sacbee
It's early, but Kings' problems are many
They can't stop anyone on defense or receive consistent scoring from their core players.
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, November 5, 2004
HOUSTON - The Kings thought they had it bad by opening the NBA season with three road games against the Texas teams.
But check out the four-game, five-night start the Houston Rockets will conclude Saturday night when they host the Kings. Tonight, Houston visits the Memphis Grizzlies, making it the second back-to-back set already this season.
The Kings, Rockets and Atlanta Hawks are the only NBA teams to play their first three games on the road.
However, the Kings have their own problems - a leaky defense and a squeaky offense - and must find consistency fast before they go 0-for-Texas.
The Kings have played from behind during most of the first two games. They never led against the Dallas Mavericks and held the lead for just 10 minutes, 14 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs. That isn't a recipe for road success.
With almost the same core players, the Kings have been one of the league's best road teams the past few seasons, so knowing how to win away from Arco Arena isn't the issue. But doing so is, and the Kings have yet to receive solid, expected contributions from their primary performers. Still, the season is only two games deep.
The Kings must receive strong offensive performances from at least four of these eight players - Brad Miller, Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, Doug Christie, Mike Bibby, Bobby Jackson, Greg Ostertag and Darius Songaila. So far, they've been lucky to get what they need from three of them.
And from a defensive standpoint, all the Kings have been lacking. That's a combination that will produce two road losses.
Ostertag's value is apparent - It's clear 7-foot-2 backup center Greg Ostertag is playing at less than 100 percent as he attempts to return from a fractured right hand. Ostertag has never owned great hands, and he has fumbled some passes that, if caught, likely would have resulted in dunks.
But one play Tuesday night - a driving attempt by Dallas' Jerry Stackhouse in which Ostertag extended his arms and altered the shot attempt - showed how the former Utah Jazz center will make the most impact as a King.
Huddle up and "Lean Back" - Over the years, the Kings have picked all types of ways to gather themselves after pregame introductions. They garnered attention with their collective dance in which they high-kicked as a unit.
This season, the Kings are rolling with Fat Joe's hit song, "Lean Back." And that's the flow they're using, leaning back in unison before taking off their sweats and getting ready to play.
Et cetera - Only two NBA teams - the Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves - opened the season with just one player on the injured list. • The Kings have made just 6 of 25 three-point attempts (24.0 percent) in the first two games.
It's early, but Kings' problems are many
They can't stop anyone on defense or receive consistent scoring from their core players.
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Friday, November 5, 2004
HOUSTON - The Kings thought they had it bad by opening the NBA season with three road games against the Texas teams.
But check out the four-game, five-night start the Houston Rockets will conclude Saturday night when they host the Kings. Tonight, Houston visits the Memphis Grizzlies, making it the second back-to-back set already this season.
The Kings, Rockets and Atlanta Hawks are the only NBA teams to play their first three games on the road.
However, the Kings have their own problems - a leaky defense and a squeaky offense - and must find consistency fast before they go 0-for-Texas.
The Kings have played from behind during most of the first two games. They never led against the Dallas Mavericks and held the lead for just 10 minutes, 14 seconds against the San Antonio Spurs. That isn't a recipe for road success.
With almost the same core players, the Kings have been one of the league's best road teams the past few seasons, so knowing how to win away from Arco Arena isn't the issue. But doing so is, and the Kings have yet to receive solid, expected contributions from their primary performers. Still, the season is only two games deep.
The Kings must receive strong offensive performances from at least four of these eight players - Brad Miller, Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, Doug Christie, Mike Bibby, Bobby Jackson, Greg Ostertag and Darius Songaila. So far, they've been lucky to get what they need from three of them.
And from a defensive standpoint, all the Kings have been lacking. That's a combination that will produce two road losses.
Ostertag's value is apparent - It's clear 7-foot-2 backup center Greg Ostertag is playing at less than 100 percent as he attempts to return from a fractured right hand. Ostertag has never owned great hands, and he has fumbled some passes that, if caught, likely would have resulted in dunks.
But one play Tuesday night - a driving attempt by Dallas' Jerry Stackhouse in which Ostertag extended his arms and altered the shot attempt - showed how the former Utah Jazz center will make the most impact as a King.
Huddle up and "Lean Back" - Over the years, the Kings have picked all types of ways to gather themselves after pregame introductions. They garnered attention with their collective dance in which they high-kicked as a unit.
This season, the Kings are rolling with Fat Joe's hit song, "Lean Back." And that's the flow they're using, leaning back in unison before taking off their sweats and getting ready to play.
Et cetera - Only two NBA teams - the Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves - opened the season with just one player on the injured list. • The Kings have made just 6 of 25 three-point attempts (24.0 percent) in the first two games.
I love that song! For the love of dancing I have got to see Brad, Tag and Peja "lean back"
