(I think the headline writer should be taken out and flogged, BTW)
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/121861.html
As Kings thrive, streak hits five
Sacramento keeps right on rolling with a blowout victory over the struggling Seattle SuperSonics.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, February 11, 2007
Rashard Lewis wore a glove intended to help him with his basketball situation, but the padded mitt looked more suitable for taking swings at a punching bag.
The twist, of course, was that the returning Seattle star and his woebegone team were the ones taking the pounding Saturday night at KeyArena. The Kings extended their winning streak to a season-long five games in their 114-93 decision as they continued to fight for a season that might not be lost after all.
It was a night in which the Sonics had what could be called the upper hand, as Lewis was back after a hand injury kept him out of 22 games just as the Kings lost center Brad Miller to a foot malady (tissue inflammation) that will keep him out at least through the All-Star break.
But as Lewis was hitting just 2 of 11 shots and looking out of sorts, it was Kings swingman Francisco García looking the part of the one-time All-Star.
García entered play with 2:27 left in the first quarter, and no one would have blamed him if he leapt from the bench with a yell and a smile. The second-year player had not played more than 13 minutes in any of the last eight games but was well aware that Miller's absence presented a unique opportunity.
And for perhaps the first time this season, all facets of García's game came together. He was active defensively, making five steals while pestering Lewis and Sonics guard Ray Allen (29 points on 8-for-21 shooting) and grabbing five rebounds. He showcased a shooting touch typically reserved for practice, hitting 5 of 7 shots and 3 of 4 three-pointers for a season-high 17 points. His style should help his cause, too, as Kings coach Eric Musselman opted for an up-tempo pace without Miller.
"Francisco gave us a great lift, and he was sticking that three-ball for us," Musselman said. "With Brad being out, we need someone to step up. ... Obviously, we need to utilize our speed and quickness if we're going to be a smaller unit."
Artest, who is easily García's biggest advocate, took the platform regarding the possible promotion of his fellow New Yorker.
"He hasn't had the opportunity, but he will definitely prove that he can play in this league," Artest said. "He hit big shots."
García, who had played more than 19 minutes just eight times this season, was part of the defensive effort that held the Sonics to 38.9 percent shooting (28 for 72).
"We've been playing great defense as a team," he said. "We're running the ball more, and we were in attack mode. We kept attacking, and didn't give the lead back."
It was a welcome change for the Kings, the notion of building a lead and holding on. The Kings used a 36-point second quarter to earn a 63-46 halftime advantage, then never let the lead dip lower than 13 points, avoiding the drama and tension that has been common lately.
Kevin Martin was among those building the lead, scoring 16 of his team-high 26 points in the first half. For the second consecutive time, he outplayed Allen. Martin scored 35 points and held Allen to 8-for-22 shooting in a Nov. 24 win in Seattle.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim started in Miller's place, finishing with 13 points and five assists.
Artest had 20 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes, sitting out much of the second half with a heating pad strapped to his left hip after falling hard on it late in the first quarter. Mike Bibby played just 25 minutes and was 2 for 10 from the field.
The Sonics don't have to wait long for a chance at revenge, as they play at Arco Arena tonight. The Kings have won five in a row at home.
"You hate getting beat like this at home," Allen said. "Nobody goes out there to lay an egg on their home floor, but we have an opportunity to beat them on theirs."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/121861.html
As Kings thrive, streak hits five
Sacramento keeps right on rolling with a blowout victory over the struggling Seattle SuperSonics.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, February 11, 2007
Rashard Lewis wore a glove intended to help him with his basketball situation, but the padded mitt looked more suitable for taking swings at a punching bag.
The twist, of course, was that the returning Seattle star and his woebegone team were the ones taking the pounding Saturday night at KeyArena. The Kings extended their winning streak to a season-long five games in their 114-93 decision as they continued to fight for a season that might not be lost after all.
It was a night in which the Sonics had what could be called the upper hand, as Lewis was back after a hand injury kept him out of 22 games just as the Kings lost center Brad Miller to a foot malady (tissue inflammation) that will keep him out at least through the All-Star break.
But as Lewis was hitting just 2 of 11 shots and looking out of sorts, it was Kings swingman Francisco García looking the part of the one-time All-Star.
García entered play with 2:27 left in the first quarter, and no one would have blamed him if he leapt from the bench with a yell and a smile. The second-year player had not played more than 13 minutes in any of the last eight games but was well aware that Miller's absence presented a unique opportunity.
And for perhaps the first time this season, all facets of García's game came together. He was active defensively, making five steals while pestering Lewis and Sonics guard Ray Allen (29 points on 8-for-21 shooting) and grabbing five rebounds. He showcased a shooting touch typically reserved for practice, hitting 5 of 7 shots and 3 of 4 three-pointers for a season-high 17 points. His style should help his cause, too, as Kings coach Eric Musselman opted for an up-tempo pace without Miller.
"Francisco gave us a great lift, and he was sticking that three-ball for us," Musselman said. "With Brad being out, we need someone to step up. ... Obviously, we need to utilize our speed and quickness if we're going to be a smaller unit."
Artest, who is easily García's biggest advocate, took the platform regarding the possible promotion of his fellow New Yorker.
"He hasn't had the opportunity, but he will definitely prove that he can play in this league," Artest said. "He hit big shots."
García, who had played more than 19 minutes just eight times this season, was part of the defensive effort that held the Sonics to 38.9 percent shooting (28 for 72).
"We've been playing great defense as a team," he said. "We're running the ball more, and we were in attack mode. We kept attacking, and didn't give the lead back."
It was a welcome change for the Kings, the notion of building a lead and holding on. The Kings used a 36-point second quarter to earn a 63-46 halftime advantage, then never let the lead dip lower than 13 points, avoiding the drama and tension that has been common lately.
Kevin Martin was among those building the lead, scoring 16 of his team-high 26 points in the first half. For the second consecutive time, he outplayed Allen. Martin scored 35 points and held Allen to 8-for-22 shooting in a Nov. 24 win in Seattle.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim started in Miller's place, finishing with 13 points and five assists.
Artest had 20 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes, sitting out much of the second half with a heating pad strapped to his left hip after falling hard on it late in the first quarter. Mike Bibby played just 25 minutes and was 2 for 10 from the field.
The Sonics don't have to wait long for a chance at revenge, as they play at Arco Arena tonight. The Kings have won five in a row at home.
"You hate getting beat like this at home," Allen said. "Nobody goes out there to lay an egg on their home floor, but we have an opportunity to beat them on theirs."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
