Luis (Sacramento,Ca): The way the kings are playing as of now, do you think if the play offs start today would the kings can beat the Mav's or the Spurs.
Bill Walton: (1:00 PM ET ) Who would have thought, but the Kings are playing some of the best ball in the NBA. Their roster gives them an edge with Kenny Thomas being able to put up numbers. Brad Miller being a premier center, Martin an explosive player, Bibby having a great season. And Wells and Abdur-Rahim can be difference-makers. But Artest it the difference. He's showing his unique value. He has changed everything. The defense is stifling for what has been an offensive team. But Adelman had been forced to go with seven players and that tight rotation keeps things in order. Bibby is averaging 28 and seven assists the last three, and what has put them back into contention is the vision of the Maloofs that they have a chance if Artest can control himself. They have a chance with the Lakers just ahead and facing the Kings tomorrow. Tke KIngs could get to No. 7 and with this team they could be major playoff factors. If they get to the sixth spot, which Memphis holds just two games ahead, then they get the NW division winner which is much more beatable whether Denver or Utah. The bracket to be in in the West is the 2-3-6-7 to avoid the powers until the conference finals. With the way the Kings look now and with Mihm's injury you'd have to say Sacramento is in and will continue to rise. This has been a shocking turnaround, though. And while I've been critical of Artest in the past, it's all about what's next, about looking forward. He has up to this point turned things around and we coouldn't be happier for him. We can only hope for the fans, for the Maloofs, for Mike Bibby, whose dad is a friend of mine, and be happy for them. We only hope and pray that it lasts.
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