http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14236763p-15057670c.html
Marty Mac's World: Kings and paupers can be interchangeable
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Sports Columnist
Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, March 30, 2006
The Kings are a prime example of how fleeting success can be in the NBA. Just two weeks ago, they had won five straight, 14 of their previous 18 games. They appeared to have a legitimate opportunity to not only make the playoffs, but earn the No. 6 position in the Western Conference postseason.
Before Wednesday night's victory at Portland, the Kings had lost five of their past seven games and averaged 89.3 points during that stretch. Sacramento has performed so ineptly that only the struggles of the teams chasing it - Utah and New Orleans - inspire any belief the Kings can qualify for the playoffs.
Admittedly, it is so easy to kick a crew when it's down, particularly when the struggles are so visible. However, there are reasons for optimism for the Kings and their supporters.
Just as things can deteriorate quickly, they can be resuscitated. Unfortunately, the latter is much more difficult. Tuesday night's loss to Washington was a prime example of what happens when things go badly. Sacramento must have had at least 10 shots roll around the rim and come out. Ron Artest shot 4 of 18 from the field but had four or five misses of good shots that went in and out.
History as well as sheer odds suggest center Brad Miller cannot and will not continue playing as poorly on offense as he has recently. Now, his one-on-one defense is so ridiculously weak that the team must give him more help. Artest also figures to improve offensively. It is expected the Kings soon will regain the services of young guard Kevin Martin, whose athleticism and ability to extend defenses have been missed.
Moreover, nearly a month remains between now and the start of the playoffs. Should the Kings qualify, there is sufficient time for them to get their act together. Despite having played so poorly on offense, Sacramento had held nine consecutive opponents to fewer than 100 points. And unquestionably, poor offense usually leads to poor defense.
Certainly there is reason for concern - but not panic. The Kings have not been together long enough to avoid the inevitable ups and down that usually accompany growing pains.
About the writer: The Bee's Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.
Marty Mac's World: Kings and paupers can be interchangeable
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Sports Columnist
Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, March 30, 2006
The Kings are a prime example of how fleeting success can be in the NBA. Just two weeks ago, they had won five straight, 14 of their previous 18 games. They appeared to have a legitimate opportunity to not only make the playoffs, but earn the No. 6 position in the Western Conference postseason.
Before Wednesday night's victory at Portland, the Kings had lost five of their past seven games and averaged 89.3 points during that stretch. Sacramento has performed so ineptly that only the struggles of the teams chasing it - Utah and New Orleans - inspire any belief the Kings can qualify for the playoffs.
Admittedly, it is so easy to kick a crew when it's down, particularly when the struggles are so visible. However, there are reasons for optimism for the Kings and their supporters.
Just as things can deteriorate quickly, they can be resuscitated. Unfortunately, the latter is much more difficult. Tuesday night's loss to Washington was a prime example of what happens when things go badly. Sacramento must have had at least 10 shots roll around the rim and come out. Ron Artest shot 4 of 18 from the field but had four or five misses of good shots that went in and out.
History as well as sheer odds suggest center Brad Miller cannot and will not continue playing as poorly on offense as he has recently. Now, his one-on-one defense is so ridiculously weak that the team must give him more help. Artest also figures to improve offensively. It is expected the Kings soon will regain the services of young guard Kevin Martin, whose athleticism and ability to extend defenses have been missed.
Moreover, nearly a month remains between now and the start of the playoffs. Should the Kings qualify, there is sufficient time for them to get their act together. Despite having played so poorly on offense, Sacramento had held nine consecutive opponents to fewer than 100 points. And unquestionably, poor offense usually leads to poor defense.
Certainly there is reason for concern - but not panic. The Kings have not been together long enough to avoid the inevitable ups and down that usually accompany growing pains.
About the writer: The Bee's Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.
