http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13907504p-14745995c.html
Kings notes: Wells gets thrill from being tough
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, November 26, 2005
Bonzi Wells has some nasty to him, and he denies none of it.
The Kings guard has hustled inside to lead the club in rebounding, and he won't hesitate throwing an elbow into a guy who seconds earlier threw one into him. It happened with 4:37 to go in the third quarter Friday against the Toronto Raptors, when Wells and Rafael Araujo exchanged bumps. For a second, they went nose-to-sweaty nose, with that "You want some of me?" look. Nothing escalated, though both were tagged with a technical foul.
On the disagreement? "I like to disagree with guys," Wells said later, then chuckled. "Sometimes you've got to do things to rally your team.
"(Araujo) was being very aggressive (and threw an elbow). I don't take well to that. I let him know you can't be hitting me like that because I'm going to hit you back. I wanted to get in his face and let him know. He didn't hit me the rest of the game."
Wells relishes his role of banger and scrapper, and he knows his foes understand it.
"They used to read about me," he said of opponents. "Some of that is true. I used to be wild on the court. I'm headstrong. If a guy disrespects me, I go at him, in a good way. We'll be cool tomorrow."
DC, over and out?
Kings players, coaches and front-office personnel were disappointed to hear about Doug Christie's possible retirement Friday, his left ankle not able to withstand any more wear and tear. The veteran guard started seven games for Dallas this season, and he played the best ball of his career with the Kings - a fixture on defense with the ability to zip passes down the lane for assists. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive first or second team four times with the Kings.
"Doug had an incredible career," Peja Stojakovic said. "I was happy to play with him for five years. Great teammate. I hope (the Kings honor him at some point). He deserves it."
Said Kings director of player personnel Jerry Reynolds: "We were fortunate that we got the best of his years. He was leg speed and quickness, and he knew he couldn't be Doug Christie if he was hurt. Age and injuries play no favorites."
And Kings coach Rick Adelman: "If it's that bad that he can't play, then Doug's really hurt. He was terrific for us. I wish him well."
D-Mart return
Darrick Martin, a Kings reserve guard in 1999-2000 and 2000-01, took a pregame seat next to Pete Carril and informed the 10th-year Kings assistant coach that he wanted to log two more NBA seasons and then get into college coaching.
"And I'm going to use a lot of coachie stuff," Martin said.
Et cetera
Jalen Rose was scoreless in the first half and had 11 in the third for Toronto. Mired in what he has called the worst shooting slump of his career, he missed all three of his attempts in the fourth, including a three-pointer at the buzzer that nearly dropped, and shot 3 for 10 overall.
* Stojakovic said he hopes to play in the Kings' next home game, Tuesday against Charlotte at Arco. The Kings' leading scorer has missed three straight games with a hand injury.
* Mike Bibby is officially out of the shooting slump that dogged him earlier this season. He is averaging 26.8 points over the last seven games after scoring 14 in the previous six. Said Wells: "He's shooting great. He's our leader."
* Francisco García produced more solid numbers in his third start in place of Stojakovic, with 13 points and six rebounds -and his first NBA career three-pointer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBERS
12-2
Kings' run to get back into a game that Toronto appeared to have in hand.
4
Fast-break points for the Kings, who normally lose when that number is so low.
SOUND BITE
"Pick and rolls are hard to guard, and that's why everyone uses them in the league."
Rick Adelman
Kings' coach
About the writer: The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at (916) 321-1280 or jdavidson@sacbee.com.
Kings notes: Wells gets thrill from being tough
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, November 26, 2005
Bonzi Wells has some nasty to him, and he denies none of it.
The Kings guard has hustled inside to lead the club in rebounding, and he won't hesitate throwing an elbow into a guy who seconds earlier threw one into him. It happened with 4:37 to go in the third quarter Friday against the Toronto Raptors, when Wells and Rafael Araujo exchanged bumps. For a second, they went nose-to-sweaty nose, with that "You want some of me?" look. Nothing escalated, though both were tagged with a technical foul.
On the disagreement? "I like to disagree with guys," Wells said later, then chuckled. "Sometimes you've got to do things to rally your team.
"(Araujo) was being very aggressive (and threw an elbow). I don't take well to that. I let him know you can't be hitting me like that because I'm going to hit you back. I wanted to get in his face and let him know. He didn't hit me the rest of the game."
Wells relishes his role of banger and scrapper, and he knows his foes understand it.
"They used to read about me," he said of opponents. "Some of that is true. I used to be wild on the court. I'm headstrong. If a guy disrespects me, I go at him, in a good way. We'll be cool tomorrow."
DC, over and out?
Kings players, coaches and front-office personnel were disappointed to hear about Doug Christie's possible retirement Friday, his left ankle not able to withstand any more wear and tear. The veteran guard started seven games for Dallas this season, and he played the best ball of his career with the Kings - a fixture on defense with the ability to zip passes down the lane for assists. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive first or second team four times with the Kings.
"Doug had an incredible career," Peja Stojakovic said. "I was happy to play with him for five years. Great teammate. I hope (the Kings honor him at some point). He deserves it."
Said Kings director of player personnel Jerry Reynolds: "We were fortunate that we got the best of his years. He was leg speed and quickness, and he knew he couldn't be Doug Christie if he was hurt. Age and injuries play no favorites."
And Kings coach Rick Adelman: "If it's that bad that he can't play, then Doug's really hurt. He was terrific for us. I wish him well."
D-Mart return
Darrick Martin, a Kings reserve guard in 1999-2000 and 2000-01, took a pregame seat next to Pete Carril and informed the 10th-year Kings assistant coach that he wanted to log two more NBA seasons and then get into college coaching.
"And I'm going to use a lot of coachie stuff," Martin said.
Et cetera
Jalen Rose was scoreless in the first half and had 11 in the third for Toronto. Mired in what he has called the worst shooting slump of his career, he missed all three of his attempts in the fourth, including a three-pointer at the buzzer that nearly dropped, and shot 3 for 10 overall.
* Stojakovic said he hopes to play in the Kings' next home game, Tuesday against Charlotte at Arco. The Kings' leading scorer has missed three straight games with a hand injury.
* Mike Bibby is officially out of the shooting slump that dogged him earlier this season. He is averaging 26.8 points over the last seven games after scoring 14 in the previous six. Said Wells: "He's shooting great. He's our leader."
* Francisco García produced more solid numbers in his third start in place of Stojakovic, with 13 points and six rebounds -and his first NBA career three-pointer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBERS
12-2
Kings' run to get back into a game that Toronto appeared to have in hand.
4
Fast-break points for the Kings, who normally lose when that number is so low.
SOUND BITE
"Pick and rolls are hard to guard, and that's why everyone uses them in the league."
Rick Adelman
Kings' coach
About the writer: The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at (916) 321-1280 or jdavidson@sacbee.com.
