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Kings Notes: Defensive performance has jumped up a notch
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PST Friday, December 29, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C4
And now, back to our original programming: Defending Your Life.
This is no Albert Brooks comedy, though, but an Eric Musselman production in which the new Kings coach reminds his team that the defense-first philosophy is still the best means to hoops righteousness.
After a defensive downslide in which the Kings faced some of the league's most potent offenses and allowed an average of 109.4 points in an eight-game stretch from Dec. 5-21, they allowed just 96 in a victory in Denver last Friday and a season-low 76 in a win over Philadelphia on Wednesday.
"For back-to-back games, it's as good a two defensive games as we've had all year," Musselman said. "I think they've taken pride in the last two (games) and were trying to come out and defend."
After an offseason and training camp with so much attention paid to defending, the Kings allowed just an average of 90.5 points in the season's first six games. As it stands, they rank 22nd in opponents' points allowed (100.1 per game) and 23rd in opponents' field-goal percentage (46.3 percent).
Not bad, Brad -- Even before Mike Bibby's 9 of 15 shooting against the 76ers showed signs that his slow start may indeed end, Kings center Brad Miller was well on his way toward turning his own tide.
Miller, who had been shooting at career-low levels until Dec. 18, is averaging 18 points, nine rebounds, and 3.8 assists in the last four games. In that stretch, he's hit 50.9 percent from the field.
"Brad's been playing good, scoring and passing at the same time," Bibby said. "He's being Brad."
The ill and ailing -- Ron Artest, Kevin Martin and Shareef Abdur-Rahim did not practice Thursday. Martin continues to battle the flu he played through in the victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday, but should play against the Los Angles Clippers tonight.
Artest, Musselman said, collided with the 76ers' Alan Henderson and suffered a bruise above his left knee and is questionable for tonight's game. Abdur-Rahim, who missed Wednesday's game because of illness, continues to recover but is probable to face the Clippers.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Kings Notes: Defensive performance has jumped up a notch
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PST Friday, December 29, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C4
And now, back to our original programming: Defending Your Life.
This is no Albert Brooks comedy, though, but an Eric Musselman production in which the new Kings coach reminds his team that the defense-first philosophy is still the best means to hoops righteousness.
After a defensive downslide in which the Kings faced some of the league's most potent offenses and allowed an average of 109.4 points in an eight-game stretch from Dec. 5-21, they allowed just 96 in a victory in Denver last Friday and a season-low 76 in a win over Philadelphia on Wednesday.
"For back-to-back games, it's as good a two defensive games as we've had all year," Musselman said. "I think they've taken pride in the last two (games) and were trying to come out and defend."
After an offseason and training camp with so much attention paid to defending, the Kings allowed just an average of 90.5 points in the season's first six games. As it stands, they rank 22nd in opponents' points allowed (100.1 per game) and 23rd in opponents' field-goal percentage (46.3 percent).
Not bad, Brad -- Even before Mike Bibby's 9 of 15 shooting against the 76ers showed signs that his slow start may indeed end, Kings center Brad Miller was well on his way toward turning his own tide.
Miller, who had been shooting at career-low levels until Dec. 18, is averaging 18 points, nine rebounds, and 3.8 assists in the last four games. In that stretch, he's hit 50.9 percent from the field.
"Brad's been playing good, scoring and passing at the same time," Bibby said. "He's being Brad."
The ill and ailing -- Ron Artest, Kevin Martin and Shareef Abdur-Rahim did not practice Thursday. Martin continues to battle the flu he played through in the victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday, but should play against the Los Angles Clippers tonight.
Artest, Musselman said, collided with the 76ers' Alan Henderson and suffered a bruise above his left knee and is questionable for tonight's game. Abdur-Rahim, who missed Wednesday's game because of illness, continues to recover but is probable to face the Clippers.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
