http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14229615p-15052700c.html
Kings notes: Artest getting high marks for play down low
By Joe Davidson and Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writers
Published 2:15 am PST Monday, March 13, 2006
Everyone knows about Ron Artest the defender.
Ron Artest the bull on offense, particularly down low, is becoming better known as he continues to settle into a groove with the Kings. Dallas coach Avery Johnson came to Arco Arena on Sunday well aware that Artest pounded inside for 19 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to put away Memphis on Friday.
So, coach, how to deal with Artest in person? Johnson said he might send half the roster -- guards, forwards and big men -- to chase Artest "because he's so strong."
"He's impacted (the Kings)," Johnson said. "He wants to show he's a dominant player on both ends of the floor. He's playing as good on that left block (in the key) as I've seen him throughout his career. And he's a really good passer, underrated as a passer."
Sounds like a smack-off
Check out the Kings' locker room before a game, and you'll think you walked into Jamie Foxx's "Laffapalooza."
Much smack is tossed around in all directions. Mike Bibby often is the orchestrator and aggressor.
"Somebody on our team just got rid of the last known CD player on earth," Bibby said the other day, staring at Artest's locker. "He said he was never going to get rid of his, then you see him walking though the mall with a big stereo and an iPod."
Said Artest: "Yeah, and now I've got the best iPod around here."
Martin receives treatment
Kevin Martin, who has had numerous bumps and bruises this season, received treatment on his shoulder after the game. He had 14 points.
Game ended just in time for Wells
The frustration kept building for Bonzi Wells, and he kept discarding game wear.
After he picked up a foul early in the fourth quarter, Wells got rid of both of the bands he wears around his biceps. Then after he missed two free throws with 17.4 seconds left and the Kings leading 83-80, he snatched off his headband and threw it on the press table.
Luckily for Wells, the game ended before he could find something else to heave. He didn't have many more options.
Arizona backer
It came as no surprise that Bibby is pushing for Arizona to win the NCAA Tournament. He was a key player for the Wildcats team that won the 1997 NCAA title.
"I always pick Arizona," Bibby said.
About the writer: The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at jdavidson@sacbee.com. Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.
Kings notes: Artest getting high marks for play down low
By Joe Davidson and Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writers
Published 2:15 am PST Monday, March 13, 2006
Everyone knows about Ron Artest the defender.
Ron Artest the bull on offense, particularly down low, is becoming better known as he continues to settle into a groove with the Kings. Dallas coach Avery Johnson came to Arco Arena on Sunday well aware that Artest pounded inside for 19 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to put away Memphis on Friday.
So, coach, how to deal with Artest in person? Johnson said he might send half the roster -- guards, forwards and big men -- to chase Artest "because he's so strong."
"He's impacted (the Kings)," Johnson said. "He wants to show he's a dominant player on both ends of the floor. He's playing as good on that left block (in the key) as I've seen him throughout his career. And he's a really good passer, underrated as a passer."
Sounds like a smack-off
Check out the Kings' locker room before a game, and you'll think you walked into Jamie Foxx's "Laffapalooza."
Much smack is tossed around in all directions. Mike Bibby often is the orchestrator and aggressor.
"Somebody on our team just got rid of the last known CD player on earth," Bibby said the other day, staring at Artest's locker. "He said he was never going to get rid of his, then you see him walking though the mall with a big stereo and an iPod."
Said Artest: "Yeah, and now I've got the best iPod around here."
Martin receives treatment
Kevin Martin, who has had numerous bumps and bruises this season, received treatment on his shoulder after the game. He had 14 points.
Game ended just in time for Wells
The frustration kept building for Bonzi Wells, and he kept discarding game wear.
After he picked up a foul early in the fourth quarter, Wells got rid of both of the bands he wears around his biceps. Then after he missed two free throws with 17.4 seconds left and the Kings leading 83-80, he snatched off his headband and threw it on the press table.
Luckily for Wells, the game ended before he could find something else to heave. He didn't have many more options.
Arizona backer
It came as no surprise that Bibby is pushing for Arizona to win the NCAA Tournament. He was a key player for the Wildcats team that won the 1997 NCAA title.
"I always pick Arizona," Bibby said.
About the writer: The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at jdavidson@sacbee.com. Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.
