http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/14241126p-15060713c.html
Kings notes: Bibby puts up some of his top numbers
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, April 9, 2006
When the Kings beat the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at Staples Center for their fifth victory in six games, it was all Ron Artest and Brad Miller at the end.
The two scored the final 13 points for Sacramento, a well-timed and much-needed finish to another solid game. But as has been the case so often recently, Mike Bibby carried the Kings to that point, scoring 28 of his 30 points before the fourth quarter, his squad no longer dependent on his late-game production that once was a staple of this system.
It has been that way for some time, as Bibby has quietly put up some of the best offensive numbers of his eight-year career. Since March 22, Bibby is averaging 22.2 points, hitting 42.9 percent of his shots (64 of 149) and 41.5 percent from three-point range (27 of 65).
Bibby found added motivation during halftime Friday, when a fan threw a dollar bill his way and said, "Hey, Bibby, go buy yourself some game!" He returned to score 16 third-quarter points and put the Kings ahead 72-69.
"He asked me for (the dollar) back after the game was over, and I told him I was keeping it," Bibby said.
Expect the Kings to keep relying on Bibby. Overall, he is averaging a career high in minutes (38.8) and points (21), with the downfall his career-low 42.9 shooting percentage. Bibby also has relied on his range more than ever, hoisting a career-high 452 three-pointers - 88 more than his previous career high set last season. But he has made 170 of the attempts, a 37.6 shooting percentage.
Small forward Ron Artest gave his two cents on the matter, saying one thing was made clear by the Clippers fan's ill-advised proposal.
"That guy obviously knows nothing about basketball," Artest said. "(Bibby) can shoot that rock. He's a clutch, clutch player. He proved in the playoffs. He's proving it now. He might be the best point guard in the league. I don't know many point guards that are better than Michael Bibby right now."
Humble for Houston - Rick Adelman says the Kings won't overlook any of their final five regular-season opponents as they battle for a playoff spot.
Ignoring Houston's 33-43 record, Adelman said the Rockets are dangerous for many reasons - none more so than the improved presence of 7-foot-6 center Yao Ming. In his fourth season, Yao is posting career highs in points (22.7), rebounds (10.3) and minutes (34.7), his progress coming as much out of necessity as anything else. Superstar swingman Tracy McGrady has played in just 47 games, a back injury keeping him out since March 8.
Yao had his own injury, a foot problem that required surgery but hasn't slowed him since he returned Jan. 30.
"(Yao has) been very good since he came back from the injury," Adelman said. "He's scoring every night, and you've got to make him work. He's going to get more touches with McGrady out now, so it makes him even tougher."
The Rockets are the only team with a better record on the road (18-20) than at home (15-23).
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.
Kings notes: Bibby puts up some of his top numbers
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, April 9, 2006
When the Kings beat the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at Staples Center for their fifth victory in six games, it was all Ron Artest and Brad Miller at the end.
The two scored the final 13 points for Sacramento, a well-timed and much-needed finish to another solid game. But as has been the case so often recently, Mike Bibby carried the Kings to that point, scoring 28 of his 30 points before the fourth quarter, his squad no longer dependent on his late-game production that once was a staple of this system.
It has been that way for some time, as Bibby has quietly put up some of the best offensive numbers of his eight-year career. Since March 22, Bibby is averaging 22.2 points, hitting 42.9 percent of his shots (64 of 149) and 41.5 percent from three-point range (27 of 65).
Bibby found added motivation during halftime Friday, when a fan threw a dollar bill his way and said, "Hey, Bibby, go buy yourself some game!" He returned to score 16 third-quarter points and put the Kings ahead 72-69.
"He asked me for (the dollar) back after the game was over, and I told him I was keeping it," Bibby said.
Expect the Kings to keep relying on Bibby. Overall, he is averaging a career high in minutes (38.8) and points (21), with the downfall his career-low 42.9 shooting percentage. Bibby also has relied on his range more than ever, hoisting a career-high 452 three-pointers - 88 more than his previous career high set last season. But he has made 170 of the attempts, a 37.6 shooting percentage.
Small forward Ron Artest gave his two cents on the matter, saying one thing was made clear by the Clippers fan's ill-advised proposal.
"That guy obviously knows nothing about basketball," Artest said. "(Bibby) can shoot that rock. He's a clutch, clutch player. He proved in the playoffs. He's proving it now. He might be the best point guard in the league. I don't know many point guards that are better than Michael Bibby right now."
Humble for Houston - Rick Adelman says the Kings won't overlook any of their final five regular-season opponents as they battle for a playoff spot.
Ignoring Houston's 33-43 record, Adelman said the Rockets are dangerous for many reasons - none more so than the improved presence of 7-foot-6 center Yao Ming. In his fourth season, Yao is posting career highs in points (22.7), rebounds (10.3) and minutes (34.7), his progress coming as much out of necessity as anything else. Superstar swingman Tracy McGrady has played in just 47 games, a back injury keeping him out since March 8.
Yao had his own injury, a foot problem that required surgery but hasn't slowed him since he returned Jan. 30.
"(Yao has) been very good since he came back from the injury," Adelman said. "He's scoring every night, and you've got to make him work. He's going to get more touches with McGrady out now, so it makes him even tougher."
The Rockets are the only team with a better record on the road (18-20) than at home (15-23).
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.
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