Kings Playing to Teammates’ Strengths
December 1, 2009 by Andrew Nicholson
The Kings are feeling confident heading into their final contest of a four-game home stand — a matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday at ARCO Arena.
Led by Sergio Rodriguez’s spectacular 13 fourth-quarter points, the Kings closed out the Hornets by outshooting (61.1-50 percent), outrebounding (12-1) and outscoring (30-22) New Orleans in the fourth quarter. Along with becoming the sixth straight game the Kings tallied at least 100 points, it’s the latest example of the team displaying improvement in an area it wasn’t previously proficient.
“I think the players are playing to their strengths and finding ways to use the strengths of their teammates,” Coach Paul Westphal said after the team’s practice on Tuesday. “I think that’s the main thing I’d say I’m pleased about so far. Whether it’s Sergio setting the table for everybody and penetrating or (Jon) Brockman rebounding or Kenny (Thomas) coming in and guarding the best player in the low post or the spot-up shooters finding ways to spot up and feed off each other, that’s what I like best about this team so far.”
Westphal’s comments show his confidence in each player’s awareness and further evidence the Kings are united in their efforts.
Though it has been two days since Rodriguez’s impressive all-around performance, featuring his career-high 24 points, five assists and zero turnovers, Westphal and his teammates continue to be impressed by the Spanish point guard’s play.
“He has just continued to play so well in practice and in the games that it’s hard not to notice him and hard not to get more time for him,” Westphal said. “He’s been consistently really good.”
Watch – Kings Practice: Coach Westphal.
“Sergio, in practice, he’s fun to play against,” Tyreke Evans said. “And he’s fun to watch. The little guy can go. Once he gets it going, there’s no stopping him, so I was pretty happy with him the other night. He played a good game and he was a big part of the win.”
As exciting as Rodriguez’s Sunday showing was, the entire Kings bench has produced well. During the past two games, the home team’s bench has outscored the Nets and Hornets benches, respectively, by a combined 108-31.
Honored early in the day with the Western Conference Rookie of the Month Award, Evans has been essential to the team’s early season success. All it took for Evans to garner the team’s first Rookie of the Month honors since Brian Grant in 1995 was to maintain LeBron James-type numbers – 18.8 pts/gm, 5.0 rebs/gm and 4.7 asssts/gm – while notching more 20-plus point outings (nine) than any other rookie. The University of Memphis product also leads all rookies in free throws made (64) and attempted (81), and it’s his ability to get to the charity stripe with such seeming ease that’s so unique.
“His size and his quickness for his size,” Donté Greene said of what sets Evans apart from Milwaukee Bucks outstanding rookie Brandon Jennings. “People don’t understand how strong he is. He’s really strong and he can score.”
As calm as Evans plays on the court and holds himself during media availability, Greene characterizes Evans as a fun-loving teammate like his rookie classmate, Jason Thompson.
“He’s like me and JT,” Greene said smiling. “He’s a little more quiet or as I say, he’s on the low with his (engaging personality). If you see him on the (Donté Greene Show on Ustream), he’s on the show with us, he’s just the same - just likes to have fun, young and energetic.”
Watch – Kings Practice: Donté Greene.
Watch – Kings Practice: Tyreke Evans.
Greene, Evans and their teammates look to bring the same energy and fun they’ve put on display during their last three home games against Indiana, who have lost six of the past seven games but feature All-Star Danny Granger and double-double threat Troy Murphy.
“Indiana’s a good team,” Evans said. “They run their offense well, kind of like Dallas. They have a couple big guys on their team, T.J. Ford and Danny Granger. We have to go out there and bring the energy like we’ve been doing and try to take care of home court.”
Watch Evans and the Kings go head-to-head with Ford and the Pacers in their lone regular season appearance at ARCO Arena at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Buy tickets now.
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