up double digit scoring, but only Gortat is a threat on the boards. Frye and rookie Markieff Morris are pulling down 5-6 rebs per game each.
The Suns are 4-2 for February and 3-1 on the road, but they got those wins by taking care of business against New Orleans, Charlotte and Milwaukee and squeaking out a win against Atlanta by shooting 11-24 or 46% from 3pt range. The two losses came at the hands of Houston. They stepped up their 3PT shooting in February to 38%, mostly from the shooting of Nash, Dudley and Morris, but Frye is always a danger if left unguarded.
Over the last 10 games the Kings and Suns are averaging 37.5% from beyond the arc while Phoenix holds a 44.5% to 42.7% advantage from the field. The Kings have a substantial advantage if they continue to play inside-out basketball. And, especially if they help defend in the paint to take away the advantage the Suns get from Nash’s play.
With the game almost sold out, I like the Kings chances to start another winning streak although it could come to a quick end in Chicago on Tuesday. If the Kings can keep the turnovers to a minimum like they did against OKC, this could be the first blow-out victory of the season.
HighTops - February 11, 2012
Well done. Always must read material on game day.
SPTSJUNKIE - February 11, 2012
Nice job once again HighTops
Your previews are absolutely marvelous!
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
I hope so... a blow out for the Kings would be a nice change of pace.
Slam_Dunk - February 11, 2012
"With the game almost sold out, . . . "
Come on guys! Lets get out to ARCO [never PBP] and repeat Thursday night! I can tell you that out of the hundreds of games I’ve watched at ARCO, the Back to Black game was almost better than watching the Kings win over the Fakers opening night. And that game was only better b/c it was the Fakers. I loved Thurdsay’s game so much that when I got home at 11:30 I watched the game again! We still won in amazing fashion. SO, lets get tickets, get another sellout, and show the team we love them, the city they really need a new arena, and the Maloofs that they have got to pony up the $$$ to complete the arena financing deal.
Record_on_SUV - February 11, 2012
It will be interesting to see how
Tyreke matches up against a 37 year old Nash.
HarveySpecter - February 11, 2012
Lay up King!
HeuristicLineup - February 11, 2012
PLAYOFFS!
2001nbachampions - February 11, 2012 via iPhone app
jk.
Hopefully we are in contention for the 8th spot
2001nbachampions - February 11, 2012 via iPhone app
1 game at a time.
VenomySnicket - February 11, 2012
I like Ernie Banks, "let's play two today", myself
HighTops - February 11, 2012
Someone agrees with you
"We have to bring the same intensity every game. We need everybody to be ready," Evans said later. "We still have a chance to make the Playoffs. We just have to keep playing (and) just take it one game at a time."
ElRonToro - February 11, 2012
4.5 games back!!
Indi beats Denver
Dallas beats Portland
3.5 games back!!
HeuristicLineup - February 11, 2012
This is a heat-check game.
We should win this one. Our bigs are better and with the exception of Nash our backcourt ought to outplay their’s.
That’s sort of a big exception though. :|
Schneezel - February 11, 2012
Nothing is a heat-check game. Kings need to think that every game is a must-win.
VenomySnicket - February 11, 2012
I'm thirsty for a blowout!!!
Come on cousins show the whole league that you mean business!!!! I want cousins to score his first 50game-25rebound game and absolutely obliterate marcin gortat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
Heat check may have been the wrong term.
But I want to see the Kings beat opponents that they should beat, and build up consistent good play. This kind of game is an excellent gauge after the emotional win against the Thunder.
Schneezel - February 11, 2012
Thermometer game
Or barometer. Whichever one is the commonly used term.
jveezy - February 11, 2012
Except of course when you play Miami
ElRonToro - February 11, 2012
It's damn nice to have a competitive team again.
VenomySnicket - February 11, 2012
If we win this game, we will be 8-4 at home.
That’s just fantastic. Taking care of games at home is the first step, second step will be being competitive on the road, which will happen once the team matures and tightens its chemistry.
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
I'm really sad I won't be able to watch the game tonight.
I got a Sadie Hawkin’s dance to go to haha. I figure this is the last one ever for me, so I ought to take the chance.
Schneezel - February 11, 2012
Are you serious bro?!
How could you miss a kings game! Are you out of your mind!
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
bros before...
nevermind
FTFeli - February 11, 2012
The girlfriend isn't as crazy about basketball as I am.
And lets face it, I enjoy the after-parties.
Schneezel - February 11, 2012
Kings play like 50% team under Smart
A 50% team playing the King’s schedule would have won 7.8 of the 19 games the Kings have played under Smart. (This has been a hard schedule.) The Kings have won 8 of thee games. Lots can happen, but they are on schedule to win 50% of the games played under Smart. Let’s hope they do even better. Like the way Tyreke is sacrificing shots for team play.
Carlji - February 11, 2012
$ Title
PurpleHurts - February 11, 2012
The Kings have improved...
The Kings are playing better team basketball. They are passing the basketball better and getting more of their teamates involved in the offense. Keith Smart deserves some credit for this improvement. And the Kings players deserve some credit for being smart enough to heed the advice.
I do like how he used IT and Jimmer off the bench last game. Both players need time to develop so Smart has created that time for both recently so I am pleased with the change. I hope it continues. Both players are helping the team succeed while the starters are resting.
Bringing Chuck Hayes off of the bench makes sense in favour of players like Jason Thompson. There are players that I like on the Kings and Jason Thompson is one of those players. I think Chuck Hayes shows maturity as well and is good fit for Jimmer and IT – he brings some poise and good decision making to the table.
Go Kings – Jimmer fans are simply Kings fans in the waiting. Recognize the “cash cow” delivered conveniently to your table. Savour the meal – try not to compost it.
UpandUnder - February 11, 2012
You had a surprisingly nice post going until the last paragraph
otis29 - February 11, 2012
Can quite understand the juxtaposition...
To be honest, I can’t quite understand the juxtaposition established by a handful of posters between “Jimmer fans” and “Kings fans” – seems a little contrived and maybe a tad myopic.
Honestly – get in touch with your inner “Borg” Kings organization and assimilate Jimmer fans into your collective. See – all you needed to do was give him minutes and scoring opportuities and now you’ve engendered loyalty. More importantly, eyeballs are on the Kings when they could be on a host of other NBA teams.
Tyreke, It, and Hayes and bunch of others were giving him touches. He was reciprocating by passing the ball to them. That’s effective team play.
As group, they’re sharing the basketball and running more disciplined offensive sets and they’re winning. I like the body language on the bench when they cheer on their teamates – Jimmer included.
Now – they’re watcheable.
UpandUnder - February 11, 2012
I've watched the Kings for almost 3 decades without Jimmer
The Kings do not need Jimmer to be watcheable, but it is more fun when their #10 pick earns minutes and then produces. That said, if he goes down in flames and moves on, the folks that were Kings fans pre-Jimmer will still be here, and to us they will still be watcheable.
I can root for the Kings with or without Jimmer. This is a Kings blog, not a Jimmer blog. Kings > Jimmer at Sactown Royalty. That does not mean that I am rooting against him. I am a Kings fan and would love to see our top rookie pick succeed, provided that he earns his way. But I do not need see Jimmer to enjoy a Kings game, or for it to be wathceable.
section214 - February 11, 2012
A long time Kings fan...
who probably watched Chris Webber, Jason Williams, Vlade, and Peja during a very exciting period.
Simply a personal preference – not in in everyone’s taste – but I find basketball more enjoyable to view and to critque when I’m impassioned about the players I’m supporting. In that sense – and this will undoubtedly sound sacreligious in these parts – support for given player can and does transcend team support under some conditions.
IT and Jimmer are the consumate “underdogs” in a world where physicality trumps most other attributes (insert Blake Griffin). I can’t support Jimmer and not also support IT for the same reasons. I find it mystifying when some posters (another theme) can support IT and also not support Jimmer. They both suffer the same limitation (undersized) but attempt to compensate with a specialized skill set – scoring in Jimmer’s example and explosiveness, ball handling, and playmaking in IT’s case.
UpandUnder - February 11, 2012
My problem with this is
Your use of the word “support”. Besides being vague, it seems to assume that people feel the need to pick “player X” over “player Y”. And while that may be true for some people, I don’t think it applies to a significant portion of “The Borg”.
There are players I don’t care for, but when they are on the court, I root like hell for them to help the team to victory. Even John Salmons.
So you’re confusing criticism of performance with lack of support IMO. Isaiah has undoubtedly played better than Jimmer to this point, and I sense you see approval of Isaiah’s performance and disappointment at Jimmer’s performance as bias when it’s simply analysis of the available data.
otis29 - February 11, 2012
Possibly?
I think there is an element of “skewed thinking” running through the criticisms of Jimmer stemming from a media driven backlash to his “boyband manufactured image” – analogous perhaps to Justin Bieber.
Objections to Jimmer can sometimes consequently defy logic and are based purely upon moral indignancy. That’s not to say there are not equally polarizing positions in the Jimmer camp – analogous to screaming Justin Bieber fans.
Now if you want to debate why I can’t route for John Salmons I’m here for you. Likewise, if you want to debate why I don’t think IT has necessarily outplayed Jimmer I’m also interested.
UpandUnder - February 11, 2012
laundry
wallywagon11 - February 11, 2012
Sorry, Emporer, but you removed your clothes long ago
The sum of your comments reveal you to be a Jimmer jockey, in my opinion, which makes your opinons more difficult to read objectively, at least for me. You’re just attempting a different, more roundabout angle. And that’s OK. Just own what you are – a Jimmer fan that never frequented this site until Fredette arrived, and one that would be likely gone the moment Fredette relocates.
section214 - February 12, 2012
So - I'm wasting my time here...
No interest in debating? Unconditional team support – all decisions are devoid of scrutiny? Counterpoints are dismissed as the “mad ramblings” of a biased fan with little credability. Well – this is disappointing.
Would I be better off frequenting a Jimmer Fan site where everyone thinks alike? Where is the fun in that? Nobody questioning anybody else – everyone reinforcing the same opinions. Not exactly democratic. Yawn, stretch, touch your toes.
I am surprised that I encountered a similar “group think” in a Kings fan site. One big monolith. Oh well – enjoy the games,.
UpandUnder - February 12, 2012
Laundry
and no group told me to think of it that way. But I will say, Elron might have had a point.
wallywagon11 - February 12, 2012
You're not wasting your time here
You might be wasting everyone else’s…
Simply, you’re rooting for Jimmer first, then the Kings. The bulk of the fans here (especially the long time members) are Kings fans that root for the players.
And I love the fact that you have defaulted to the tried and true “isn’t this a site for discussion” and “group think” diatribes upon being exposed. Weak, weak sauce.
The difference between you and a Kings fan is that a Kings fan is rooting for Jimmer to make the Kings better, not the other way around.
section214 - February 12, 2012
Well now, it appears you want engage afterall...
I hope you don’t suffer from “writer’s cramp” because we’re just getting started. I’ll offer you a stepping stool off of that sanctimonious high horse of yours.
Hmmm – I’m trying to decipher your position (such as it is) and it appears to be something along the lines that somehow support for a given player on a team precludes support for the team as a whole – as if these goals are somehow mutually exclusive.
How does it follow exactly that Jimmer’s improvement as a player as a direct consequence of the influence of the team’s coaching staff is somehow “at odds” with the goals of the Kings organization? Wouldn’t his improvement as a player coincide with team improvement presumably. How is a wish for that to take place disloyal to the Kings?
If I were to follow your lead I would somehow need to separate individual player development from the team’s overaching goals – the two are not so easily separated.
But this is not limited to Jimmer – it applies to any player on the Kings of importance (Tyreke Evans, Demarcus Cousins,etc.). Westphal’s removal related directly to how Cousins was or was not progressing as a player and it’s direct relationship to the Kings’ fortunes. A different approach by coaching staff produced a different outcome in Cousin’s case. His increased production has helped the Kings.
UpandUnder - February 12, 2012
Okay, excuse me for jumping in the middle of this
Look, I often like to express my opinions on this website. Often times when I like something I rec it and often times when I disagree I chime in and give my own dumb opinion. Often times this kind of alters how people perceive me here, I can see that. That being said, I don’t come in here to debate or start anything, it’s just one of those things where if I see something that makes me think, I have a habit of wanting to express what I am thinking.
And I’m telling you right now: nobody wants to play your little game. Instead of asking Otis whether he wants to debate IT, why not just say why you don’t think IT necessarily outplayed Jimmer. When nobody takes you on your offer because it’s painfully obvious what you are trying to do, no need to pull the “group think” card with a few condesending remarks. It already seemed quite clear what the goal was before and it gets more clear the more you type.
And nobody is going to have any interest in going down this rabbit hole if you keep up the whole bit. Drop it if you are interested in anything close to an actual discussion.
wallywagon11 - February 12, 2012
basically
up top when Otis claims that perhaps you are confusing criticism of performance with lack of support and that Isaiah has “undoubtedly played better than Jimmer to this point” just tell him why you disagree if you disagree on whether Isaiah has really performed undoubtedly better than Jimmer. That’s it. If it’s a reasonable point, congrats you made a reasonable point.
wallywagon11 - February 12, 2012
section214 - February 12, 2012
You may want to be careful about who you assume are and are not Jimmer fans
otis29 - February 11, 2012
I make no assumptions...
one way or another to a specific post – more to a theme or two in a series of posts.
UpandUnder - February 11, 2012
Laundry
wallywagon11 - February 11, 2012
I think you see the world thru Jimmer colored glasses
and are not seeing the true picture. Jimmer is being treated fairly by 98% of the posters.
Jimmer is a number 10 pick and no where near the underdog IT is, he lead the freaking country in scoring last year. The 2% are a little resentful that the pub out weighs the performance. All 100% of StR wants Jimmer to suceed. We do get upset with the fans that defend a Jimmer 1 for 5 night by saying if he got more minutes touches and his teammates didn’t freeze him out he would have gone for 30.
You’re a Jimmer fan great. I too like to root for players. I like Cisco and DMC and Donte the most. I had a hard time rooting for Ron-Ron until I realized how messed up he was and that provided me with sympathy while I watched every game worrying a 30 games suspension could occur in the next moment.
Start a secret Jimmer sight to root for him to extremes.
And lastly, my only real criticism, you have a tendency to sound like you’re lecturing us and unless you’re my Mama under a pseudonym that aint gonna fly.
ElRonToro - February 11, 2012
a less than stellar performance...
from Jimmer and others last evening. Jimmer made some nice passes but his shooting was horrid. I find that frustrating. If, anything, I would like to see his shooting become more consisent and he can work on the other aspects of his game over time.
As far as the lecturing charge is concerned – my writing style is pompous but it’s nothing personal. Designed more to be entertaining and controversial and, above all, a lightening rod for argument. These forums are one of the few locations where unfiltered sports debate is permitted to exist.
UpandUnder - February 12, 2012
Rage on, Mr. Fredette
And good luck to your son in the future.
section214 - February 12, 2012
Let's Start A Sacramento Basketball Chant....
Kinda like how this guy does it…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbhwFY7YhIg
jonnyplastic@yahoo.com - February 11, 2012
I think he needs another beer
HeuristicLineup - February 11, 2012
That guy is incredible
Love fans like that
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
Drunk?
prowseinthehouse - February 11, 2012
nope but I haven't slept in over 20 hours.
Gotta watch this kings suns game, cannot miss it man.
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
So Excited!
Cant get enough Kings! Currently watching the OKC-SAC game from the other night. I had to download it.
Letsgokings13 - February 11, 2012
I really hope Donte gets good minutes tonight.
Right now, I think he is playing smarter than he ever has before. He is hustling and timing things correctly without ever forcing the issue. His athleticism combined with his consistent playing time and growing court awareness could allow him to flourish into the player that we have all wanted him to be.
Also, I have liked the rotation in the last few games. Outlaw and Cisco should only play if someone is hurt or in foul trouble.
Rygoslinglover - February 11, 2012
+1
Letsgokings13 - February 11, 2012
Greene scored 52point game during the summer Goon Squad classic game.
He showed there how dominant he can be in the nba, granted no one was playing defense but thats besides the point. The point is greene just needs trust, trust to score and I really think he can break out. Be a taller version of kevin durant. I actually woudn’t mind greene starting over salmons. Greene rebounds better, plays better d, can block and hustles a helluva lot, also ussually makes open shots(at least more than salmons lol)
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
This statement is awesome. Thanks for that.
unfair weather - February 11, 2012
Lol I love you
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
this too
wallywagon11 - February 11, 2012
Durant:
The poor man’s Donte Greene.
unfair weather - February 11, 2012
Lol that is brillaint
unfair weather you are so awesome!!
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
If we can only convince the Suns to play no D on Donte
ElRonToro - February 11, 2012
Wow....
HeuristicLineup - February 11, 2012
Go Kings!
I hope our big three can keep on a roll. A Kings win would absolutely make my night, make it happen Sacramento..
DiegoKing - February 11, 2012
I'm excited to see how our new found hustle
will guard the pick’n’roll against arguably one of the best passers in the league
PurpleHurts - February 11, 2012
VenomySnicket - February 11, 2012
I don't get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CousinsEvansDUO - February 11, 2012
Of all people, you'd think that you would
VenomySnicket - February 11, 2012
Anyone watching the Puppy Bowl?
wallywagon11 - February 11, 2012
To me it comes down to SF production for us in this game, unfortunately.
Salmons and Donte need to perform in this game because otherwise Grant Hill and Dudley will be guarding Tyreke all night.
Wonderchild - February 11, 2012
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