http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/84521.html
Kings notes: Miller continues injury comeback at gradual pace
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C5
The status of the Kings' frontline is status quo.
Although center Brad Miller is back after missing eight games with a torn tendon in his left foot, coach Eric Musselman said his return will continue to be gradual. The Kings' starting five remained unchanged Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, with forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim manning the spot held by Miller before his Nov. 4 injury.
"Right now, we're under the mind-set of taking it day by day and to see how Brad does," Musselman said. "Everything has a way of working itself out."
For the most part, the combination of Abdur-Rahim and forward Kenny Thomas down low has been successful.
"I give Kenny and 'Reef' a ton of credit," Musselman said. "They played without getting in foul trouble, for the most part. ... They guarded primary scorers and did a good job. I think their chemistry on the floor and their interior passing has been fun to watch."
One-sided affair -- Entering Tuesday night, the Kings had defeated the Clippers in 13 consecutive games overall and 16 in a row at Arco Arena. The Kings' winning streak at Arco was only their third-longest at home, as they have defeated Denver 19 consecutive times and Memphis 17. Those streaks account for three of the league's seven such streaks, with the Denver mark the longest in the NBA.
"We just always find a way to make a shot or play (the Clippers) well," Miller said. "They're definitely a lot better than what they were at the beginning of that stretch with the players they have now. They've been close, but we've been able to get that edge."
A coincidence -- At the time, the Clippers had no idea it would be so long before they would beat the Kings again at Arco Arena. But when the Clippers beat the host Kings 98-85 on Nov. 7, 1997, it would be followed by nearly 20 losses in the state capital. Among the winning Clippers that night? Kings reserve big man Maurice Taylor, at the time a rookie who had been drafted 14th overall by the Clippers out of Michigan.
Technically speaking -- Kings point guard Mike Bibby and Taylor said the protests of their ejections from the season opener at Minnesota have been upheld. They each will be refunded $2,500.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
Kings notes: Miller continues injury comeback at gradual pace
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C5
The status of the Kings' frontline is status quo.
Although center Brad Miller is back after missing eight games with a torn tendon in his left foot, coach Eric Musselman said his return will continue to be gradual. The Kings' starting five remained unchanged Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, with forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim manning the spot held by Miller before his Nov. 4 injury.
"Right now, we're under the mind-set of taking it day by day and to see how Brad does," Musselman said. "Everything has a way of working itself out."
For the most part, the combination of Abdur-Rahim and forward Kenny Thomas down low has been successful.
"I give Kenny and 'Reef' a ton of credit," Musselman said. "They played without getting in foul trouble, for the most part. ... They guarded primary scorers and did a good job. I think their chemistry on the floor and their interior passing has been fun to watch."
One-sided affair -- Entering Tuesday night, the Kings had defeated the Clippers in 13 consecutive games overall and 16 in a row at Arco Arena. The Kings' winning streak at Arco was only their third-longest at home, as they have defeated Denver 19 consecutive times and Memphis 17. Those streaks account for three of the league's seven such streaks, with the Denver mark the longest in the NBA.
"We just always find a way to make a shot or play (the Clippers) well," Miller said. "They're definitely a lot better than what they were at the beginning of that stretch with the players they have now. They've been close, but we've been able to get that edge."
A coincidence -- At the time, the Clippers had no idea it would be so long before they would beat the Kings again at Arco Arena. But when the Clippers beat the host Kings 98-85 on Nov. 7, 1997, it would be followed by nearly 20 losses in the state capital. Among the winning Clippers that night? Kings reserve big man Maurice Taylor, at the time a rookie who had been drafted 14th overall by the Clippers out of Michigan.
Technically speaking -- Kings point guard Mike Bibby and Taylor said the protests of their ejections from the season opener at Minnesota have been upheld. They each will be refunded $2,500.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
