http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14195142p-15021763c.html
Kings notes: Miller and Cardinal: Hard hits, not feelings
The former Purdue teammates leave the fighting on the court.
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, February 16, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - To set the record straight, there is no feud between Brad Miller and Brian Cardinal.
No matter how physical it gets.
And if ever that friendship was put to the ultimate test, it was Feb. 7, when the former Purdue teammates engaged in a battle worthy of a hoops version of "Gladiator."
Miller was playing despite a fractured thumb, and Cardinal - whose Memphis team was at Arco Arena - was attacking the weakness without the slightest bit of sympathy. It ended in Miller's favor, as he exploded emotionally and offensively, hitting two three-pointers late and scoring 12 consecutive points in a 104-96 Kings victory.
Miller was all comedic bravado after, saying Cardinal may have jeopardized his spot on a prearranged flight to Indiana for the All-Star break.
"We text-messaged that night," said Cardinal, who talked his way onto the plane. "I asked him if I could still have a ride, and he laughed and (wrote) 'HA HA.' Between Brad and I, we're good friends."
Unless they're between the lines. Miller was convinced Cardinal and his teammates were aiming for the thumb, a claim Cardinal didn't refute.
"It just happens that he has a bad thumb, and I was out there trying to steal the ball," Cardinal said. "And on every occasion, I was able to do it and there was no foul called."
Break time - Late Wednesday night, the skies and highways were filled with Kings headed in different directions to enjoy five days off at the All-Star break.
Among them, Corliss Williamson was eager to get to his hometown in Arkansas for more reasons than rest. Today is the grand opening of the L.V. Williams Boys & Girls Club in Russellville, Ark., a 36,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility named in honor of Williamson's grandfather. Williamson donated $1 million to the project he said was four years in the making.
"We had charity events over the summer, a basketball game, golf tournament, and a basketball camp to try to help raise money," said Williamson, who planned to drive there to join his family.
Forward Kenny Thomas, who attended high school in El Paso, Texas, will attend the All-Star Game in Houston. He rented a suite to fill with friends for the event. No one needs the break more than forward Ron Artest, who has been playing while banged up. He said he's eager to see his wife and four kids in Indiana.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.
Kings notes: Miller and Cardinal: Hard hits, not feelings
The former Purdue teammates leave the fighting on the court.
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, February 16, 2006
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - To set the record straight, there is no feud between Brad Miller and Brian Cardinal.
No matter how physical it gets.
And if ever that friendship was put to the ultimate test, it was Feb. 7, when the former Purdue teammates engaged in a battle worthy of a hoops version of "Gladiator."
Miller was playing despite a fractured thumb, and Cardinal - whose Memphis team was at Arco Arena - was attacking the weakness without the slightest bit of sympathy. It ended in Miller's favor, as he exploded emotionally and offensively, hitting two three-pointers late and scoring 12 consecutive points in a 104-96 Kings victory.
Miller was all comedic bravado after, saying Cardinal may have jeopardized his spot on a prearranged flight to Indiana for the All-Star break.
"We text-messaged that night," said Cardinal, who talked his way onto the plane. "I asked him if I could still have a ride, and he laughed and (wrote) 'HA HA.' Between Brad and I, we're good friends."
Unless they're between the lines. Miller was convinced Cardinal and his teammates were aiming for the thumb, a claim Cardinal didn't refute.
"It just happens that he has a bad thumb, and I was out there trying to steal the ball," Cardinal said. "And on every occasion, I was able to do it and there was no foul called."
Break time - Late Wednesday night, the skies and highways were filled with Kings headed in different directions to enjoy five days off at the All-Star break.
Among them, Corliss Williamson was eager to get to his hometown in Arkansas for more reasons than rest. Today is the grand opening of the L.V. Williams Boys & Girls Club in Russellville, Ark., a 36,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility named in honor of Williamson's grandfather. Williamson donated $1 million to the project he said was four years in the making.
"We had charity events over the summer, a basketball game, golf tournament, and a basketball camp to try to help raise money," said Williamson, who planned to drive there to join his family.
Forward Kenny Thomas, who attended high school in El Paso, Texas, will attend the All-Star Game in Houston. He rented a suite to fill with friends for the event. No one needs the break more than forward Ron Artest, who has been playing while banged up. He said he's eager to see his wife and four kids in Indiana.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.