LMM
Starter
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/11695768p-12584531c.html
Tweaking and peaking
Without Chris Webber, the Kings post their 12th win in the last 13 games.
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Wednesday, December 8, 2004
http://www.sacbee.com/static/live/newsletters/kingsalert_signup.html
Kings forward Darius Songaila fights Bobcats rookie Emeka Okafor (50) for a rebound. Songaila matched his career high with 17 points.
By hook or crook, squeaker or blowout, artistry or abuse of the game, getting the victory is all Kings coach Rick Adelman cares about.
And with power forward Chris Webber saying his surgically repaired left knee was too sore to play, Adelman was especially pleased his team posted its fifth straight victory, 109-92 over the expansion Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday night at Arco Arena.
Small forward Peja Stojakovic scored 16 of his game-high 30 points during the third quarter, and the Kings used a 15-0 run spanning the halves to take control against the only NBA team that doesn't have a road win.
"I just tried to be aggressive, coming off screens and getting open looks," Stojakovic said. "I was able to make them."
Adelman needed production with Webber sidelined.
"It was Webb's call," the coach said. "He said it was too sore to play."
The Kings (13-5), who have won 12 of their last 13 games, receive a brief respite before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night to start a three-game Midwest road trip. Adelman said he expected Webber to play against the Timberwolves, who handed the Kings their only home loss in 10 games Nov. 28.
Some might say the respite began against the Bobcats (4-12), who played without two starters, center Primoz Brezec (sprained right ankle) and former Kings swingman Gerald Wallace (concussion), and backup center Jahidi White (sprained right shoulder). Factor in Charlotte's double-overtime loss to the host Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, and this game appeared to set up nicely for the Kings.
During pregame warmups, Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff said he knew the second game of the back-to-back set was going to be tough.
"I'm worried about this one because we played (Monday) night," he said. "But we're playing an elite team."
That setup scenario, however, lasted until just midway through the first quarter, when the Kings missed eight consecutive shots and Charlotte scored 14 straight points to lead 28-20.
Adelman was concerned but not angered nor worried.
"I think the first half, we got a lot of good looks that we missed," he said. "But Darius (Songaila) came in and did a great job."
Songaila tied his career high with 17 points and grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds in a season-high 37 minutes.
In a last-minute move, Adelman started 7-foot-2 Greg Ostertag at center alongside Brad Miller, who took Webber's spot. Miller scored a season-high 27 points and matched his career high by attempting 18 free throws, sinking 15.
"A little birdie told me I was starting," Ostertag said. "His name was (assistant coach) Bubba (Burrage), because I wasn't starting when we went for warmups."
That's because Adelman didn't know Brezec, a surprise find for the Bobcats, was out. And when Adelman saw Melvin Ely was starting instead, he went with Ostertag.
"We were going to start Darius if (Brezec) was going to start," Adelman said. "When they went with (rookie Emeka Okafor and Ely), it was just a better matchup. I knew as soon as they substituted, they were going to go small, and I wanted to use Darius in that regard."
Songaila was able to use his size and strength around the basket. Miller and Stojakovic also operated well inside, with Stojakovic grabbing a team-and season-high 11 rebounds. "You have to make (small ball) an advantage," Songaila said. "Every good team takes advantage of the mismatches, and that's what we tried to do."
Tweaking and peaking
Without Chris Webber, the Kings post their 12th win in the last 13 games.
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Wednesday, December 8, 2004
Kings forward Darius Songaila fights Bobcats rookie Emeka Okafor (50) for a rebound. Songaila matched his career high with 17 points.
By hook or crook, squeaker or blowout, artistry or abuse of the game, getting the victory is all Kings coach Rick Adelman cares about.
And with power forward Chris Webber saying his surgically repaired left knee was too sore to play, Adelman was especially pleased his team posted its fifth straight victory, 109-92 over the expansion Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday night at Arco Arena.
Small forward Peja Stojakovic scored 16 of his game-high 30 points during the third quarter, and the Kings used a 15-0 run spanning the halves to take control against the only NBA team that doesn't have a road win.
"I just tried to be aggressive, coming off screens and getting open looks," Stojakovic said. "I was able to make them."
Adelman needed production with Webber sidelined.
"It was Webb's call," the coach said. "He said it was too sore to play."
The Kings (13-5), who have won 12 of their last 13 games, receive a brief respite before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night to start a three-game Midwest road trip. Adelman said he expected Webber to play against the Timberwolves, who handed the Kings their only home loss in 10 games Nov. 28.
Some might say the respite began against the Bobcats (4-12), who played without two starters, center Primoz Brezec (sprained right ankle) and former Kings swingman Gerald Wallace (concussion), and backup center Jahidi White (sprained right shoulder). Factor in Charlotte's double-overtime loss to the host Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, and this game appeared to set up nicely for the Kings.
During pregame warmups, Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff said he knew the second game of the back-to-back set was going to be tough.
"I'm worried about this one because we played (Monday) night," he said. "But we're playing an elite team."
That setup scenario, however, lasted until just midway through the first quarter, when the Kings missed eight consecutive shots and Charlotte scored 14 straight points to lead 28-20.
Adelman was concerned but not angered nor worried.
"I think the first half, we got a lot of good looks that we missed," he said. "But Darius (Songaila) came in and did a great job."
Songaila tied his career high with 17 points and grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds in a season-high 37 minutes.
In a last-minute move, Adelman started 7-foot-2 Greg Ostertag at center alongside Brad Miller, who took Webber's spot. Miller scored a season-high 27 points and matched his career high by attempting 18 free throws, sinking 15.
"A little birdie told me I was starting," Ostertag said. "His name was (assistant coach) Bubba (Burrage), because I wasn't starting when we went for warmups."
That's because Adelman didn't know Brezec, a surprise find for the Bobcats, was out. And when Adelman saw Melvin Ely was starting instead, he went with Ostertag.
"We were going to start Darius if (Brezec) was going to start," Adelman said. "When they went with (rookie Emeka Okafor and Ely), it was just a better matchup. I knew as soon as they substituted, they were going to go small, and I wanted to use Darius in that regard."
Songaila was able to use his size and strength around the basket. Miller and Stojakovic also operated well inside, with Stojakovic grabbing a team-and season-high 11 rebounds. "You have to make (small ball) an advantage," Songaila said. "Every good team takes advantage of the mismatches, and that's what we tried to do."
