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Kings keep rally in reserve
Price makes right moves off the bench
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PDT Saturday, April 7, 2007
http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/151118.html
Before Ronnie Price found his way onto the Kings summer-league team in 2005, he had two chances to cut down the commute on his basketball career.
The buzz-producing, bounce-in-his-step talent out of Utah Valley State took part in two official workouts with the home-state Utah Jazz, which was considering Price with either of its second round picks. But alas, a more prominent point guard (Deron Williams) out of a more prominent college (Illinois) landed in their lap with the third overall pick, and Price -- who turned down an invitation to join Utah's summer-league team -- eventually hopped a few states west to collect his first NBA paycheck.
Friday night at Arco Arena, the end to the Kings' 107-103 win over Utah came with no one in Price's way.
Kings point guard Mike Bibby was at the end of the bench, having been called on for just four minutes in the second half and a season-low 14 minutes overall.
Williams, who had orchestrated a first quarter that saw the Jazz up by 12 points less than eight minutes in, didn't play in the second half because of a groin injury.
And there was Price, making an impact on both ends from start to finish. He entered for the first time with 6:58 remaining in the first quarter, a stopgap of sorts along with rookie center Justin Williams. The Jazz started the game by hitting their first 10 shots, though they were 5 of 10 in the quarter after Price and Williams entered.
Price's first half was marked by his relentless defense, while he showcased his offense by scoring 10 of his 13 points in the second half.
Kings coach Eric Musselman said this was no script, that he only played Price over Bibby because of his level of play.
"I thought his defense was phenomenal," Bibby said. "He gave us great energy ... He got the crowd into the game. And he earned what he got."
Price's short career has been simple to sum up in the eyes of most. He has seemingly limitless athletic talent and is a tenacious defender, but needs to improve at running a team and being a playmaker. In the eyes of Ron Artest, he did plenty of everything against the Jazz.
"One time Ronnie said sorry to me, said 'my bad' for not passing me the ball," Artest said. "And I said, 'Don't worry about it, as long as we get it back on defense.' I know you're going to get it back on defense."
The Kings had a rare strong finish, taking a 101-100 lead on a driving layup by John Salmons. The reserve swingman was the premier finisher, scoring 13 of his 17 points in the fourth as the Kings came back after trailing 82-75 entering the quarter.
Bibby sat like he rarely has in his six seasons in Sacramento, a scene made even more strange with the presence of Bibby's super-agent, David Falk. Donning a pink suit and sitting in the halfcourt seats of Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof, Falk had the best seat in the house for Price's finest hour.
Bibby didn't just sit on the bench, though, repeatedly jumping up during breaks to offer high-fives and slaps to the backside for his teammates. Bibby -- who was 0 for 4 from the field and had one point -- had played less than 20 minutes just twice in the previous 20 games.
"Mike's a team player," Artest said. "All he wants to do is win also tonight. Whether he plays one minute or 40 minutes, he's the same old Mike."
Price makes right moves off the bench
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PDT Saturday, April 7, 2007
http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/151118.html
Before Ronnie Price found his way onto the Kings summer-league team in 2005, he had two chances to cut down the commute on his basketball career.
The buzz-producing, bounce-in-his-step talent out of Utah Valley State took part in two official workouts with the home-state Utah Jazz, which was considering Price with either of its second round picks. But alas, a more prominent point guard (Deron Williams) out of a more prominent college (Illinois) landed in their lap with the third overall pick, and Price -- who turned down an invitation to join Utah's summer-league team -- eventually hopped a few states west to collect his first NBA paycheck.
Friday night at Arco Arena, the end to the Kings' 107-103 win over Utah came with no one in Price's way.
Kings point guard Mike Bibby was at the end of the bench, having been called on for just four minutes in the second half and a season-low 14 minutes overall.
Williams, who had orchestrated a first quarter that saw the Jazz up by 12 points less than eight minutes in, didn't play in the second half because of a groin injury.
And there was Price, making an impact on both ends from start to finish. He entered for the first time with 6:58 remaining in the first quarter, a stopgap of sorts along with rookie center Justin Williams. The Jazz started the game by hitting their first 10 shots, though they were 5 of 10 in the quarter after Price and Williams entered.
Price's first half was marked by his relentless defense, while he showcased his offense by scoring 10 of his 13 points in the second half.
Kings coach Eric Musselman said this was no script, that he only played Price over Bibby because of his level of play.
"I thought his defense was phenomenal," Bibby said. "He gave us great energy ... He got the crowd into the game. And he earned what he got."
Price's short career has been simple to sum up in the eyes of most. He has seemingly limitless athletic talent and is a tenacious defender, but needs to improve at running a team and being a playmaker. In the eyes of Ron Artest, he did plenty of everything against the Jazz.
"One time Ronnie said sorry to me, said 'my bad' for not passing me the ball," Artest said. "And I said, 'Don't worry about it, as long as we get it back on defense.' I know you're going to get it back on defense."
The Kings had a rare strong finish, taking a 101-100 lead on a driving layup by John Salmons. The reserve swingman was the premier finisher, scoring 13 of his 17 points in the fourth as the Kings came back after trailing 82-75 entering the quarter.
Bibby sat like he rarely has in his six seasons in Sacramento, a scene made even more strange with the presence of Bibby's super-agent, David Falk. Donning a pink suit and sitting in the halfcourt seats of Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof, Falk had the best seat in the house for Price's finest hour.
Bibby didn't just sit on the bench, though, repeatedly jumping up during breaks to offer high-fives and slaps to the backside for his teammates. Bibby -- who was 0 for 4 from the field and had one point -- had played less than 20 minutes just twice in the previous 20 games.
"Mike's a team player," Artest said. "All he wants to do is win also tonight. Whether he plays one minute or 40 minutes, he's the same old Mike."
