Postgame Quotes: Kings @ Warriors

Paul Westphal:

“I have a dentist appointment tomorrow, and if I go in without any anesthetics, it will probably feel better than I feel right now. They beat us 42-16 in the second quarter. The first quarter is what I expected for the game, but the second quarter killed us. We were embarrassed. The Warriors played great. They were fantastic. Everything they did tonight was great. When you fall apart like we did, it is hard to get back into the game. I just wanted them to compete evenly for the rest of the game and not quit. I wanted them to salvage anything that they could.”

Spencer Hawes-

“To play like we played against the caliber of the Boston Celtics the last game and to play the way we played tonight; there is no excuse. We started out ok in the beginning of the second quarter. With a team like the Warriors, you can’t try to beat them at what they do. When they get you in that trap, it’s hard to get out of it. We tried to play them to their style, and when they would hit a three, we tried to do the same. That’s something that you cannot do with a team like this. We would shoot after one pass and sometimes bad shots lead to fastbreaks. Last year, it seemed like we had games like this all the time, but this may have been the worst we played this year.”

Kevin Martin-

“It’s not a good feeling to have after a loss like this. We let them jump on us in the second quarter and we weren’t able to get back into the game.”

(On trade rumors)
“Sources say a lot during the deadline. I didn’t play in the second half, but I can’t speculate. We have a great coaching staff and Paul (Westphal) is a great coach, so we will see what happens. All I want to do is be a better basketball player tomorrow.”

Coach Don Nelson:

“Well, how about that. That was about a lot of fun for those guys [to] take shots. Seeing C.J. [Watson] get a career high to the 40 point mark that was all on the front. The game was just one where we shared the ball, just played in the open court, and did it with a small lineup. I am very pleased with [our] performance.”

(on G Stephen Curry having a good bounce back game after last night’s game versus Los Angeles Lakers)
“He played great. The Lakers beat us, but we played great. I thought that [Curry] would but yes, it’s always good to bounce back after a bad performance.’

(on G C.J. Watson getting open during the game)
“He just had that rhythm. That happens sometimes when you just start making shots and the basket looks really big. We saw him do that before in Utah. We went up and beat Utah last year, and I think that he had [38] in that game. He can get on a roll and the guys found him when he was open that helped. We ran him into a lot of screen-and-rolls as well and that was his open shot tonight which was a 17-18 foot jumper and he made them.”

(on the teams open looks on three pointers during the game)
“We got open looks because we pushed the tempo, all of the loose balls, and all of the long rebounds in the first three quarters. We got some lucky bounces in there too. I told the team at halftime ‘Don’t get too full of yourselves.’ First of all, know that they were down to Chicago by thirty at halftime and won the game in Chicago. They are very capable of making shots and we didn’t want to change the tempo. We wanted to keep going and not become conservative. I became conservative in the fourth quarter just because we wanted to do clock management, but we always wanted to run. We always wanted to take open shots on the break. But when it’s not there, we tired to run the clock a little bit and did a good job. We won every quarter, I think. I told the team that I wanted to win the last quarter and I think we did

C.J. Watson :

“I mean I just try and go out there and play, and play aggressive. I knew Monta (Ellis) wasn’t playing so I just knew I had to pick up the scoring load and just try and get some points in transition and shots fell for me and we won so that’s all I care about.”

On Trying for his Career High:
“I didn’t think I was going to get it actually, I sat on the bench and my legs got tired so I missed three shots in a row so I just tried to get to the basket and get a layup.

On Getting Hot:
“Middle of the first quarter I hit a couple of shots and drove to the basket and got a couple of ‘And 1’s’ and was making free throws and just felt my rhythm just kept going. Kept being aggressive and keep putting the pressure on them.”

Stephen Curry:

On C.J. Watson
“He just started off firing and he got his looks. Looking at the rim like that, making every shot, barely hitting the rim, you give him the ball. And when guys start keying in on him in the second half he starts dishing the ball and getting assists. He was an all around threat tonight so and outstanding performance tonight, one of the best I’ve seen this year.”

On Trying to get C.J. Watson his last Two Points:

“It was kind of reminiscent of the triple double last week. We all knew he was two points away, he knew it, and he was just trying to get that last two. First 40 point game of his career so we were all pulling for him, excited for him and made a really difficult shot at the end to get that 40 so I’m glad it happened.”

Exclusive: SKDT Swimsuit Calendar Invite

Hi Kings Fans!

Since my last blog, I’ve traveled to the other side of the world and back, twice!

This summer I had a chance to visit China with five of my teammates and take a fun personal trip to Australia. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, I love to travel. My teammates and I had a great time representing the NBA and the Kings in China. Visiting Western Australia for two weeks was also amazing – from exploring wineries, beaches and the outback to holding and feeding kangaroos and koalas and meeting friendly locals. It was great to get away and experience new countries and cultures, but I am glad to be back in Sacramento and excited for the Kings season!

After six members of the SKDT returned home from Iraq, we were able to start practice as a team. For more than a month, we’ve been busy preparing for the 2009-10 season. Last year was great for the SKDT, and we are working hard to improve and impress our fans. With only one new member, Sasha, we have the ability to continue to grow as a team with difficult choreography and technique. With the help of new choreographers, including some of our own members, we have exciting dances to songs like “I Love Rock n’ Roll” and Beyonce’s new single “Sweet Dreams.” The friendship and bond among the members of our team shows in our dancing, and I am honored to be a part of such an amazing and talented group of women.

It was a lot of fun to be back on the ARCO Arena court at our preseason home opener last Wednesday. Hearing the crowd clap in unison with Slamson during the fourth quarter gave me goose bumps. I love our fans’ dedication and loyalty year after year. The support we receive from Kings fans is greatly appreciated. We strive to provide the best entertainment at Kings games all season.

Along with the Kings first preseason game, the SKDT calendar went on sale for the first time at the Sacramento Team Store. We put a lot of hard work into creating our first-ever dance team calendar, and it was nice to see the final product.

The dance team is an amazing group of dancers and we are able to show it at every home game. Our calendar is a way to show the unique beauty of each talented dance team member. We spent two 12-hour plus days last December shooting the photos for the calendar. There are many things that go into a photoshoot including hair, make-up, costumes, proper nutrition and exercise to weather and location. Having a connection with the camera and feeling comfortable in front of the photographer are also important to get a perfect shot. Thanks to the professionalism and cooperation of my teammates and the photographer, the process went smoothly.

Join my teammates and me this Friday at the Park Downtown from 9:30-10:30 p.m. to celebrate the unveiling of our swimsuit calendar. The calendar will be available for purchase and we’ll be signing autographs and taking pictures. I hope to see you all there!

For behind the scenes news on the Sacramento Kings Dance Team, follow us on Twitter.com/skdt.

Coach Paul Westphal on the Rise Guys

Coach Westphal joined the Rise Guys on Friday morning.

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Greene Steps Up to IndyCar Challenge

In a prelude to the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway Aug. 21-23, IndyCar series driver Justin Wilson challenged Kings forward Donté Greene to a game of I-N-D-Y-C-A-R on the blacktop of the ARCO Arena parking lot followed by a behind-the-wheel competition of IndyCar iRacing motorsport simulation.

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Sacramento Leaders Welcome Omri

It’s been a whirlwind tour for Omri Casspi since he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings.

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Sean May Press Conference: August 3

Geoff Petrie on Sean May signing

As everyone knows, we came to an understanding not quite two weeks ago, so it was good to get him in here today and get everything finalized. I think with him and when you listen to him talk, when you combine his talent with his health and desire, he is a player who really hasn’t had the chance yet to have the career. He thinks he is ready to go and we think he is. He has the potential to add a lot of depth and skill to our front court. We are looking forward to working with him and watching him play.

On what made him think Sean was ready to go:
He was in very good shape, especially for the middle of summer, and he was very mobile. His talent and skill set haven’t diminished at all. I think if he has arrived at a reasonable level as he thinks he has, our physicians think he has, then he has a chance to really get his career started on a competitive basis. It will be fun to watch.

On how Sean will complement the players already on the team:
I think very well, just because he is a multidimensional player and he does rebound the ball. He can pass the ball and shoot the ball. He obviously played at a very good program at North Carolina. He knows a lot about team basketball and winning. Hopefully, he will bring some of that to our team as well.

On if he could play the five or strictly the four:
I think it depends on matchups. A lot of teams will play with smaller lineups for portions of the game. I don’t know about huge minutes as a back up center, but there is probably the potential for that with Jason Thompson as well.

On Sean fitting in with the Kings:
I think it is a great fit. Like I said from the beginning, it really is a combination of his talent, health and ability, and right now we think that he has all three. His talent was never really in question. He comes in with a great knowledge of our team and wants to make a contribution that will help us bounce out of the bottom here.

On Sean coming in with a great attitude and wanting to win:
I think the last player that we had like him was Corliss Williamson. He won a title at Arkansas, in a very similar-type situation. North Carolina is one of the sturdiest programs in the country. When you play there, you know about team basketball and you know about winning. I think that he will bring a share of that to us.

~~~
Sean May

I feel great. I have been working out and getting prepared for when I went to Las Vegas and worked out for the Kings. The knee feels good, and the doctors looked at it and everything looked great. I am ready to roll and I am excited. Hopefully this will be good.

On if he talked to other players about the micro fracture surgery and how they handled it:
All the doctors and players who I have talked to have said that my youth is probably what is going to save my career. I have talked to Amare (Stoudemire), and I know Rashad (McCants) who I went to school with. I know the history now of guys who had it. When guys have it when they are older, it’s hard to come back from it. The Kings know first hand with Chris (Webber). He struggled with it partly due to the fact that he was a bit older. I feel great, and I haven’t had a whole lot of pain since I had the surgery. The biggest thing has just been the tendonitis, but that is manageable. I just feel good.

On the deciding factor to come to Sacramento:
I got an offer from Cleveland and Sacramento on the same day. One thing I did was look at the roster, and at Sacramento there are a lot of young guys and I can fit in here great. Spencer Hawes and I are really good friends, I like Jason Thompson and Kevin Martin I think is one of the best scorers in the League. I just felt like it was a really good fit. Not saying that Cleveland wasn’t, but I just felt like here (Sacramento) the opportunity to turn my career around was better. I felt I could help a young team go from winning 17 games to how ever many. I just knew I could help.

What he will add to the roster:
I think that I will add depth on the front court. I think that I am a unique big who can step out and make plays on the perimeter. I still hold true to being a power forward and rebounding the basketball. I think that is probably my biggest attribute – being able to rebound, get up and down the floor and being able to shoot the ball from out, too.

On his knee and being able to get back from the injury:
If I could’ve written a book on my NBA career up to this point, none of these would be in any of the chapters. It’s been tough, it really has, but it has been humbling. I am really looking forward to this opportunity right now. For one because a lot of people have been in my position and folded, that is something I refuse to do. It has been tough, but I am looking forward to the challenge and opportunity.

On bringing his winning attitude to the team:
I think that is a big part of who I am. We won a lot of games in college. Fortunately, in Charlotte we were getting better, but we were almost in the same position (as the Kings) when I started out there. My first year I think we won only 18 games. We just continually got better. I think if you bring in guys who have that winning attitude, guys who are competitors and want to win at any expense, it will help your team. Hopefully, that is something that they saw in me and they feel like I can help.

On not being able to play due to the injury:
It was tough. I don’t want to say that I was depressed, but to say that I wasn’t down, I couldn’t say that. I was down. I love what I do and love to play the game of basketball. To have that physically taken away from you and there isn’t anything you can do. It is a waiting game with some knee injuries and some other injuries that happened. With the micro fracture, there is physically nothing that you can do besides just wait. I had to wait about 10 months to get back onto the court, so it did affect me. I feel like it is in the past now and there is nothing that I can do about it. I don’t like to dwell on it. I am just looking forward to the future.

On his dad’s influence on him:
I talk to my dad a couple of times a day. In his career, he didn’t have as many injuries, but he had some injuries. When he was in the NBA, he had some knee surgeries and what not, so he has helped me through it a lot in dealing with it and understanding it. This is the situation, and if you want to quit, quit. He knows that will never happen though.

On the emotional side of his injury:
It was tough for me. Emotionally, it took a lot out of me. It was the first time I struggled, but I think it shows a lot about someone’s character if they are able to go through some adversity and bounce back from it. That is really what I think about this opportunity at hand. It is a test to bounce back from this adversity that I have had these past few years.

K-Mart: Just A Kid

Once the youngster who looked up to his basketball counselors, dreaming of one day playing in college and, eventually, the NBA, Kevin Martin relishes the success he’s worked so hard to attain.

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Draftees Press Conference Quotes

Geoff Petrie Opening Statement:
“He (Tyreke Evans) was the best freshman in college last year. He’s just a tremendous prospect. And Jon (Brockman)… One of my favorite Van Morrison songs is a song called “Cleaning Windows.” There’s a line in there: “I’m just a working man in my prime cleaning windows.” So I hope he cleans some glass down here for the Kings. It’s great to have him. He was the leading rebounder the last two years in the Pac-10. He brings a tremendous work ethic with him.”

Gavin Maloof Opening Statement:
“It’s a great day for the Kings organization, for our family, for Geoff and the community. We feel that we are on the right track and we have nothing but upside for the Sacramento Kings. You have a great couple of athletes up here in Jon and Tyreke that can really turn this franchise around. I think I got a little too excited yesterday because I got an ulcer. Literally. So, I am going to have to just take it easy for a little while. I told Tyreke, I really got excited. The whole town is on fire. No pressure though. He said he could handle it. Again, welcome to the Kings organization, it is a great day for all of our fans and we are glad to have you.”
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RULES - Kings Fans Mock 31 2.0

KINGS FANS MOCK 31 2.0 OFFICIAL RULES

The Contest begins on June 23, 2009 and closes on June 25, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. PST. Participation in the Contest constitutes full and unconditional agreement and acceptance of these Contest Rules, which are final on all matters relating to the Contests.

(1) How to Enter: No purchase necessary. There is one method to enter the Contest:

Online Entry: Entrants can go to FullCourtPress.KingsConnect.com, fill out the form and submit requested data including how they think the top 31 picks of 2009 NBA Draft will unfold. The online Contest will begin on June 23, 2009 and end on June 25, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. PST. The Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, the National Basketball Association and its Member Teams, NBA Properties, Inc. (a.k.a. Sponsors), and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, franchisees, licenses, directors, owners, employees and agents, assumes no responsibility for entries they are unable to process due to network, hardware or other technical failures, or for incomplete, damaged, misdirected, illegible or lost entries. Sponsors reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, operation of the website or otherwise in violation of the rules and reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate or modify this contest if not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, technical corruption, non-authorized human intervention or force majeure. The use of automated entry devices or any other conduct that impedes the integrity of the contest is prohibited. One (1) entry per person, per day.

(2) Who Can Play: Contest is open to residents of California living within seventy-five (75) miles of ARCO Arena, except employees and immediate families (siblings and children) of The Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, The National Basketball Association and its Member Teams, NBA Properties, Inc., and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, franchisees, licenses, directors, owners, employees and agents.

(3) Grand Prize: One (1) entrant of the “Kings Fans Mock Draft 31 2.0″ will receive one basketball with the Kings 2009 NBA Draft picks’ autographs. The winner will be determined by prognosticating the most correct Draft picks based on the numerical order of the Draft, not the team who Drafts a given player. For example, if Team A holds the 6th pick and trades Team B for the 3rd pick, and Team B selects Player 1 and Team A selects player 2, if Player 1 was accurately predicted to be chosen 6th overall, regardless of the team who chose him, it will be scored CORRECT. Therefore, if Team B selects Player 2 with their acquired 6th pick, and Player 2 was accurately predicted to be chosen by Team B, it will earn an INCORRECT scoring, because the scoring is based on NUMERICAL order NOT team order. In the event of a tie-breaker, the Kings Fans Mock 31 2.0 ballot with the most correct prognostications of the Kings Draft picks will be named the winner. The winner will be notified on June 30, 2009. In the event the winner cannot be contacted or declines the prize, an alternate winner will be selected. Total Contest prize value is approximately $150.

(4) Winners are solely responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes unless otherwise indicated. No substitution, cash equivalent or transfer of prize permitted except at the team’s option for a prize of comparable or greater value.

(5) Chances of winning are dependent on number of correct entries received prior to the end of the sweepstakes.

(6) The winners’ names can be obtained after July 25, 2009, by writing to: “KINGS FANS MOCK 31 2.0” ARCO Arena, One Sports Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95834: Attention: New Media

(7) Liability Agreement: By entering, entrant agrees to follow the Official Rules and hold harmless and indemnify Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, and/or the National Basketball Association and its Member Teams, NBA Properties, Inc., and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents against any and all liability, damages or causes of action (however named or described), with respect to or arising out of either (i) entrant’s participation; or (ii) the receipt or use of the prizes awarded in the sweepstakes.

(8) In consideration for being awarded a prize, winner hereby agrees and consents, without further authorization, compensation or remuneration of any kind, to the use of winner’s name and/or likeness in any and all advertising, promotions and other publicity conducted by The Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, and/or the National Basketball Association and its Member Teams, NBA Properties, Inc., and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries and affiliates, except were prohibited by law.

(9) Contests void where prohibited. Before being awarded a prize, potential winners must sign a Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, standard form of Declaration, Release and Waiver Form, releasing the Released Parties from any and all liability arising from, among other things: (i) participation in the Sweepstakes; and (ii) acceptance of the prizes awarded therein; and (iii) the administration of the Sweepstakes and distribution of the prizes awarded therein.

(10) Liability Agreement: By entering, entrant agrees to follow the Official Rules and hold harmless and indemnify Sponsors, and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agents against any and all liability, damages or causes of action (however named or described), with respect to or arising out of either (i) entrant’s participation; or (ii) the receipt or use of the prizes awarded in the promotion.

By entering the Contest, each winner grants to Sponsors the right to the use of his or her name, likeness or photograph without compensation in any publicity or for promotional purposes carried out by the above parties. Prizes must be accepted as awarded and are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or otherwise.

Sponsors, reserve the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value and/or to terminate, modify or withdraw this Contest, in whole or in part (including altering the manner in which the prizes are distributed), at any time, without prior notice for any reason including, but not limited to, the delay or cancellation of the event for which the Grand Prize is awarded, or, if viruses, bugs, tampering or other causes beyond the Sponsors, control affect the administration, security, fairness or proper play or conduct of the Contest. In the event a substitute prize is awarded, such prize must be accepted as awarded and cannot be exchanged for cash or otherwise. Further, Sponsors reserve the right to disqualify any person and void any entries of that person who it believes has tampered with the entry process or any other component of the Contest, whose conduct or action affects the administration, security or fairness, integrity or proper conduct of the Contest, or who fails to meet or abide by the Contest Rules and conditions.

The Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership, LP, does not assume any responsibility for tampering, theft, defects, viruses, human errors including negligence, deletions, technical or telephone, computer line, network, server, access providers, computer equipment or software problems, undeliverable messages, computer errors, lost, misdirected, late or incomplete entries or inaccurate capture of information or any online difficulties that may result in damage or malfunction the computer or the failure of Sponsors to process any entry and otherwise award any prize. Nor is responsibility assumed for printing errors appearing in these rules or related Contests materials. In addition, Sponsors, will not assume any responsibility of any nature whatsoever in all cases where their inability to hold the Contest or to remit the prizes to the winners results from a cause beyond their control, including Acts of God, weather conditions, strike, lock-out or other labor dispute. Any attempt to deliberately damage any website or to undermine the legitimate operation of this Contest is a violation of criminal and civil laws, and should an attempt be made, Sponsors, reserve the right to seek remedies and damages to the fullest extent permitted by law, including criminal prosecution.

Summer Moves

Hi Kings fans!

It’s been an exciting off-season for me so far. I’m finally moved into my new condo in Sacramento. I’m enjoying my new surroundings and much shorter commute to work.

A couple weeks ago, Read more

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