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http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/12550013p-13405217c.html
Arco game report: Win gives Thomas a reprieve for errors
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, March 12, 2005
Before he had time to kick himself, Mike Bibby saved the day with more hoops heroics.
Otherwise, a tough loss against the Los Angeles Clippers might have been stuck on Kenny Thomas.
The new Kings forward had two late turnovers yet escaped a delirious Arco Arena after a 113-112 triumph Friday night over the Los Angeles Clippers. Thomas also received some coaching reminders and tips from assistant coach Pete Carril to be a little wiser and crafty with interior passes and outlet bombs.
Thomas' rebound and long pass to Peja Stojakovic with 10.9 seconds remaining was too long, allowing the Clippers a chance to take the lead.
"It was crazy," Thomas said. "I got the rebound, and I didn't mean to lead him too far, and I threw it."
Thomas was able to crack that Stojakovic simply wasn't fast enough.
"Apparently he's not, because he didn't get the ball," said Thomas, who had 12 points and nine rebounds.
"I'm glad Mike bailed me out."
Cooper deal extended
In a season of contract extensions for key Kings personnel from general manager Geoff Petrie to coach Rick Adelman, the latest expected to stick around a while longer is Wayne Cooper.
Petrie's longtime vice president of basketball operations assistant had his contract extended Friday (years and terms were not released). Cooper has been with the Kings since 1994. He was brought aboard by Petrie after they worked together in the Portland Trail Blazers' front office.
"He's been a huge part of our management team, he's quietly one of the most effective (front-office men) around, and he's been a terrific sounding board," Petrie said.
Et cetera
Cuttino Mobley feels fine. Having missed two games with a back strain, the Kings guard logged a game-high 42 minutes and scored 21 points.
* Brian Skinner electrified Arco Arena early with three blocked shots for the Kings. He finished with four to go with and 14 points.
* The Clippers know all too well about heartache. They have lost an NBA-leading 12 games by three points or less.
* The Clippers don't think much of Arco Arena, having last won in the building in 1997, a 14-game streak.
* Elton Brand had a season-low two rebounds for the Clippers.
King for the day
MIKE BIBBY
Can he earn this honor enough? The clear team leader now, Bibby had another postgame celebration dance. He was the one element the Clippers couldn't handle with 28 points, 12 assists, three steals and just one turnover.
Question posed
WITH BRAD MILLER EXPECTED BACK INTO THE FOLD ANY DAY NOW, HOW GOOD CAN THE KINGS BE?
As long as Mike Bibby has the ball - a lot - the Kings will be fine. They have become one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and could get deeper if Bobby Jackson can return before the postseason. The depth Friday was good enough that starters Peja Stojakovic and Darius Songaila combined for 10 points and two rebounds. Kenny Thomas and Corliss Williamson made up the difference with points, rebounds, hustle and athleticism.
Big number
2 - Turnovers the Kings had through the first 3 1/2 quarters. They finished with nine.
Arco game report: Win gives Thomas a reprieve for errors
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, March 12, 2005
Before he had time to kick himself, Mike Bibby saved the day with more hoops heroics.
Otherwise, a tough loss against the Los Angeles Clippers might have been stuck on Kenny Thomas.
The new Kings forward had two late turnovers yet escaped a delirious Arco Arena after a 113-112 triumph Friday night over the Los Angeles Clippers. Thomas also received some coaching reminders and tips from assistant coach Pete Carril to be a little wiser and crafty with interior passes and outlet bombs.
Thomas' rebound and long pass to Peja Stojakovic with 10.9 seconds remaining was too long, allowing the Clippers a chance to take the lead.
"It was crazy," Thomas said. "I got the rebound, and I didn't mean to lead him too far, and I threw it."
Thomas was able to crack that Stojakovic simply wasn't fast enough.
"Apparently he's not, because he didn't get the ball," said Thomas, who had 12 points and nine rebounds.
"I'm glad Mike bailed me out."
Cooper deal extended
In a season of contract extensions for key Kings personnel from general manager Geoff Petrie to coach Rick Adelman, the latest expected to stick around a while longer is Wayne Cooper.
Petrie's longtime vice president of basketball operations assistant had his contract extended Friday (years and terms were not released). Cooper has been with the Kings since 1994. He was brought aboard by Petrie after they worked together in the Portland Trail Blazers' front office.
"He's been a huge part of our management team, he's quietly one of the most effective (front-office men) around, and he's been a terrific sounding board," Petrie said.
Et cetera
Cuttino Mobley feels fine. Having missed two games with a back strain, the Kings guard logged a game-high 42 minutes and scored 21 points.
* Brian Skinner electrified Arco Arena early with three blocked shots for the Kings. He finished with four to go with and 14 points.
* The Clippers know all too well about heartache. They have lost an NBA-leading 12 games by three points or less.
* The Clippers don't think much of Arco Arena, having last won in the building in 1997, a 14-game streak.
* Elton Brand had a season-low two rebounds for the Clippers.
King for the day
MIKE BIBBY
Can he earn this honor enough? The clear team leader now, Bibby had another postgame celebration dance. He was the one element the Clippers couldn't handle with 28 points, 12 assists, three steals and just one turnover.
Question posed
WITH BRAD MILLER EXPECTED BACK INTO THE FOLD ANY DAY NOW, HOW GOOD CAN THE KINGS BE?
As long as Mike Bibby has the ball - a lot - the Kings will be fine. They have become one of the deepest teams in the NBA, and could get deeper if Bobby Jackson can return before the postseason. The depth Friday was good enough that starters Peja Stojakovic and Darius Songaila combined for 10 points and two rebounds. Kenny Thomas and Corliss Williamson made up the difference with points, rebounds, hustle and athleticism.
Big number
2 - Turnovers the Kings had through the first 3 1/2 quarters. They finished with nine.
