Bee: Kings up next (v. Warriors)

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http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14214367p-15040416c.html

Kings up next
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, February 21, 2006


Kings (24-29) vs. Golden State (24-28)

KINGS UPDATE

Status: Let the home stretch begin. Unfortunately for the Kings, there aren't many home games on this particular home stretch. Tonight's is one of 13 remaining, a tough twist of fate, considering the Kings have won eight straight at Arco Arena. A three-game winning streak would be well-timed with the Warriors, Lakers (away) and Portland coming up before a five-game road trip.

Trend: Since Ron Artest's arrival 11 games ago, the Kings have been among the league's best in a number of categories, including opponents' field-goal percentage (42.3, fourth), steals (9.9 per game, third) and rebounds (47.5 per game, fourth).

Injury report: Bonzi Wells, groin, doubtful.

WARRIORS UPDATE

Status: Sure, everybody expected the Kings and Warriors to be battling for a position of some sort, but it surely wasn't the shameful distinction of last-place team in the Pacific Division. After playing up to expectations early with a 12-6 start, the Warriors have fallen way back. They hit the lowest point of four games below .500 for the first time Jan. 27 and still are there after going 5-5 in their past 10 games.

Trend: Just like the Kings, the Warriors have walked the line of mediocrity. The two teams' point differential is separated by a sliver (Kings have a zero differential, and the Warriors' is 0.1), essentially meaning they both know how to giveth just as well as they taketh away.

Injury report: Baron Davis, sprained right ankle, doubtful; Chris Taft, back spasms, doubtful; Andris Biedrins, stiff neck, day-to-day.

Best matchup: Martin vs. Richardson - With Martin's improved game, it's intriguing almost every night to see what he can do against the league's most legitimate players. Richardson is among them, a handful to guard and an active defender himself. The last matchup was a sign of how much things have changed for Martin. In a 113-106 Warriors victory in Oakland on Nov. 30, Richardson had 33 points while Martin played four minutes.
 
Best matchup: Martin vs. Richardson - With Martin's improved game, it's intriguing almost every night to see what he can do against the league's most legitimate players. Richardson is among them, a handful to guard and an active defender himself. The last matchup was a sign of how much things have changed for Martin. In a 113-106 Warriors victory in Oakland on Nov. 30, Richardson had 33 points while Martin played four minutes.

This is what I find exciting. We're in on the ground floor, so to speak, and the young gun everyone's talking about is on OUR team!

This is good stuff.

:D
 
Oh my, Kevin will have his work cut out for him if he has to gaurd JRich all night. JRich is developing a pretty nasty post game.


Oh yeah, WE HAVE RON ARTEST! Shut him down Ron.
 
6-20 (5-19, hit a three in middle of garbage time after getting harassed by Garcia), 12 points at half-time.... 3 pts after that, three in the 4th being it, indeed. :)
 
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