The Kings played with ferocity last night against the Clippers Nov 23. After years of watching players get out of the way and "wear tuxedos" in the paint, the Kings seem very willing to mix it up. Malone's style of play emphasizes rebounding and defense, but also intensity. Whether by design or an artifact of coaching, the Kings' physical play clearly bothered Griffin and Paul. Outlaw's flagrant was inadvertant, but set the tone. I really like to see Cousin's put his body on Griffin. Patterson and Thompson showed some physical play. JLM plays defense like a swarm of mosquitoes irritating the opponent.
For the Kings, chippiness and intense physical play may really help them. Cousins has gotten his emotions much better under control. Probably Shaq has a lot to do with it. Cousins has a need to express himself on the floor and is now much better able to do that within the confines of the rules. The scene at the end of the game where he stops IT from shaking hands is classic. Paul is walking around with his hand out. Cousins escorts IT off the floor and puts his arm around his shoulder. Those two guys believe in each other and are capable of leading a team to respectability. I was impressed with some of the words used Sun by sportscasters to describe the Clippers game. They said things like "the improving Kings." Do not underestimate the skill of Coach Malone and his understanding of the mental aspects of pro basketball.
For the Kings, chippiness and intense physical play may really help them. Cousins has gotten his emotions much better under control. Probably Shaq has a lot to do with it. Cousins has a need to express himself on the floor and is now much better able to do that within the confines of the rules. The scene at the end of the game where he stops IT from shaking hands is classic. Paul is walking around with his hand out. Cousins escorts IT off the floor and puts his arm around his shoulder. Those two guys believe in each other and are capable of leading a team to respectability. I was impressed with some of the words used Sun by sportscasters to describe the Clippers game. They said things like "the improving Kings." Do not underestimate the skill of Coach Malone and his understanding of the mental aspects of pro basketball.
