Grades v. Cavaliers 01/20

Mad D · Jan 20, 2005

Our 12 Kings beat the Cav's one.

Bibby (A) Tripledouble for Mike tonight. Was looking to set up teammates more than usual. Had that big block on Lebron. Should get a minus for missing two out of his three freethrows.

Mobley (B+) Brought a lot of hustle and energy to the floor tonight. Filling in for DC (and Bobby) just fine.

Stojakovic (A-) Shot well as usual, and tired Lebron on both sides of the floor. Grabbed 5 rebounds. Played only 32 minutes tonight which was a good thing (got some extra rest) since Rick has been playing him 40 plus most of the season.

Webber (A) Another highly efficient game by Webber tonight. Ran the floor and threw down a couple athletic dunks. Hustled and defended Z well (at least better than Brad could).

Miller (B) Got in foul trouble early, couldn't really defend Z at all. Didn't miss a shot tonight.

Evans (C+) Brought the energy he always brings. Wasn't shooting well, but made 2 freethrows in a row (Hasn't done that since November).

Songalia (B) Played solid in his stint tonight. Made the shot that gave Mike his tripledouble (The bench all got up and were excited when it happened).

Ostertag (C) Had to come in for early for Brad when he got in early foul trouble. Had a few nice rebounds.

Martin (C) I like his usual mid range turn around jumper. Always comes in and plays hard.

House (inc) Came out looking to shoot in garbage time and was 2 of 4. House has been compared to a poor mans Iverson.

Barnes (inc) Made a 3 in garbage time, it was the Kings 12th (Season high).

Bradley (inc+) May have been in garbage time but I liked what I saw with his two baskets in the post.

Coach (?) I never grade Rick, someone else can do it.

VF21 · Jan 20, 2005

Although you're editing, I'll go ahead and post my team grade.

A+

They did what they had to do - retro jerseys, TNT, and all. They complemented each other; they played TEAM ball. This was a good game.

I'll be very interested to see how Bricklayer's grades compare, MadD.

ReinadelosReys · Jan 20, 2005

Peja's bruise on his arm is changing colors, now it looks like a faded tat....5 rebounds-but they were all in traffic.

Bricklayer · Jan 20, 2005

Peja ( B+ ) -- night and day effort from last game. And I use the word effort on purpose, because tonight it was clearly there where it just wasn't last time out. Maybe the matchup with LeBron inspired him. In any case, got off to a great start, and then was there when called upon for the rest of the game. Shots tailed off as the game progressed and the ball went elsewhere, but made other contributions tonight, including strong defense on LeBron when matched on him, and chipped in another burst of points during our decisive third quarter burst.
Webber ( A ) -- and so the streak continues. Have to admit that there was a point there early where I felt like he was taking too many shots (specifically too many jumpers), but its impossible to complain when he's hitting so many of them and putting up MVP numbers night in and night out right now. 27pts 13rebs 7ast on 50% shooting, and again showing SO much better athleticism than he was even jsut a few months ago. Right now just a flat out stud, and he's leading the team, and having fun doing it. Hit a little rough patch there at the end of the third/early 4th where a few things started to go wrong for him (had a shot waved off to end the third, couple of offensive fouls) but never lost his focus. Accidentally laid a Boozer on Drew Gooden in the late minutes of the 4th just before leaving. Clearly an accident, but kind of eerily reminiscient of the Evans incident a few weeks ago.
Miller ( B+ ) -- did not give us anything on the boards, but on this night that didn't upset me as much as it normally would have because he was doing everything else. Hit all of his shots, most of which were dunks and layups set up by our great passing tonight. And really contributed to the passing attack himself, including a couple of give and gos with Webber. Problems with Big Z on defense early, and lack of boardwork, but still a strong efficient game.
Mobley ( B+ ) -- for 2 1/2 quarters it was an interesting game for Cat, because he really was playing the game something like Christie -- providing hustle and defense but was off on the offensive side of the ball. But woke up on offense in after halftime and started pouring it on as we pulled away. In fact his awakening may have been the event that turned a healthy lead into a full fledged blowout. The Cavs were barely hanging in there against our four horsemen, but once the fifth arrived, it was good night.
Bibby ( A ) -- started out as a bit of a struggle on offense, but was doing everything else. Moving the ball really well, did the 6'1" PF bit and provided Webb with big support on the boards, and not only wasn't a liability on defense, but actually provided the defensive play of the night for us -- a flying block on LeBron James! Then in the third quarter joined the party on offense and hit a series of big threes to help us blow this one wide open. there's a good argument here for an A-, but our 6'1" PG just notched a triple double for us in a blowout win over a good team, so I'm happy with the "A".
Evans ( B- ) -- solid effort, but not much impact tonight. LeBron was really just another guy this time out, so the matchup between he and Evans lacked real fireworks. Shot was off, but helped on the glass again.
Ostertag ( B- ) -- nothing spectacular, but not bad. Got an early call after Brad got into early foul trouble against Big Z, and came in and helped slow down the big Lithuanian. Grabbed a couple of good boards, but also maneuvered himself out of position for a few others going for blocks. Altered a couple of shots, but LeBron pretty much ignored him.
Songaila ( B ) -- just another guy for us on this night, but hustled and kind of did his thing -- hitting his jumper, scrapping around.
Martin ( C+ ) -- has definitely passed up House now in the rotation, although he's going to have to do better than this to keep the spot. Hustled, but made a couple of mistakes, including committing the Great Kevin Martin Mistake once again -- has a real problem of passing up open jump shots to try to force the drive. He's got to just take the good shot when its there. Be sure to tell him I said so Proud Grannie.

House ( INC ) -- finally got a few shots to fall, but of course its Eddie House and so he got over-excited and started going with the Darrick Martin shoot every time down the floor approach to garbagetime.
Barnes ( INC ) -- came in and hit a three in garbagetime.
Bradley ( INC ) -- hey, a Bradley sighting! Couple of nice inside hoops in garbagetime.

Adelman ( A+ ) -- Why not a "+" on this night? starters scoring: 19, 27, 16, 18, 17 -- a thing of absolute beauty. We just absolutely crunched a very good team. Timeouts were largely irrelevant here since we led almost wire to wire. Substitutions also weren't a big deal since our starters were so dominant and we just kept on pulling away. Our bench didn't do as well as it has been when it was together out there in the 2nd quarter. Things kind of broke down a bit, and Mobley at point was a bit shaky -- kind of a beat slow on the passes (he had to play there while Bibby went in to get a cut tended to). Went to Tag early with Brad in foul trouble. Went with Martin rather than House. None of that really mattered so much as our guys just coming out ready to whoop some *** tonight, and FINALLY sticking with it. Killer instinct for one of the few times this season -- got up, and then just poured it on leading to one of the few garbagetime stints of the season. So I'm giving the coach the team's grade because he did nothing wrong, and his team did everything right and looked like they were having a blast doing it. One of the TNT boobs mentioned how interesting it was how we just kept on rolling chemistry-wise even without Vlade and Doug. Well, there has been one great constant in the era who rarely gets credit and really should -- and that's Rick.

quick dog · Jan 20, 2005

Good grades as usual.

Padrino · Jan 20, 2005

i have to hand both webber and bibby the A+. not only were the stats there for webb, but he was really running the offense. i would credit webb for our rhythm thru most of the game. he ran the floor and had great presence of mind, patience, and court vision. definitely an A+. and if bibby cant get an A+ on his second career triple double, then i dont know when he can.

KP · Jan 20, 2005

Bricklayer said:

I think I'm gonna cry... That^^ is a thing of beauty

Crackerman · Jan 20, 2005

Good grades,

The best part is I did not have to listen to Sir Charles run his mouth about how bad the Kings are. They played great team basketball tonight. Even though this was a blow-out it was a fun game to watch.

quick dog · Jan 20, 2005

Did you notice Webber taking Bradley aside and congratulating him for his excellent play. The guy can pass and move. Adelman may have to go even deeper into his OUTSTANDING bench.

Webber has really become a complete player in every aspect. What a delight to see him on and off the court. Peja has become a defensive specialist. Who would have thought these things could happen.

VF21 · Jan 20, 2005

Team grade: A+

And I have to lobby for an A- for Pedja. His contribution was HUGE. His shot may not have been there, but he did everything else including a couple of drives inside that actually had me believing he's 6'10" and not 6'3"... He worked his posterior off and did such a good job on LBJ, that not even Doug or Kevin could find much to say about the league phenom. Not too many players have been able to do that this year.

So, for Pedja: A-

Mad D · Jan 20, 2005

VF21 said:

most were only half a grade off

quick dog · Jan 20, 2005

Mad D said:

Who was off? You or the professor?

VF21 · Jan 20, 2005

Mad D said:

Pretty good! And IMHO you were right about Pedja.

Since93 · Jan 20, 2005

I will give Cat a A- I don't know how many but seems he has hit a LOT of 3s in this game.

Btw I like what I've seen on Bradley. Good fundamental skill. Hope he can contribute more.

PejaFanatic · Jan 20, 2005

It's great to finally see a blow out game!!!

The Kings starting 5 is pretty scary. I am lovin it!!

It's so fun to see Webber plays pt. guard.

Vlad · Jan 20, 2005

Majestic Kings

This was definitely the most beautiful Kings game I watched this season. Peja came out strong, drove hard to the hoop, and outplayed Lebron. Bibby was everywhere, and has a triple-double to show for it. Miller didn't miss a shot, and Cat fit right into our game plan. And finally, IMO Webber has emerged as the leader the Kings need. I really think he has taken it upon himself to make sure the Kings succeed, and his attitude and aura are rubbing off and getting reflected on all our guys.

team chemistry grade: A+

ReinadelosReys · Jan 20, 2005

Bricklayer said:

The thing about the way that Chris is playing right now, is that its just rather typical of a Chris Webber season. Don't get me wrong the man is playing quite well, but he always does around this time. Look back at his career-or really his 7 yrs in Sacramento, as they have been his best, and you'll see that his play really starts to pick up around Dec. and Jan and its when he'd usually pick up a couple of POW honors or even a POTM. Now, this streak does have some extra significance considering all that has happened with his knee. 02-03 I think, was the only year that he was able to really sustain that play throughout the year...he of course didn't exactly have a storybook ending to that year.

The Kings can certainly win games without Chris Webber, but right now they are certainly winning games in part because of Chris Webber. I just really hope it can continue.

albeitrue · Jan 20, 2005

PejaFanatic said:

^^

^^

We outrebounded the other team! We outbounded the other team!

Peja shut down LeBron! Peja shut down LeBron!

Amazing, FUN game. I didn't know Bibby had a triple-double until it was announced, though it was clear he was the gorilla stud of the game with that block.

Cavs were 1-6 from 3 point land and 19 total assists, and I have to admit I wanted to see a LeBron landing to the hoop, but it was not to be. I bet Cav's didn't get 25 points in the paint. Kings TOTALLY dominated on both sides. It was sure fun to see the bench come in and Bradly make some shots, our bench just keeps getting deeper!

Can't wait to see what happens next with Kings, runnin, runnin...RUNNIN!!!
Da da da da da, I'm lovin' it.

Ryan · Jan 20, 2005

VF21 said:

I don't know, I'll give them an A+ when they start to rebound. But it was nevertheless a good game

NME · Jan 20, 2005

Bricklayer said:

Nice footwork on his post move.

Circa_1985_Fan · Jan 20, 2005

NME said:

And a pretty good lefty scoop to the hoop, too

VF21 · Jan 20, 2005

Ryan@CU said:

We outrebounded the Cavs. Or do they have to reach a certain number?

The TEAM did everything it had to do. Just like the Borg Collective, they totally demoralized and defeated an opponent. AND they did it on TNT, shutting Charles Barkley up in the process.

If that doesn't merit an A+, I don't know what does.

albeitrue · Jan 21, 2005

Being at the game was cool, but seeing Charles Barkley stifled by Kings win tonight would have been magical too.

For Kingsgurl: Good answer on the question "Will this T.V. break if we drop it from the roof of Arco Arena?" I would have been looking for the catch! Note to self: Remember to wear a pom pom in your hair if you want to be picked to answer an easy question, be on the Tron and win a prize, hehehe...

Did anyone see my sign Welcome! King James ???

My voice is gone!

Evenstar · Jan 21, 2005

i actually got to watch this one ( WOO HOO!!!)

A+ on mike!!! he was flat out AWESOME. that block was AWESOME!

A for webber. he was amazing yet again. my fav move of the night was after he fouled gooden hard, how he stood over him, asked if he was alright, patted him on the back, helped him up. very classy move after that foul, but not intentional foul he layed on him.

miller looked good out there too! B+

peja looked good, lots of hustle, and he had some part time duty of gaurding lebron who didn't have a huge night B+ /A- tonight

CAT!!!!!!! i finally got to see cat in a kings uni in a game that was awesome!!! he looked good out there. i loved the bench shot during garbage time, he was wedged in between mike and brad with c-webb next to brad, they were laughing it up. good times good times!

great game tonight kings!!!! WTG!

and brick, after reading your grade on rick, that does make a lot of sense about the chemistry. after thinking about it, it does seem like rick is a big part of that chemistry.

KingKong · Jan 21, 2005

Are these stats right on NBA.com? It says that we are the 9th best rebounding team in the league ahead of teams like the Spurs, Heat and Clippers. I rememeber when were on the bottom of this list not too long ago.

Check it out: http://www.nba.com/statistics/sortable_team_statistics/sortable2.html?cnf=1&prd=1

We are still getting outrebounded by opponents though.

VF21 · Jan 21, 2005

albeitrue said:

What?!?!??!?!?! Details! We need details. KG is at work tonight and most likley won't be on the board until tomorrow.

Tell all!!!

albeitrue · Jan 21, 2005

VF21 said:

She's at work? Well...if that was her (and I was SURE it was), she was chosen to answer a question, presented by Bobby Jackson on the tron, "Will this T.V. break if thrown from the roof of the arena?"...surely a spinoff of Dave Letterman's famous "experiments". Thankfully (and because I thought she was YOUR daughter), she answered in the affirmative, and sure enough, film rolling on the tron, it broke apart nicely. Could be one I left outside for the county clean-up crew last Spring. Anyway, I didn't hear what she (or whoever) won, probably a King's Price Package. What the hell are in those, anyway???

I hope I'm not wrong, and it was her! I hate being wrong.

KP · Jan 21, 2005

KingKong said:

Yeah, we give up too many boards to the other team, thats our problem. Even though the Reb differential is bad.. (You'll see we're still in the 20's) I've pointed out a million times that number has steadily improved since our first 10 games. We were hovering at about -7 rebs a game. And before the last couple games we were close to dropping below -1! When the Cat came they seemed a little out of sync on their rotations, but if they Keep steadily improving They can really do some damage with this lineup!

Pacboy · Jan 21, 2005

KingKong said:

You have to click on the difference bar which shows the difference in reb between opponent and the kings. When you do that, we are actually rank #25 in the league. We are still a very poor rebouding team.

VF21 · Jan 21, 2005

albeitrue said:

Thank you for the details. I'm sure it was her. It's sounds so Kingsgurl!

No, she's not my daughter. She's my best friend. Kingsgirl4 is my daughter and Little Princess is my granddaughter.

Grades v. Cavaliers 01/20

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Super Moderator Emeritus

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Don't Make Me Use The Bat

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All-Star

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G-League

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Super Moderator Emeritus

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Bench

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Bench

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Bench

I like turtles

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All-Star

Super Moderator Emeritus

Bench

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Super Moderator Emeritus

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Bench

Super Moderator Emeritus