[Grades] Grades v. Bulls 11/20/2014

Kings Player of the Game?

  • Rudy Gay

    Votes: 2 2.7%
  • DeMarcus Cousins

    Votes: 36 48.0%
  • Darren Collison

    Votes: 25 33.3%
  • Omri Casspi

    Votes: 5 6.7%
  • Derrick Williams

    Votes: 7 9.3%

  • Total voters
    75
  • Poll closed .
#31
DWill was the weirdest thing, but the most interesting thing about this game is that Malone shortened the guard rotation down to three players, and Sessions logged a whole 13 minutes. This is how DWill got minutes, as he got time that would have either been Casspi or Gay, but was instead put in with Casspi AND Gay, with Rudy playing the 2.

I don't know if that will work long term, but it gave the Bulls trouble.
I REALLY like this approach to our guard troubles, probably won't work against the Suns etc, but worked here very well.
 
#32
Everybody complains about the 2 and 4 spots in our lineup, but remember not that long ago when the fans ire was the 3 spot? Looks like the Kings got that spot locked down with Rudy and Casspi, doesn't it? They've both been really good this season, with Casspi being the obvious nice surprise.

We need to be cautious, though, as Rockets fan claims Casspi did this last season too then fell into the tank.
 
#33
Everybody complains about the 2 and 4 spots in our lineup, but remember not that long ago when the fans ire was the 3 spot? Looks like the Kings got that spot locked down with Rudy and Casspi, doesn't it? They've both been really good this season, with Casspi being the obvious nice surprise.

We need to be cautious, though, as Rockets fan claims Casspi did this last season too then fell into the tank.
He didn't maintain because their style of play didn't fit his strength. They wanted him to keep "stretching the floor".

His style of play right now, is maintainable because he's taking high percentage shots and getting to the free throw line. If he keeps playing hard and tough, which he will, this season will be his best by far
 
#34
Only point of concern was when we simply couldn't rebound the ball for a stretch. We were playing Landry Dwill and Omri, sometimes Gay. Especially concerning given Cousins' typical foul trouble. Sessions or Stauskas needs to come along because we can't afford to play Darren 40 minutes a game.

Other than that, a game well played! Love it when Ben is hitting his shots
 
#35
Great game and great effort from the Kings, and a beautiful result in the end of it, a very sweet win for the Kings.

Great job by the D-Will tonight, when he needs to get props he surely will, played really well tonight, if one bench player from the Kings who usually is not very decent will be able to step up for the Kings and play like D-Will played the Kings will be able to achieve some easy wins, I am very proud of D-Will tonight.

Great performance from the big fella DeMarcus Cousins, his work on the glass is unbelievable even against guys like Gibson and Noah, I am really enjoying this young man playing basketball, it was a sight for a sore eyes, the way he matured, today was a test for him, because the Bulls are known for being very pesky defenders, he handled it pretty decently, and eventually those who received the technical fouls were Hinrich and Noah.

Rudy Gay was very good tonight, didn't really attract attention throughout the game but was very efficient and scored in very good percentages.
Darren Collison was everywhere tonight, grabbing the rebounds and sharing the ball, 12 assists, I was very excited when he joined the Kings, and fortunately he plays really well, like a true point guard.

And last but not least, Omri Casspi, very effective for the Kings tonight, really seems to be a very important asset for the Kings, huge off the bench, really matured and is able to comprehend what is needed from him to provide and he is providing it at will, fighting for every position, plays with a lot of enthusiasm and heart, you just don't need more than that, was able to be perfect from the field and the line today.

All I can wish is that the Kings will be able to play more like they did tonight....
 
#37
Like one of the announcers pointed out, the thing that differentiates a good team from a great team is the bench. And the bench brought it tonight for the most part. Absolutely loved the unexpected play of D-Will. I mean D-Thrill! I also liked the fact that even though Reggie Evans hasn't been playing, he is still cheering on his teammates. Casspi continues to exceed my expectations. And the starting unit. Don't even get me started.
GO KINGS!!
 
#37
It also might be hard to recognize that Kings can have a respectable defense from PG position (Tyreke was good before Smart began to use him at every position except PG).
And JT continues to look like a legit post defender despite of weight loss. Good to see.
 
#38
DWill was the weirdest thing, but the most interesting thing about this game is that Malone shortened the guard rotation down to three players, and Sessions logged a whole 13 minutes. This is how DWill got minutes, as he got time that would have either been Casspi or Gay, but was instead put in with Casspi AND Gay, with Rudy playing the 2.

I don't know if that will work long term, but it gave the Bulls trouble.
JT was having trouble guarding Mirotic. Just too much of a stretch 4 for JT to handle so Malone put in DWill to keep Mirotic from shooting wide open 3's. It worked because DWill kept him from getting wide open shots and ended up scoring more than him by the end of the game.
 

funkykingston

Super Moderator
Staff member
#39
JT was having trouble guarding Mirotic. Just too much of a stretch 4 for JT to handle so Malone put in DWill to keep Mirotic from shooting wide open 3's. It worked because DWill kept him from getting wide open shots and ended up scoring more than him by the end of the game.
Yep. And Malone's substitutions as a whole were spot on and a big part of why the Kings won. That was a sign of a coach that understands his personnel as well as the situation at hand and reacts accordingly. Stauskas never got off the bench because Butler was a terrible matchup for him on both ends. But playing Gay, Casspi and Williams together was a key stretch in the game. Nice to see the Kings having both the talent and the coaching to hang with any team on any given night.
 

Kingster

Hall of Famer
#40
Best moment of the game for me: Cousins smartly inducing the refs to call a foul on Noah, which caused Noah to go nuts. Cousins was the winner and the smart player in that interaction.

Worst moment of the game for me: Cousins, in the 3rd quarter, in full view of all, pushes a Bull under the basket in order to get a rebound; a foul is called; Cousins smiles stupidly; then comes down the floor and inexplicably gets his 4th foul on Brooks when there was absolutely no reason to do so. Cousins is pulled from the game. I was thinking that TNT would see the intelligent Cousins, but the dumb Cousins just had to show up.

Gay played much smarter and better than the prior two games.

D-Will? One game. It's going to take a month of games for me to reverse course on D-Will.

Casspi? Just the opposite of D-Will. I'm becoming a big fan of his intelligent and passionate play.
 
#42
Yep. And Malone's substitutions as a whole were spot on and a big part of why the Kings won. That was a sign of a coach that understands his personnel as well as the situation at hand and reacts accordingly. Stauskas never got off the bench because Butler was a terrible matchup for him on both ends. But playing Gay, Casspi and Williams together was a key stretch in the game. Nice to see the Kings having both the talent and the coaching to hang with any team on any given night.
I would agree if I could ignore first few minutes of the 4th quarter.
 
#43
I wish people on this board watched more than just the Kings play. I still remember the signing of Collison was met with a lot more negativity than optimism. Collison is a good player and I'm happy the doubters are gone. Looking forward to when we sign our next good FA and people freak out about that too.
 
#44
DWill sighting was by far the most bizarre bit about this game. Even weirder than CWebb's jersey hanging in the rafters and smeared with sweat stank.
Yeah, WTF is up with that? Come on guys. If you are gonna honor someone and you have his banner hanging in your rafters, the least you could do is get it dry cleaned BEFORE the nationally televised game for the whole world to see.

I thought this was a game the Kings had to win. Rose and Gasol not being in the lineup is a team that you have to beat if you are an up and coming team with aspirations of making the playoffs. I really liked the way everyone on the team played except Sessions, who should be banished to the bench never to return.
 
#45
Aside from the win against San Antonio, this was the most satisfying win this season.

Not a ton of dumb mistakes and forced turnovers.
Derrick Williams and Ramon Sessions were very solid.
Coach subbed Cousins in right on time in the 4th. (Cousins kept his cool and dominated again.)
Casspi might just be my favorite player so far. Love his energy and touch around the rim.
Overall just a complete game. I'm very proud of these guys.

I really think we have a shot at squeaking in to the playoffs this year.
Memphis and San Antonio are probably the best two teams in the west and I think we match up very well against them.
 
#46
I wish people on this board watched more than just the Kings play. I still remember the signing of Collison was met with a lot more negativity than optimism. Collison is a good player and I'm happy the doubters are gone. Looking forward to when we sign our next good FA and people freak out about that too.
Nice wish but that behavior is absolutely normal for the board. And, also, I'm quite happy just watching Kings games. I have all you folks to tell me about other teams and their players.
 

Glenn

Hall of Famer
#47
Great game and great effort from the Kings, and a beautiful result in the end of it, a very sweet win for the Kings.

Great job by the D-Will tonight, when he needs to get props he surely will, played really well tonight, if one bench player from the Kings who usually is not very decent will be able to step up for the Kings and play like D-Will played the Kings will be able to achieve some easy wins, I am very proud of D-Will tonight.

Great performance from the big fella DeMarcus Cousins, his work on the glass is unbelievable even against guys like Gibson and Noah, I am really enjoying this young man playing basketball, it was a sight for a sore eyes, the way he matured, today was a test for him, because the Bulls are known for being very pesky defenders, he handled it pretty decently, and eventually those who received the technical fouls were Hinrich and Noah.

Rudy Gay was very good tonight, didn't really attract attention throughout the game but was very efficient and scored in very good percentages.
Darren Collison was everywhere tonight, grabbing the rebounds and sharing the ball, 12 assists, I was very excited when he joined the Kings, and fortunately he plays really well, like a true point guard.

And last but not least, Omri Casspi, very effective for the Kings tonight, really seems to be a very important asset for the Kings, huge off the bench, really matured and is able to comprehend what is needed from him to provide and he is providing it at will, fighting for every position, plays with a lot of enthusiasm and heart, you just don't need more than that, was able to be perfect from the field and the line today.

All I can wish is that the Kings will be able to play more like they did tonight....
I admire your restraint in leaving your analysis of Omri last. ;)
 
#48
I watch a ton of Bulls games, and they really miss a lot without Rose and Gasol on the floor. But what that team has proven is they're a lot like the Spurs in it really doesn't matter what 5 they have on the floor, they're always going to be a tough win. And Jimmy Butler is the real deal and probably the break-out star this season.

Regardless, great win. We're getting to a point where we're a tough out every time we play now.
 
#49
Awsome game.

This game screamed to a national audience that "We are for real."

2 things about this thread:

1) Brick, you may need to come up with another poll question for these threads. This team is playing as a team and to single one player out as "the player of the game" is impossible. They are all did there parts for the betterment of the team.

2) Related to #1, my team grade would be an A-, perhaps even an A. So how is it all the players graded thus far are below an A-. I guess that whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
 

Warhawk

Give blood and save a life!
Staff member
#50
Nice wish but that behavior is absolutely normal for the board. And, also, I'm quite happy just watching Kings games. I have all you folks to tell me about other teams and their players.
Yeah, I have a hard enough time being able to watch Kings games. How the heck do folks have time to watch a bunch of other teams, too?
 
#54
I don't think DWill really showed up. He just feasted on Mirotic, whose inexperience added up to general defensive below average-ness. :) Still defense was active outside of a couple late closeouts. His shot has little arc, so out to 15 feet it's ok-ish, but by 3 point line it becomes flat, so he needs to shoot very accurate, which he doesn't.
That said, they should really look at maybe resting Rudy for the next game, and starting DWill in his place.
 
#55
I don't think DWill really showed up. He just feasted on Mirotic, whose inexperience added up to general defensive below average-ness. :) Still defense was active outside of a couple late closeouts. His shot has little arc, so out to 15 feet it's ok-ish, but by 3 point line it becomes flat, so he needs to shoot very accurate, which he doesn't.
That said, they should really look at maybe resting Rudy for the next game, and starting DWill in his place.
I think D-Will just needs to build his confidence up. He definitely has the quickness over Mirotic. For some reason, it seems like becoming more slender is a trend now in the NBA. Maybe it allows players to move quicker? D-Will looks like he's in great shape. I think if he shreds a little bit of weight down, he can really be something special. D-Will needs to be D-Will.. If he can at least average 8-10pts a game for us, that would be tremendous.
 
#56
Really liking the play of JT lately, hes been consistently man defending at a high level and is finally looking like hes learned his limitations.
Mr Double Double

I'd be happier for him if he just plays solid basketball. In fact, I don't care about our W/L, as long as we play solid basketball (which usually gets wins ;)).
 
#57
Aside from the win against San Antonio, this was the most satisfying win this season.

Not a ton of dumb mistakes and forced turnovers.
Derrick Williams and Ramon Sessions were very solid.
Coach subbed Cousins in right on time in the 4th. (Cousins kept his cool and dominated again.)
Casspi might just be my favorite player so far. Love his energy and touch around the rim.
Overall just a complete game. I'm very proud of these guys.

I really think we have a shot at squeaking in to the playoffs this year.
Memphis and San Antonio are probably the best two teams in the west and I think we match up very well against them.
My favorite game in a long time too. Something about the coverage on TNT almost made it a playoff feel. The Bulls didn't want to give us an inch. But we still won. that says a lot. We are ready for a bigger stage. I watched the game twice and enjoyed it the second time. That is a big difference from last season when I watched too many games and the losing was getting to me.
 
#58
Like one of the announcers pointed out, the thing that differentiates a good team from a great team is the bench. And the bench brought it tonight for the most part. Absolutely loved the unexpected play of D-Will. I mean D-Thrill! I also liked the fact that even though Reggie Evans hasn't been playing, he is still cheering on his teammates. Casspi continues to exceed my expectations. And the starting unit. Don't even get me started.
GO KINGS!!
Ya that was shack.
 

rainmaker

Hall of Famer
#59
I think D-Will just needs to build his confidence up. He definitely has the quickness over Mirotic. For some reason, it seems like becoming more slender is a trend now in the NBA. Maybe it allows players to move quicker? D-Will looks like he's in great shape. I think if he shreds a little bit of weight down, he can really be something special. D-Will needs to be D-Will.. If he can at least average 8-10pts a game for us, that would be tremendous.
If DWill is concerned about his weight and being a quick/fast as possible, first thing he should do is shave off the 5 lbs of hair on his dome.
 
#60
I don't think DWill really showed up. He just feasted on Mirotic, whose inexperience added up to general defensive below average-ness. :) Still defense was active outside of a couple late closeouts. His shot has little arc, so out to 15 feet it's ok-ish, but by 3 point line it becomes flat, so he needs to shoot very accurate, which he doesn't.
That said, they should really look at maybe resting Rudy for the next game, and starting DWill in his place.
I know one game doesn't a season make but they had a shot of him on the sidelines with Casspi talking with him. It made me wonder if Casspi has been a net positive as an influence for him. His game this time around was more like Casspi's game has been this season than what Williams has displayed over his previous body of work. Now let it be more than a fleeting thought and show it in the majority of games he plays in going forward.........................