http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/76179.html
Kings' strong 'D' means low point totals
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 6:33 am PST Monday, November 13, 2006
The answer isn't as simple as missed shots, although that's part of it.
Ron Artest and Mike Bibby have missed their share of open looks, as did Brad Miller before he was hurt. Kevin Martin, in truth, is the only one among those deemed offensive weapons who's finding the net at a high rate.
Before Sunday's 107-point outburst, the Kings under first-year coach Eric Musselman had yet to score 100 points after five games. It was unflattering statistical territory that the Kings reached just once in eight seasons under former coach Rick Adelman, a five-game stretch Jan. 22-29, 2004.
Musselman's defense-first approach has held true, as they entered Sunday's game tops in the league in points allowed (90.2 per game). And with no Bonzi Wells around to hit the glass, Musselman has relied on Artest to focus on rebounding. The small forward, who entered second on the team with 44 rebounds, said the adjustment has affected his offense.
It didn't show early against Toronto, as he hit his first five attempts in the first quarter, including two three-pointers.
Coming in, Artest had hit just 2 of 21 three-pointers.
"It's what I've got to do to help the team win," said Artest, who entered play Sunday with a 31.7 field-goal percentage. "But it's like if you've never scored before. It's going to be hard if you've never done it, and I've never been a rebounder, so it's a little bit different. But I feel it's going to help, so I'm glad they're pushing me."
Bumps and bruises -- Add Martin to the list of banged-up Kings.
The third-year shooting guard is wearing a wrap on his right shooting wrist as a result of a fall taken against Chicago on Nov. 3. He had it X-rayed that evening, with the results negative. Still, Martin said it's sensitive to the touch, even if it hasn't affected his shot.
Before facing Toronto, he had hit 39 of 72 shots and led the team in scoring (23.4 points per game). Bibby continues to be bothered by a painful right shooting wrist.
Taking offense -- After the Kings handled Detroit 99-86 Wednesday in their home opener, Artest said he was perusing the Internet when he stumbled upon an insulting report.
"Jim Gray or somebody on ESPN said (the Pistons) should be embarrassed for losing to us," Artest said. "I took offense to that. We've got a good team. I think we've shown we can be a pretty good damn team."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
Kings' strong 'D' means low point totals
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 6:33 am PST Monday, November 13, 2006
The answer isn't as simple as missed shots, although that's part of it.
Ron Artest and Mike Bibby have missed their share of open looks, as did Brad Miller before he was hurt. Kevin Martin, in truth, is the only one among those deemed offensive weapons who's finding the net at a high rate.
Before Sunday's 107-point outburst, the Kings under first-year coach Eric Musselman had yet to score 100 points after five games. It was unflattering statistical territory that the Kings reached just once in eight seasons under former coach Rick Adelman, a five-game stretch Jan. 22-29, 2004.
Musselman's defense-first approach has held true, as they entered Sunday's game tops in the league in points allowed (90.2 per game). And with no Bonzi Wells around to hit the glass, Musselman has relied on Artest to focus on rebounding. The small forward, who entered second on the team with 44 rebounds, said the adjustment has affected his offense.
It didn't show early against Toronto, as he hit his first five attempts in the first quarter, including two three-pointers.
Coming in, Artest had hit just 2 of 21 three-pointers.
"It's what I've got to do to help the team win," said Artest, who entered play Sunday with a 31.7 field-goal percentage. "But it's like if you've never scored before. It's going to be hard if you've never done it, and I've never been a rebounder, so it's a little bit different. But I feel it's going to help, so I'm glad they're pushing me."
Bumps and bruises -- Add Martin to the list of banged-up Kings.
The third-year shooting guard is wearing a wrap on his right shooting wrist as a result of a fall taken against Chicago on Nov. 3. He had it X-rayed that evening, with the results negative. Still, Martin said it's sensitive to the touch, even if it hasn't affected his shot.
Before facing Toronto, he had hit 39 of 72 shots and led the team in scoring (23.4 points per game). Bibby continues to be bothered by a painful right shooting wrist.
Taking offense -- After the Kings handled Detroit 99-86 Wednesday in their home opener, Artest said he was perusing the Internet when he stumbled upon an insulting report.
"Jim Gray or somebody on ESPN said (the Pistons) should be embarrassed for losing to us," Artest said. "I took offense to that. We've got a good team. I think we've shown we can be a pretty good damn team."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
