[Game] Game 70: Kings v. 76ers - 3/24/15 - 7:00 pdt 10:00 edt

[VF21]

Can the Kings do it again? It's scary to have hope, being a Kings fan, but I find myself looking forward to the game.

Aside from Moreland and Collison, it looks like we'll have a full roster available. The Sixers should also have their regular retinue available.

GO KINGS!

 

[KingMilz]

I just hope for the same ball movement and defensive effort we had the last two games, I want to see that over a 5-10 game stretch to finish out the season.

 

[King Baller]

Go Kings!!!

Pay back game

 

[Tetsujin]

Noel's been playing much better as of late. Luc could give Rudy trouble. Isaiah Canaan could always get hot and torch us as he did for the Rockets.

But the Sixers are also starting super-journeyman Ish Smith, are devoting significant minutes to Furkan Aldemir, who may or may not be a real person, and feature 97-year-old Jason Richardson.

 

[IfAt1st]

Can the Kings do it again? It's scary to have hope, being a Kings fan, but I find myself looking forward to the game.

In the spirit of communication and sharing fan approaches (and perhaps cheering you up), let me ask you sincerely:

* If the Kings win against the lowly 76ers, will that actually give you more hope as a Kings fan?
* (Especially since) Knowing that each win makes it less likely they will get much help with their draft pick over the summer?
* If the Kings lay an egg against the 76ers, and look like they don't want to win, will that actually make you have less hope as a Kings fan?

The Kings just dominated an OK Wizards team (playoff, yeah, in the East) with most things firing on all cylinders, showing they can be a real team.
Will the hope that win have kindled really be affected if they choose to lose vs 76ers?
My conspiracy theory may not be your approach, but it sure makes me impervious to the crushing feeling I'd have if I really thought my team couldn't beat the lowly 76ers when really trying.

So have heart, and don't get upset if the Kings decide they've won too many games lately and are messing up their lottery chances and lay an egg tonight.
In your court is the fact that neither Rudy and Demarcus have (yet) announced they are sitting out, and it would be hard to justify the Kings losing to the 76ers with a full roster.

 

[The_Jamal]

Our old friend Trob is playing some really nice ball for them.

8.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 49% FG in 17 MPG. What I really like seeing is the big jump in his USG to 24% and his TOV% down to 9.8% with Philly. Haven't caught many Philly games recently, so would be curious to see what's accounting for that huge jump in USG.

 

[Albatros]

Noel guarding cuz. hahahahahaha

 

[Big Cuz 15]

Noel guarding cuz. hahahahahaha

he's DPOY material.

 

[Spike]

In your court is the fact that neither Rudy and Demarcus have (yet) announced they are sitting out, and it would be hard to justify the Kings losing to the 76ers with a full roster.

Guards still have to play defense. That would likely be my biggest concern.

 

[TheJewishKing]

Seems like the Kings are getting on a very nice roll now, after defeating the Hornets and the Wizards, I hope they will be able to do the same with the 76ers today, Philadelphia 76ers are a very stubborn team, they don't tend to give up on a game, the Kings will have to go on a fast and good start to the game and wrap this one very quick so we won't have a deja vu of the third quarter in Philadelphia.

Kings is obviously the better team, they looked pretty nice in the previous two games, Philadelphia is not as good as the Hornets and the Wizards, let's not screw this one...

BTW I really like the current lineup, they play fast and strong and lots of hustle, I also like how Gay is competing up with the PF's and the contribution of JT off the bench.

 

[VF21]

In the spirit of communication and sharing fan approaches (and perhaps cheering you up), let me ask you sincerely:

* If the Kings win against the lowly 76ers, will that actually give you more hope as a Kings fan?
* (Especially since) Knowing that each win makes it less likely they will get much help with their draft pick over the summer?
* If the Kings lay an egg against the 76ers, and look like they don't want to win, will that actually make you have less hope as a Kings fan?

The Kings just dominated an OK Wizards team (playoff, yeah, in the East) with most things firing on all cylinders, showing they can be a real team.
Will the hope that win have kindled really be affected if they choose to lose vs 76ers?
My conspiracy theory may not be your approach, but it sure makes me impervious to the crushing feeling I'd have if I really thought my team couldn't beat the lowly 76ers when really trying.

So have heart, and don't get upset if the Kings decide they've won too many games lately and are messing up their lottery chances and lay an egg tonight.
In your court is the fact that neither Rudy and Demarcus have (yet) announced they are sitting out, and it would be hard to justify the Kings losing to the 76ers with a full roster.

I don't give a damn about the draft pick. As I've said many times, the draft is a crap shoot. And, as always, I will point to Greg Oden as a prime example of why putting all your hopes on a top draft pick can go so horribly wrong.

I want my team to build an attitude of trying hard every single night. I want my team to learn (or relearn) the basic concepts of good team play. I want them to remember how it feels to win in STA, in front of the best fans in the NBA. Losing is for losers. I know a lot of you don't agree with that, and that's fine. That will never be my outlook, though. This group of players started out well, floundered and now has a chance to regain some pride in the remaining games. I will root with all my heart for them to do so.

 

[hrdboild]

Our old friend Trob is playing some really nice ball for them.

8.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 49% FG in 17 MPG. What I really like seeing is the big jump in his USG to 24% and his TOV% down to 9.8% with Philly. Haven't caught many Philly games recently, so would be curious to see what's accounting for that huge jump in USG.

Subtract:
Demarcus Cousins/Tyreke Evans
James Harden
LaMarcus Aldridge/Damian Lillard

Add:
Nerlens Noel/Luc Mbah a Moute/Ish Smith

I'm pretty sure that's the big difference in usage

 

[The_Jamal]

Subtract:
Demarcus Cousins/Tyreke Evans
James Harden
LaMarcus Aldridge/Damian Lillard

Add:
Nerlens Noel/Luc Mbah a Moute/Ish Smith

I'm pretty sure that's the big difference in usage

True, True. Still, impressive that he's been able to essentially improve on his efficiency with the increased workload.

I think you're the other guy with me on KF that is on board with bringing him back, but I feel like he's such a prime breakout candidate next season if he gets a shot somewhere. Wouldn't mind him taking D-Will's spot at all on the roster.

 

[PoundForPound]

I don't know if any of you have had a chance to go to a game recently, but things may not be what they appear on television. I was lucky enough to attend some recent home games, including against the Los Angeles Clippers. Now, unfortunately, the Kings did lose that game, but Kings fans are truly amazing. Sleep Train is still rockin'! When the Kings go on runs, the crowd is loud, cowbells abound, and the support never wavers throughout the game. I am truly proud to be a lifelong Kings fan. I will upload video that I took from the crowd for you all to see as soon as I can.

 

[captain bill]

In the spirit of communication and sharing fan approaches (and perhaps cheering you up), let me ask you sincerely:

* If the Kings win against the lowly 76ers, will that actually give you more hope as a Kings fan?
* (Especially since) Knowing that each win makes it less likely they will get much help with their draft pick over the summer?
* If the Kings lay an egg against the 76ers, and look like they don't want to win, will that actually make you have less hope as a Kings fan?

The Kings just dominated an OK Wizards team (playoff, yeah, in the East) with most things firing on all cylinders, showing they can be a real team.
Will the hope that win have kindled really be affected if they choose to lose vs 76ers?
My conspiracy theory may not be your approach, but it sure makes me impervious to the crushing feeling I'd have if I really thought my team couldn't beat the lowly 76ers when really trying.

So have heart, and don't get upset if the Kings decide they've won too many games lately and are messing up their lottery chances and lay an egg tonight.
In your court is the fact that neither Rudy and Demarcus have (yet) announced they are sitting out, and it would be hard to justify the Kings losing to the 76ers with a full roster.

Full roster?!?!? DC is coming back tonight?!?

Side note - the win vs the Clippers to get us to 2-1 was probably my favorite game of the season, and we absolutely do not win that game without some clutch heroics from Darren.

On the game: I want to see more quality winning team basketball from the Kings. If we dropped out of the bottom 10 with a win it might be different, but Ty Corbin gifted us the luxury of being able to win a few games and still be competitive in the lottery.

 

[VF21]

Full roster?!?!? DC is coming back tonight?!?

Side note - the win vs the Clippers to get us to 2-1 was probably my favorite game of the season, and we absolutely do not win that game without some clutch heroics from Darren.

On the game: I want to see more quality winning team basketball from the Kings. If we dropped out of the bottom 10 with a win it might be different, but Ty Corbin gifted us the luxury of being able to win a few games and still be competitive in the lottery.

I'm pretty sure he was using the same terminology I used in the OP, which specifically excludes DC and Moreland.

 

[captain bill]

I'm pretty sure he was using the same terminology I used in the OP, which specifically excludes DC and Moreland.

Oh I understood that, just poking fun

Also, I do think there is some criminal under rating of DC in discussions around here - everyone understand that when Cuz went out, we weren't going to win very many games, while people seem to think that Darren is replaceable, despite the fact that his absence has severely hurt this team on the court.

 

[IfAt1st]

Correct.
(side note - way to quote an entire post, and reply to only two words!)

Semantics aside, Captain bill -
Do you believe that this Kings team should in any way lose vs this 76ers team, with or without Darren Collison?

Are the teams remotely close enough to each other that Collison may be the margin of victory tonight?

And I agree with you, that DC's presence is sorely missed, and I popularized the concern that DC not being able to show Karl what he can do this season may lead to premature/unneeded PG signings next year.

 

[VF21]

Oh I understood that, just poking fun

Also, I do think there is some criminal under rating of DC in discussions around here - everyone understand that when Cuz went out, we weren't going to win very many games, while people seem to think that Darren is replaceable, despite the fact that his absence has severely hurt this team on the court.

I don't think that's necessarily true. I think people are excluding him from the conversation right now because he's not going to be available. I don't know about anyone else, but I like what DC brings to the mix.

 

[Bricklayer]

It'll be a third win in a row, such as it is. We're talking about a 5-29 road team here. Were it not for the abomination of losing a game where your center puts up 39-24 a couple of weeks ago this would barely be worth talking about. The Sixers just got blown out by the Lakers.

 

[captain bill]

Correct.(side note - way to quote an entire post, and reply to only two words!)

Semantics aside, Captain bill -
Do you believe that this Kings team should in any way lose vs this 76ers team, with or without Darren Collison?

Are the teams remotely close enough to each other that Collison may be the margin of victory tonight?

Well I haven't watched the Sixers at all and apparently they're improving. But that said: no, I don't think the Kings should lose.

But I also think the Kings without DC had no business being in a lot of the games they have been (esp the Clips game), and the Wizards are definitely a solid enough team to have beaten us or given us trouble.

 

[IfAt1st]

But I also think the Kings without DC had no business being in a lot of the games they have been (esp the Clips game), and the Wizards are definitely a solid enough team to have beaten us or given us trouble.

OK, I didn;t bother replying the first one (or two) times you mentioned this recent Clippers game, but.....

The Kings were not "in" that Clippers game whatsoever.
The Clippers were in such control and unthreatened in that game, it was obvious they were toying with the Kings, allowing them open shots because the Kings were simply no threat to win.
Did you see the way the Clips didn't contest shots like in the second game vs the Kings?
Did you watch what happened in the 4th quarter when the Clips made their run to ensure there was a safe enough buffer to coast the rest of the way?
Did you watch how the Kings couldn't stop the Clips from getting whatever open shot they wanted?

Stop spreading mis-rememberings about that game - it wasn't remotely a close game.

 

[Albatros]

You can only beat what's put in front of you.

... Or lose to it as the case may be.

 

[hrdboild]

True, True. Still, impressive that he's been able to essentially improve on his efficiency with the increased workload.

I think you're the other guy with me on KF that is on board with bringing him back, but I feel like he's such a prime breakout candidate next season if he gets a shot somewhere. Wouldn't mind him taking D-Will's spot at all on the roster.

Agreed. It's a lonely bandwagon to be on at the moment, but I think he's still got a solid NBA career ahead of him. I would have said at the beginning of the season that we didn't have room for one more bench PF but after another "now you see him now you don't" disappearing act from JT and very little production from "healthy" Landry, I think we'd be better off cutting bait with both of them and starting over at this point.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

The Clippers have proven, time and again, that they can lose to anyone, at any time. They aren't good enough to "toy" with us, or anybody else. Now, if you want to say that the Warriors and the Hawks "toyed" with us, that's another matter.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Agreed. It's a lonely bandwagon to be on at the moment, but I think he's still got a solid NBA career ahead of him.

Define "solid." Solid like Taj Gibson, or solid like Nick Collison? Solid like P.J. Brown, or Lorenzen Wright? Solid like Robert Horry, or Devean George?

I would have said at the beginning of the season that we didn't have room for one more bench PF but after another "now you see him now you don't" disappearing act from JT and very little production from "healthy" Landry, I think we'd be better off cutting bait with both of them and starting over at this point.

From my point of view, it's only better from a financial standpoint. Honestly, outside of the occasional tease game, I'm not convinced that Robinson will ever be as good as even Thompson or Landry are, right now. But, if your philosophy is, "Well, ****, I could lose with anybody. Why pay this scrub $6.5M to lose, when I can pay this scrub $2.5M, and still lose?", then sure, "cut bait," as you say. But, cutting either Thompson or Landry because you think we'd be better off with Robinson? I'm not seeing that.

 

[captain bill]

OK, I didn;t bother replying the first one (or two) times you mentioned this recent Clippers game, but.....

The Kings were not "in" that Clippers game whatsoever.
The Clippers were in such control and unthreatened in that game, it was obvious they were toying with the Kings, allowing them open shots because the Kings were simply no threat to win.
Did you see the way the Clips didn't contest shots like in the second game vs the Kings?
Did you watch what happened in the 4th quarter when the Clips made their run to ensure there was a safe enough buffer to coast the rest of the way?
Did you watch how the Kings couldn't stop the Clips from getting whatever open shot they wanted?

Stop spreading mis-rememberings about that game - it wasn't remotely a close game.

There we go - a complete failure to understand how undermanned this team was and is. Look at that starting lineup and tell me we had any sort of shot at actually winning the game.

They played well, despite starting Hollins and Ray. Certainly getting put away in the 4th quarter by a team that dominates us year after year and is fighting for playoff position means everything that happened in that game is irrelevant and there can be no positives taken from it. Glad that was cleared up for me.

 

[hrdboild]

Define "solid." Solid like Taj Gibson, or solid like Nick Collison? Solid like P.J. Brown, or Lorenzen Wright? Solid like Robert Horry, or Devean George?

From my point of view, it's only better from a financial standpoint. Honestly, outside of the occasional tease game, I'm not convinced that Robinson will ever be as good as even Thompson or Landry are, right now. But, if your philosophy is, "Well, ****, I could lose with anybody. Why pay this scrub $6.5M to lose, when I can pay this scrub $2.5M, and still lose?", then sure, "cut bait," as you say. But, cutting either Thompson or Landry because you think we'd be better off with Robinson? I'm not seeing that.

That's exactly what I'm saying. Robinson, given comparable minutes, will be better than both Thompson and Landry next year. He was already this season. If we want to make the playoffs next year, we need to stop playing subpar veterans simply because they're on the payroll. Thompson hasn't produced reliably for going on 7 years now. It's never going to happen. Landry is valuable only as a scorer and he's not really even doing that anymore. We can probably replace his 5 shots per game and mediocre defense/rebounding/passing from the D league at this point. Just buy him out -- sunk cost. Robinson isn't the defensive PF we need in the starting lineup, but he'd be on upgrade on the bench right away. I also think he'll have a better career than all of the guys you listed (minus Horry's improbable 7 championship rings).

So no, I don't want us to sign Robinson because I'm happy with losing. I want us to sign Robinson because we can make the playoffs next year with league average production at PF and nobody we have right now is getting it done. Like I said, I know it's a lonely bandwagon.

 

[9x1x6]

Lets go three in a row!

 

[pshn80]

In the spirit of communication and sharing fan approaches (and perhaps cheering you up), let me ask you sincerely:

* If the Kings win against the lowly 76ers, will that actually give you more hope as a Kings fan?
* (Especially since) Knowing that each win makes it less likely they will get much help with their draft pick over the summer?
* If the Kings lay an egg against the 76ers, and look like they don't want to win, will that actually make you have less hope as a Kings fan?

The Kings just dominated an OK Wizards team (playoff, yeah, in the East) with most things firing on all cylinders, showing they can be a real team.
Will the hope that win have kindled really be affected if they choose to lose vs 76ers?
My conspiracy theory may not be your approach, but it sure makes me impervious to the crushing feeling I'd have if I really thought my team couldn't beat the lowly 76ers when really trying.

So have heart, and don't get upset if the Kings decide they've won too many games lately and are messing up their lottery chances and lay an egg tonight.
In your court is the fact that neither Rudy and Demarcus have (yet) announced they are sitting out, and it would be hard to justify the Kings losing to the 76ers with a full roster.

You, poster, can't look forward to the game and want them to lose. Oxymoron for a Kings fan. Let's get the win tonight and maybe even enjoy a great game by our players. There is no draft until the season is over. When the draft day comes and we have a pick between one and ten we may pick up a good prospect despite our experience in the past. Kings basketball future starts tonight. Let's win another one.