The View From Someone Else's Seats, 11/26

thekangarooster — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 06:30:18 -0000

(From the FanPosts. - TZ)

I'm in Sactown for the Thanksgiving holiday and my dad and I decide to go to the game tonight vs the Nets. It's my first time at Arco this season, so I'm excited and I decided to keep track of my thoughts for a section214-inspired take on the game (hope I'm not cramping your style, section). Here is what transpired.

Pregame:

We go to buy tickets and unfortunately they don't have anymore $10 seats, so we buy the $25.50 ones. Section 207 Row G. Sounds pretty good, but we notice that hardly anyone is at the game tonight and we decide to sneak down to the lower level. We have to move around a few times as late comers show up, but 2 minutes after the game starts we end up at our finals seats. We're right at halfcourt about 12 rows up, or as I refer to them, the David Stern seats. Absolutely beautiful view.

First quarter:

Jason Thompson showed us immediately that he's still a rookie. I like the gameplan out of the gate to post up Thompson on Bobby Simmons. It's a great matchup in our favor, but unfortunately Jason exhibits a lack of aggression and decisiveness. He gets a few looks in close that I think he should take shots on, but he ends up passing the ball back out. Then a few minutes later he goes in hard and gets a charge called on him. After that on defense he leaves his feet way too easily and fouls a jump shooter. To the bench with you, lad. I'm really excited about his potential, but he has a lot to learn.

Too many Brad Miller top of the key shots. I know it's a high percentage shot, but you know what else is? A layup or dunk. It really seems like the team settles for halfway-decent shots like these too often when they should first work for a much better one.

Second quarter:

Mikki Moore with a great rebound. I clap in delight. Then he immediately follows that up by turning it over with an errant pass. I throw my lobster claws up in the air in disgust.

Vince Carter can get to the rim at will. It's a good thing for us that he doesn't have a lot of will.

The highlight of our 22-point 2nd quarter crapfest is when I go to the concession stand and order some food including a King dog. I haven't had one in a long time, but I notice that they've really upgraded it. It's served on a nice bun with a dusting of cornmeal and it's served on a paper tray instead of wrapped in foil, so the bun stays dry. Kudos to the concessions management.

Halftime:

The annual turkey race/challenge/whatever. The guy from section 103 cheats as he begins to eat the pie by scooping in a few mouthfuls with his hands instead of having his hands behind his back and then he goes on to win. The other section got totally shafted.

Third quarter:

Yi Jianlian comes soaring in for a dunk and the Nets lead is 17. I talk to my dad about the wonderful hole we're in and the Kings proceed to go on a run and cut it to 5 before the quarter ends. Much like the current stock market, you never know what's going to happen with this Kings team.

Spencer Hawes blocks are totally awesome in person.

There was an article the other day on TrueHoop about Brook Lopez having huge feet. I take a look at all the players on the floor and his are definitely the largest and a good 2-3 sizes bigger than Brad Miller's. I don't know why this is important, but it is.

Fourth quarter:

Beautiful laser pass by Hawes up top to Beno down low for a layup. I wonder if Brad taught him that.

It's a great game right in the middle of the quarter and a lady in front of us gets up to leave with her 8 year old daughters. We ask her why she's leaving and she says that this looks to be the kind of game that will go to overtime. Psychic? Anyways, I turn to my dad and ask, "What the hell is wrong with these poeple?" He just shakes his head. Everyone has the day off tomorrow, what's the deal?

Donté, Jason, and Mikki are on their feet from the bench after every good play cheering the team on. I really like the energy of these guys. I then wonder why Jason hasn't gotten any real play in the second half. He did pick up a 4th foul in the 3rd, but surely he could've gotten going at some point.

Hawes clanks 2 free throws.

Salmons makes only 1. Twice.

The Kings follow up 10 minutes of great basketball with 2 minutes of terrible play and we're headed to overtime. I'm beginning to see why Joe Maloof is so mad about leaving 3-point shooters open.

Overtime:

The Kings are playing inspired ball until Brad Miller get's a no-call and proceeds to pick up a technical foul instead of running back hard on defense. It's back and forth after that, but the game eventually ends up in the toilet. Jersey wins at Arco for the first time in 11 years.

Postgame:

There were an number of little things that the team could have done to win the game tonight, but just didn't happen. A free throw here, a box-out there, anything to tip the scales in our favor permanently just didn't happen. I guess that's what happens with rebuilding teams.

I'm in the camp that believes having Brad Miller around is still a positive thing for this team, but that window is closing fast. His whiny-ness and lack of athletecism really hurts the team a number of times each game. He should be moved this summer IMO.

Please heal up fast Kevin and Cisco. The team needs you badly.

Kevin Johnson on Colbert Report

thekangarooster — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:55:03 -0000

Kevin Johnson on Colbert Report

Not exactly Kings related, but I saw this posted on Truehoop. Mayor-elect Kevin Johnson appeared on the Colbert Report and started working his magic for the city.

More Thorpe comments on Jason and Sean

thekangarooster — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:07:18 -0000

More comments from David Thorpe on TrueHoop about 2 of our rooks:

"Thompson is an immediate upgrade to the Kings frontline as an athlete. They had the least athletic frontline in the league last year. He's got a nice combination of skills with size and projects as someone who can play well next to Spencer Hawes. Geoff Petrie likes his offensive sets to include pinch-post action. For that action to work effectively, the big has to be able to make that shot or get to the rim while being a good passer. Both Thompson and Hawes look like they'll be able to do those things.

"Making a game-winning shot in an NBA Summer League game, while playing well in general, sends him into the rest of the offseason thinking positive thoughts. The alternative to that would have been scary because he's coming from Rider. You don't want him questioning if he can play on this level. That thought is no longer an issue."

On Singletary: "Beno Udrih is the starting point guard in Sacramento, but he is more of a score first, pass second type of point guard. That style works for him. If the Kings want more of a true lead guard, Sean may be the answer. He was a prolific scorer in Virginia, but has been a pass-first guy in summer league. Kevin Martin told me Saturday that he really likes the "way that kid plays and passes."

Also, Maurice Brooks has a comment about Jason:

The only noteworthy thing I can bring up about the Kings is, why does Jason Thompson keep ice-grilling the Mavericks after routine dunks when his team is down 20 plus? I never dunked in my life, so maybe I can't relate.

SB Nation User Blog: thekangarooster

The View From Someone Else's Seats, 11/26

Kevin Johnson on Colbert Report

Kevin Johnson on Colbert Report

More Thorpe comments on Jason and Sean