Artest's presence delivers Kings shot of confidence
Doug Haller
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 10, 2006 12:00 AM
The last time the Suns met Sacramento, things got ugly.
The Suns were lethargic on defense and stuck in neutral on offense. They lost 119-90, by far the season's worst setback.
Nearly four weeks later, the Kings enter US Airways Center looking to make up ground in the Pacific
They look different. Sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic is gone, replaced by defensive standout Ron Artest.
Sacramento had won three of four entering Thursday's game against Chicago, beating Denver, Utah and Memphis.
After Tuesday's victory, center Brad Miller said things were starting to change in Sacramento. Suns coach Mike D'Antoni notices the same.
"I think they have renewed confidence with Artest," he said. "They think this team can get in the playoffs, and they're playing like they want to. They have talent. I think they're feeling good about themselves."
Artest brings a defensive presence to the perimeter. He also adds versatility. James Jones played with him for two seasons in Indiana. He said Artest can defend, shoot, pass, handle the ball, post up and drive.
"Ron's a creative player," Jones said. "He's unlike any player in this league. He can play every facet of this game, and a lot of times it's hard to showcase that in the Eastern Conference. In Sacramento, I'm sure they've found out that he can do a little of everything. . . . He's going to thrive."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0210sunsnb0210.html
Doug Haller
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 10, 2006 12:00 AM
The last time the Suns met Sacramento, things got ugly.
The Suns were lethargic on defense and stuck in neutral on offense. They lost 119-90, by far the season's worst setback.
Nearly four weeks later, the Kings enter US Airways Center looking to make up ground in the Pacific
They look different. Sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic is gone, replaced by defensive standout Ron Artest.
Sacramento had won three of four entering Thursday's game against Chicago, beating Denver, Utah and Memphis.
After Tuesday's victory, center Brad Miller said things were starting to change in Sacramento. Suns coach Mike D'Antoni notices the same.
"I think they have renewed confidence with Artest," he said. "They think this team can get in the playoffs, and they're playing like they want to. They have talent. I think they're feeling good about themselves."
Artest brings a defensive presence to the perimeter. He also adds versatility. James Jones played with him for two seasons in Indiana. He said Artest can defend, shoot, pass, handle the ball, post up and drive.
"Ron's a creative player," Jones said. "He's unlike any player in this league. He can play every facet of this game, and a lot of times it's hard to showcase that in the Eastern Conference. In Sacramento, I'm sure they've found out that he can do a little of everything. . . . He's going to thrive."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0210sunsnb0210.html
