http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/14246130p-15064066c.html
Kings notes: Spurs will come out swinging, Adelman says
By Joe Davidson
When the Kings last played the San Antonio Spurs, on April 5, they left the AT&T Center with a thoroughly satisfying Texas-sized beatdown.
Sacramento prevailed 97-87 in a game that wasn't nearly that close, with the Kings leading by as many as 19 in the fourth quarter. Now, with Saturday'sGame1 looming in San Antonio, the Kings anticipate running into one motivated bunch.
"We are playing the world champs," coach Rick Adelman said. "I've got a feeling they're going to be ready to go."
To size up the Spurs, you come up with a proven group of core players in Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, a trio that was held in check during the last meeting. Duncan and Ginobili have been slowed at times this season, particularly in the second game of back-to-backs. But they won't have to worry about that in the playoffs because there are no back-to-backs.
"I have a feeling we're going to see a different Tim Duncan, a different Ginobili and Parker," Adelman said.
Getting an education - Adelman said he is sure the Spurs have digested the Kings' rout.
"I think it helps them prepare," Adelman said. "We hadn't played them with Ron (Artest) before. ... I don't think it's in their psyche that they got beat by us, but I think it probably helps them know that we're not a bad team, either."
Miller on TD - Brad Miller easily sized up Duncan when asked what makes the Spur so tough to deal with.
"He's a stud," said the Kings center, who will work against Nazr Mohammed. "He's just fundamentally sound, plays the way the old-school guys did - the bank shot, plays hard all the time."
Thumbs up - Artest said he will wear a heavy protective wrap on his right thumb for the rest of the season. "It's feeling pretty good, actually," he said. "I just don't want to take a chance."
Kings notes: Spurs will come out swinging, Adelman says
By Joe Davidson
When the Kings last played the San Antonio Spurs, on April 5, they left the AT&T Center with a thoroughly satisfying Texas-sized beatdown.
Sacramento prevailed 97-87 in a game that wasn't nearly that close, with the Kings leading by as many as 19 in the fourth quarter. Now, with Saturday'sGame1 looming in San Antonio, the Kings anticipate running into one motivated bunch.
"We are playing the world champs," coach Rick Adelman said. "I've got a feeling they're going to be ready to go."
To size up the Spurs, you come up with a proven group of core players in Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, a trio that was held in check during the last meeting. Duncan and Ginobili have been slowed at times this season, particularly in the second game of back-to-backs. But they won't have to worry about that in the playoffs because there are no back-to-backs.
"I have a feeling we're going to see a different Tim Duncan, a different Ginobili and Parker," Adelman said.
Getting an education - Adelman said he is sure the Spurs have digested the Kings' rout.
"I think it helps them prepare," Adelman said. "We hadn't played them with Ron (Artest) before. ... I don't think it's in their psyche that they got beat by us, but I think it probably helps them know that we're not a bad team, either."
Miller on TD - Brad Miller easily sized up Duncan when asked what makes the Spur so tough to deal with.
"He's a stud," said the Kings center, who will work against Nazr Mohammed. "He's just fundamentally sound, plays the way the old-school guys did - the bank shot, plays hard all the time."
Thumbs up - Artest said he will wear a heavy protective wrap on his right thumb for the rest of the season. "It's feeling pretty good, actually," he said. "I just don't want to take a chance."
