http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13766297p-14608462c.html
By Sam Amick
Another day in the office.
That's all Brian Skinner would say about the play that might may have topped his list of Kings highlights, even though the backup center has spent many a day in his court cubicle without pulling off such feats. Facing the Suns in Fresno on Sunday night, forward Shawn Marion did his own reenactment of the blockbuster movie "Flight of the Phoenix," soaring toward the rim in the first half from the left side. Skinner, coming from underneath the backboard, found his own hops at the right time, meeting Marion above the rim and stuffing his dunk attempt like a brick wall.
"It was a block," Skinner said humbly after the Kings' 100-88 loss. "I can't really say too much."
Which is fine, because he's not being paid to talk. Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said plenty, saying of the play, "I don't think I've ever seen anything so pretty in my life," while being interviewed for a television broadcast at halftime.
The play highlighted the fact that Skinner has been earning his paycheck this preseason, serving as a constant defensive presence while staying consistent on the offensive end. He has been thumbs-up instead of all thumbs, having recovered from the bilateral thumb sprains that halted his progress in purple after being traded to the Kings from Philadelphia midway through last season.
While the Kings surely need Skinner to do the dirty work, he has been a surprisingly efficient scorer. In six games, Skinner has hit 19 of 33 shots, including plenty of short jumpers, composed putback layups, and a rare dribble drive.
And after hitting just 35.7 percent of his free throws last season with Philadelphia and Sacramento, he has hit 12 of 16 from the line, good for 75 percent.
"This is great, but it's preseason," Skinner said. "When it starts for real, it's every man for himself. You've got to get it done and don't expect anybody else to do it for you. That's the mental approach I'm trying to take."
Kings coach Rick Adelman has given Skinner an average of 20 minutes through the six preseason games and approves of what he has seen.
"I think Brian has played well the whole preseason," Adelman said. "He gives you a presence back there. He's a good rebounder and he's going to affect shots."
Though even with his improved offense, Skinner said his main job remains the same.
"I'll keep being the guy who does the dirty work inside," Skinner said. "Getting rebounds, defense, and scoring the buckets I need to score."
Thomas time - One game after not playing against Portland on Saturday night, forward Kenny Thomas got his fill of the court against the Suns.
He logged 33 minutes, wiping out his own wondering over what his absence had meant. With too many bodies and too few minutes in the preseason, Adelman simply gave him a night off to see Corliss Williamson in action.
Thomas, who said early during training camp that he wanted to start, said he'll produce with the time he's given. "As far as minutes are concerned, that's up to coach," Thomas said. "We're professionals, and we all know how to play the game. So whoever's on the court with each other at whichever spot, we're going to be productive."
By Sam Amick
Another day in the office.
That's all Brian Skinner would say about the play that might may have topped his list of Kings highlights, even though the backup center has spent many a day in his court cubicle without pulling off such feats. Facing the Suns in Fresno on Sunday night, forward Shawn Marion did his own reenactment of the blockbuster movie "Flight of the Phoenix," soaring toward the rim in the first half from the left side. Skinner, coming from underneath the backboard, found his own hops at the right time, meeting Marion above the rim and stuffing his dunk attempt like a brick wall.
"It was a block," Skinner said humbly after the Kings' 100-88 loss. "I can't really say too much."
Which is fine, because he's not being paid to talk. Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said plenty, saying of the play, "I don't think I've ever seen anything so pretty in my life," while being interviewed for a television broadcast at halftime.
The play highlighted the fact that Skinner has been earning his paycheck this preseason, serving as a constant defensive presence while staying consistent on the offensive end. He has been thumbs-up instead of all thumbs, having recovered from the bilateral thumb sprains that halted his progress in purple after being traded to the Kings from Philadelphia midway through last season.
While the Kings surely need Skinner to do the dirty work, he has been a surprisingly efficient scorer. In six games, Skinner has hit 19 of 33 shots, including plenty of short jumpers, composed putback layups, and a rare dribble drive.
And after hitting just 35.7 percent of his free throws last season with Philadelphia and Sacramento, he has hit 12 of 16 from the line, good for 75 percent.
"This is great, but it's preseason," Skinner said. "When it starts for real, it's every man for himself. You've got to get it done and don't expect anybody else to do it for you. That's the mental approach I'm trying to take."
Kings coach Rick Adelman has given Skinner an average of 20 minutes through the six preseason games and approves of what he has seen.
"I think Brian has played well the whole preseason," Adelman said. "He gives you a presence back there. He's a good rebounder and he's going to affect shots."
Though even with his improved offense, Skinner said his main job remains the same.
"I'll keep being the guy who does the dirty work inside," Skinner said. "Getting rebounds, defense, and scoring the buckets I need to score."
Thomas time - One game after not playing against Portland on Saturday night, forward Kenny Thomas got his fill of the court against the Suns.
He logged 33 minutes, wiping out his own wondering over what his absence had meant. With too many bodies and too few minutes in the preseason, Adelman simply gave him a night off to see Corliss Williamson in action.
Thomas, who said early during training camp that he wanted to start, said he'll produce with the time he's given. "As far as minutes are concerned, that's up to coach," Thomas said. "We're professionals, and we all know how to play the game. So whoever's on the court with each other at whichever spot, we're going to be productive."
