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http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/12245735p-13109636c.html
Kings Notes: Game is high point for Barnes, Martin
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, February 5, 2005
Kevin Martin had hit "the rookie wall." Matt Barnes was on a mission to prove he could answer when opportunity came knocking.
And in a game against the lowly New York Knicks, both youngsters added to the growing highlight film of their young Kings' careers in their 116-115 win.
With the Kings trailing by nine points with less than three minutes left, Martin's offensive rebound and tip-in layup cut the lead to seven points. He grabbed three rebounds down the stretch, and his hand played a part in the crucial steal with 34.9 seconds left that led to a Brad Miller free throw and a 115-115 tie. Martin finished with seven points.
"That was like playoff time," said Martin, the rookie guard who has yet to experience such affairs. "That was No. 1 for best comebacks ever. It feels good because I've hit that rookie wall the last week and a half."
Barnes, who made 5 of 10 shots for 16 points, hit the game-winning free throw with 6.8 seconds left, then defended against guard Anfernee Hardaway on New York's final attempt when the Kings player wrestled the ball out of Hardaway's hands and fell on his backside.
"You have to believe, but (a comeback) was looking slim for a while," Barnes said. "That was definitely the No. 1 game I've been a part of here."
Bright Starbury - Stephon Marbury hit 15 of his 19 field goals for 37 points, scoring 18 points in a third quarter in which the Knicks' lead swelled from two points to 11. It was the second time this season he's scored as much in the third quarter against the Kings, opponents' season highs. But Marbury was nowhere to be found in the deciding seconds, with forward Tim Thomas and Hardaway each missing key attempts late. Marbury's last shot - a made three-pointer - came with 4:14 remaining.
"I didn't want to stand at the top while everyone was basically looking at me," Marbury said. "That's why I threw it to (Hardaway) quick. ... I think the loss today was probably the most disappointing of them all." Et cetera - The Kings are the first team to win when an opponent shoots 60 percent or better (they shot 61.5) since Orlando beat Philadelphia 107-105 on Dec. 12, 2003. ... The Kings attempted a season-high 41 free throws, converting just 28. ... The Knicks lost to the Kings for the eighth straight time.
Kings Notes: Game is high point for Barnes, Martin
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, February 5, 2005
Kevin Martin had hit "the rookie wall." Matt Barnes was on a mission to prove he could answer when opportunity came knocking.
And in a game against the lowly New York Knicks, both youngsters added to the growing highlight film of their young Kings' careers in their 116-115 win.
With the Kings trailing by nine points with less than three minutes left, Martin's offensive rebound and tip-in layup cut the lead to seven points. He grabbed three rebounds down the stretch, and his hand played a part in the crucial steal with 34.9 seconds left that led to a Brad Miller free throw and a 115-115 tie. Martin finished with seven points.
"That was like playoff time," said Martin, the rookie guard who has yet to experience such affairs. "That was No. 1 for best comebacks ever. It feels good because I've hit that rookie wall the last week and a half."
Barnes, who made 5 of 10 shots for 16 points, hit the game-winning free throw with 6.8 seconds left, then defended against guard Anfernee Hardaway on New York's final attempt when the Kings player wrestled the ball out of Hardaway's hands and fell on his backside.
"You have to believe, but (a comeback) was looking slim for a while," Barnes said. "That was definitely the No. 1 game I've been a part of here."
Bright Starbury - Stephon Marbury hit 15 of his 19 field goals for 37 points, scoring 18 points in a third quarter in which the Knicks' lead swelled from two points to 11. It was the second time this season he's scored as much in the third quarter against the Kings, opponents' season highs. But Marbury was nowhere to be found in the deciding seconds, with forward Tim Thomas and Hardaway each missing key attempts late. Marbury's last shot - a made three-pointer - came with 4:14 remaining.
"I didn't want to stand at the top while everyone was basically looking at me," Marbury said. "That's why I threw it to (Hardaway) quick. ... I think the loss today was probably the most disappointing of them all." Et cetera - The Kings are the first team to win when an opponent shoots 60 percent or better (they shot 61.5) since Orlando beat Philadelphia 107-105 on Dec. 12, 2003. ... The Kings attempted a season-high 41 free throws, converting just 28. ... The Knicks lost to the Kings for the eighth straight time.