There was a moment vs the Spurs that warmed my heart despite the disappointing outcome.
Boogie got free for spin move and authoritative two hand jam. He immediately put his head down and sprinted to the other end.
No Tarzan howl. No chest thumping. No egocentric posing to the adoring crowd. Just hustle and moving on to the next play and comeback attempt.
This is a superstar to believe in. This is franchise player to love. This is someone to make Sacramento proud.
This isn't something we witnessed too often last season, precluded by physical conditioning, health, apathy and toxic relationship with geriatric coach who swindled the organization into a swan song payday.
Vlade did right by the organization and his best player. He saw the chink in the armor, among others, and took corrective measures (you're fired!), seizing on the dysfunction in Memphis to secure a seriously good coach.
The lead-up to opening of Golden One Center was about fielding a team that competed at level commensurate with the quality of the new venue. Beautiful building deserves beautiful team to watch. At least one not eliminated from playoff contention by December.
Led by new coach and best player resolute and capable, that vision appears increasingly lucid.
I am perfectly okay with Boogie leading the NBA in technicals again, a perennial occurrence or so it seems, engaging in constant dialogue with refs who "have it in for him", if his level of play persists.
Boogie has been unbelievably good over a small sample size of three games. And this is not something we could say last year, except for his tremendous run the first two weeks of 2016.
I have had an ongoing debate in order for the Kings to become a legitimate team, Boogie needed to become better. He needed to do more than 53% TS and 0.8 assist to turnover, his career averages, engage defensively on more than 60-70% of possessions.
The counterargument of which I vehemently disagree is Boogie has done his fair share. And it is the cast of characters around him, incompetent and futile, that have been the difference between winning and losing. I don't buy this argument. It doesn't pass the sniff test.
Boogie hasn't been good enough over his career, regardless of the incompetence around him. But that appears to be changing. He's growing up before our eyes. He's shed the fat and excuses. He appears ready to be the player he is capable of becoming: a legitimate superstar. If you don't see the difference between Boogie 2016-17 and seasons past, I don't know what to tell you. Except open your eyes.
Last night was a microcosm of Boogie's career: a formidable opponent takes its best shot. Usually that would result in fatal blow. Shocking and awing with athleticism and execution, the Kings are on their heels (and down by 18 points). The team from Minnesota (despite their lame starting PG) is pretty good, with shooters quickness size and strength and a game plan. And a smart coach.
Victory needs to be earned. Last year, and last decade, it was unearned through carelessness, sloppiness, and forced shots. It was unearned through quick shots and casual disregard for an opponent willing to take what you give them.
Credit can be duly given to Rudy and Barnes and Ben (BOOM BABY!!!) and Ty for their timely contribution and savvy.
But it was Boogie who set the tone with his dominance and efficiency, turning a 10 point deficit to 5 point margin with three ball and mid range jumper to close the gap and change momentum. He fouled out in crunch time, but his defense on Towns and constant inside and outside barrage resulted in potential second consecutive home defeat into first ever new home win.
Boogie has been 53% TS in his career. That's not good enough to lead a team anywhere, unless you have a Top 5 defense and pass the ball like Bill Walton in his prime.
In three games Boogie is 66% TS. That's incredible, in-line with my best case forecast of 56-58% TS, based on system and conditioning and PG's who know how to draw and dish.
The Kings embark on a 5-game roadie with momentum and confidence at their back and their "superstar" playing like one. If Boogie continues to play like he has, regardless of other elements that have a tangible effect on winning, i.e. bench production, SG play, perimeter defense, etc, I like our chances to come home on this trip . 5-3 or better.
Let's not lose forrest for the trees. This team goes as far as Boogie takes 'em, and so far the taking has been mighty fine:
- 30 PPG (#6 in NBA)
- 35,6 PER (!!!!)
- 0.9 assist to turnover
- GREAT defense
- 16.0 FGAs per game (shot attempts down 4.5 from last year)
- Leads NBA in FTAs per game at 15.3 (2.3 FTAs more than AD at #2)
