Peja
Bench
http://www.nba.com/kings/news/wrap_Kings_vs_Lakers_010407.html
KINGS vs. LAKERS
Kings Fall 132 - 128
Mike Bibby The Kings nearly pulled off an incredible comeback over the rival Lakers.
The Kings were down by as many as 21 points in the beginning of the third quarter. The hometown team then went to the bread and butter, pick ‘n’ roll, with Corliss Williamson and Mike Bibby. The tandem helped the Kings go on a 27-10 run to bring them back into the game.
After spending much of the game around 10 points down, the Kings gained their first lead of the night with 2:14 to go in the game with a pair of Kevin Martin freethrows.
However, Bibby and Martin each missed a freethrow that could have sealed the deal as time was running out and the lay up at the buzzer by the unassuming Smush Parker sent the most riveting Kings game of the season into overtime.
“Kobe didn’t have anywhere to go because we double-teamed him,” Kings Head Coach Eric Musselman said afterwards. “So he did a great job of finding an open man. Corliss did a good job of sliding over and Parker hit a tough shot.”
Once into overtime, the Lakers found their touch again and held on for the win, 132-128.
“I’m proud of our guys,” Musselman said. “Especially in the second half, against a good team like the Lakers, we did a good job fighting back. We did a good job getting to the foul line, attacking the rim. But, uncharacteristically, we didn’t make our freethrows at a high percentage."
“The lack of rebounding tonight cost us the game.”
The Kings were out rebounded 51 to 35.
The Kings and Lakers combined for an ARCO Arena record 47 freethrow attempts in the second quarter alone. The mark was just three attempts short of tying the longstanding record set by Cincinnati in 1964.
“Wow,” Artest said, frequently looking on the positive, “That’s pretty cool. I guess we’re part of history!”
As Musselman mentioned, the Kings got to the line at a very high rate, as they had 58 attempts on the night, but only made 43. The Lakers, meanwhile, were 31 of 44 from the charity stripe.
“We make freethrows, the game is over,” Bibby said with frustration after the game.
The Kings had the crowd on hand yelling and screaming and on their feet much of second half.
Bibby and Kobe Bryant had a shootout that brought back memories of their January 2006 meeting in ARCO Arena where they combined for 91 points in the Kings overtime win.
Thursday, Bryant finished the night with 42 points, nine assists and 10 boards. Bibby finished with a season-high 38 points, six assists and seven boards.
“We’re getting better,” Artest said following his 19 point, three steal outing. “Guys are playing more confident.”
I'd just add that I am disappointed with chanting "MVP" to Kobe...Maybe it's just me but how I think is -you don't support player from other team during the game in any way...if he is the best player on the world you say that after game..During the game,be 100% with your team and try to make things harder for the oponent.That's IMHO
KINGS vs. LAKERS
Kings Fall 132 - 128
Mike Bibby The Kings nearly pulled off an incredible comeback over the rival Lakers.
The Kings were down by as many as 21 points in the beginning of the third quarter. The hometown team then went to the bread and butter, pick ‘n’ roll, with Corliss Williamson and Mike Bibby. The tandem helped the Kings go on a 27-10 run to bring them back into the game.
After spending much of the game around 10 points down, the Kings gained their first lead of the night with 2:14 to go in the game with a pair of Kevin Martin freethrows.
However, Bibby and Martin each missed a freethrow that could have sealed the deal as time was running out and the lay up at the buzzer by the unassuming Smush Parker sent the most riveting Kings game of the season into overtime.
“Kobe didn’t have anywhere to go because we double-teamed him,” Kings Head Coach Eric Musselman said afterwards. “So he did a great job of finding an open man. Corliss did a good job of sliding over and Parker hit a tough shot.”
Once into overtime, the Lakers found their touch again and held on for the win, 132-128.
“I’m proud of our guys,” Musselman said. “Especially in the second half, against a good team like the Lakers, we did a good job fighting back. We did a good job getting to the foul line, attacking the rim. But, uncharacteristically, we didn’t make our freethrows at a high percentage."
“The lack of rebounding tonight cost us the game.”
The Kings were out rebounded 51 to 35.
The Kings and Lakers combined for an ARCO Arena record 47 freethrow attempts in the second quarter alone. The mark was just three attempts short of tying the longstanding record set by Cincinnati in 1964.
“Wow,” Artest said, frequently looking on the positive, “That’s pretty cool. I guess we’re part of history!”
As Musselman mentioned, the Kings got to the line at a very high rate, as they had 58 attempts on the night, but only made 43. The Lakers, meanwhile, were 31 of 44 from the charity stripe.
“We make freethrows, the game is over,” Bibby said with frustration after the game.
The Kings had the crowd on hand yelling and screaming and on their feet much of second half.
Bibby and Kobe Bryant had a shootout that brought back memories of their January 2006 meeting in ARCO Arena where they combined for 91 points in the Kings overtime win.
Thursday, Bryant finished the night with 42 points, nine assists and 10 boards. Bibby finished with a season-high 38 points, six assists and seven boards.
“We’re getting better,” Artest said following his 19 point, three steal outing. “Guys are playing more confident.”
- Fan Favorite Vlade Divac was in the house for the game between both of his former teams.
“Very nice game,” Divac said with a smile after the game. “Tonight I was a Kings fan. ARCO Arena is always a special place for me; it’s always going to be my home. The best years of my career were right here on this floor.”
As for whether Divac misses playing, he feels he made the right decision to hang it up.
“Not at all, I think I stopped playing right on time,” Divac said of missing the game. “Looking back on my career I am very happy.”
Divac now spends his time assisting the team that plays in the city in which he now resides, Madrid, the home of Spanish professional basketball team, Real Madrid.
I'd just add that I am disappointed with chanting "MVP" to Kobe...Maybe it's just me but how I think is -you don't support player from other team during the game in any way...if he is the best player on the world you say that after game..During the game,be 100% with your team and try to make things harder for the oponent.That's IMHO
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