Now that was the kind of basketball we're going to have to get used to seeing under Coach Karl. We punched back when the Grizzly bears tried to play rough, we capitalized on plenty of their mistakes, and we played TEAM basketball.
1. Jesus christ, when was the last time so many players joined in on the fun? Not only scoring wise, but effectiveness. Casspi, D-Will, Reggie, Ben, Rudy, DMC, EVERYONE had an impact in this first half. That's what team basketball is all about. We never saw this under Coach Malone.
2. Rudy Gay just plays so calm and collected. Boy is he smooth or what! His sweet stroke was on in the first half as well as his energy, as he really hustled to get a few of those buckets.
4. George Karl! I love this guy! He sees momentum changing even after the Kings had just knocked down a three, so what does he do? Let the collapse begin? NO. He gets T when it looked like DMC was about to get a technical and FIRES THE TEAM UP. By doing so he let the team know LOOK GUYS, I GOT YOUR BACK. The run changed then and there and momentum went to us.
3. Ben McLemore! Need I say more?! This kid is growing up right before our eyes! His development will take leaps under Karl as opposed to prior coaching staffs.