Kayte’s Caption, December 30, 2008
December 30, 2008 by Kayte Christensen ·
Congratulations, VladimirvonGoethe II! Tonight’s winning caption is: “Let’s check out those vintage video classics of Fat Lever in short shorts.”
Here’s how to submit your caption suggestions:
1. Leave a comment.
2. Text ‘Kayte’ to 69866
One Last Stand in ‘08
December 30, 2008 by Andrew Nicholson ·
Before he returns to the ARCO Arena hardwood for the first time in weeks, Kevin Martin has a message for Kings fans: “I just want to wish a Happy Holidays to Kings fans and a very, very, very healthy 2009!”
Fortunately, Martin’s health has improved and he will play in just his 10th game of the season tonight, after missing extended time due to a left ankle injury. Coach Kenny Natt said Martin will be going “full boar,” while Martin said he won’t limit his minutes in his return.
Asked how he’s feeling, Martin replied, “I’m fine.”
“It’s been tough, very tough,” Martin continued on the difficulty of missing time. “It doesn’t matter if you’re winning or losing. Anytime you have an injury, you’re not really with the team 100 percent.”
So, a game after the team shot less than 28 percent from the field, it will gladly welcome its leading scorer back to the mix. Whether he’s staring or not is a game time decision, Natt said.
Martin’s return is the best news the team could receive to end 2008. And with 2009 just hours away, we asked Natt, Martin, Bobby Jackson and Donté Greene what their resolutions for the New Year entail.
“It already happened. We got an early gift. We got Kevin back which is great. It’s a big plus for us. Obviously, we want everyone to play with more energy and we want to get our team back so that we can have everyone on the floor. That’s my New Year’s resolution, to be full boar and have all the guys with a different attitude in ‘09. So Coach is already working on his!” - Natt.
“To play better basketball.” - Martin.
“You’re never too old to learn. You’re never too old to get better and strive to be the best person you can be. And I think as men in this locker room that’s what we all try to do and be. Family-wise, try to be a better husband and father. We play so much and we’re always on the road. I’m not the most sensitive guy, so I know that’s something I definitely need to work on.” - Jackson.
“My New Years resolution is to try to work as hard as possible. I definitely come here to work, but just to work extremely hard — almost passing out type of work — and to finish off the season strong and to have a successful Summer League.” - Greene.
As for what he’ll remember most about 2008, Greene reflected, “Getting drafted, all the trades, Coach Theus being let go and my half a season at Syracuse in ‘08. It’s been a fun year.”
Though the team has yet to determine the outcome of its final game in ‘08, with optimism and hard work on the horizon, there is much to anticipate in 2009.
Holiday Bloggin’
December 28, 2008 by Jason Thompson ·
Before the holiday we had a long four-game road trip. We started out in Portland, where we’ve played the Blazers before and played them close, but again a few plays here and there and we could have won, but we lost. I also did some holiday shopping. I got my friends and family some gifts and also myself! In Portland, they also have a casual shoe store for guys with big shoe sizes like me. So for all the people out there with big feet, go out there and get yourself some kicks.
Following our game against the Blazers, we headed to Houston. It was one of those times where we stayed in a city for more than two days, so we had an off day and my teammates and I went to the ‘Lil Wayne concert at Toyota Center. T Pain and Keisha Coles also performed. Donté, Bobby Brown, Bobby Jackson, Francisco and (Manager of Player Services) Hakeem and I had a good time there. It’s just another example of how we chill off the court, which helps us keep a good team bond.
The thing I remember most from the game against the Rockets is what happened when I checked in. Right after I got in the game, I went up strong to the basket and ended up getting hit and landing real hard. It was a little bit like déjà vu because a similar thing happened to me my sophomore year in college. I went up for a dunk and got low-bridged and was knocked out and unconscious for about five minutes, so it was kind of like a flashback. It was one of those times where you go up and you feel the contact, but the rest is a blur. I thought while I was still in the air that I had already hit the ground. I was thinking I was good! Then I hit the ground and I was like, ‘Wow! I was in the air for a really long time!’ But it was good that I was alright. The fall kind of affected me throughout the road trip a little bit, but it also helped me out because I try to play through adversity and play through pain, not to the point where I’m going to hurt the team, though.
Following that game we played a tough game at New Orleans. A couple plays could have gone the other way and we could have had the W, but they’re a tough veteran team. We had beaten them before so they came in with a lot of confidence and were eager to get us back from our earlier win on their home court.
We ended the road trip in San Antonio. The last time I was out there was for the Final Four. I was out there because I had been elected to the Senior All-Star Game. So it was a little bit different compared to how many people were out there for the Final Four and the cold weather didn’t help either. For some reason, I don’t know if it’s just people on the East Coast, but they always think Texas is hot. But it wasn’t on Monday. It was freezing! It felt like we were out in Jersey. It was freezing in the arena too. We weren’t prepared for that. It felt like we were playing outside! As far as the game, they have a lot of veteran guys and we didn’t have our best game. So we just have to pick things up and learn from what we’ve been doing and hopefully this three-game home stand will be good.
I had my first Christmas away from home but I enjoyed myself. I had some people come out to Sacramento. I went over to Donté’s on Christmas Eve and then went to Bobby Brown’s on Christmas. We just hung out with our families and stuff. It was a good time.
I haven’t gotten all my gifts from my family, some of them are waiting for me at home for when I go to Jersey on January 4, 2009, which is also when I’m getting my jersey retired at Rider University! My favorite gift so far is a framed drawing of my rookie card my parents had done by an artist. It’s real nice! Just to have my first card was a great feeling and then for them to have it sketched out like they did is real tight. My aunt sent me my Bachelor’s degree framed, so that was interesting to get as a gift. But to finally see it was good, and it showed all the hard work I put in in college paid off.
Speaking of Rider, to answer Sean’s question from my last post, my favorite Bronc diner meal depended on what I was hungry for, but the cheese steaks were good out there. I got the chicken fingers and fries sometimes, but I would have to say the cheese steak with extra American cheese was bangin’!
I hope everybody had a good Holiday. Merry Christmas! For people that don’t celebrate Christmas, Happy Holidays! Have a good New Year, too! Be safe. I know a lot of people want to party and stuff like that, but this is the most important time to be around your families and celebrate.
Keep supporting us. I know it’s hard times out there right now, but the true fans keep supporting their team even when they’re not winning a lot. For all of the Sacramento area people reading this, keep coming to ARCO because we play our best when ARCO is rockin’!
Kayte’s Caption, December 28, 2008
December 28, 2008 by Kayte Christensen ·
Congratulations, Todd G. Walker! Tonight’s winning caption is: “Jim Kozimor’s idol rides in a parade…………next to Michael Phelps”
Here’s how to submit your caption suggestions:
1. Leave a comment.
2. Text ‘Kayte’ to 69866
Kayte’s Caption, December 26, 2008
December 26, 2008 by Kayte Christensen ·
Congratulations, TddWbr! Tonight’s winning caption is: “Slamta came to say…Jerry with your hair so white…won’t you pay for drinks tonight…”
Here’s how to submit your caption suggestions:
1. Leave a comment.
2. Text ‘Kayte’ to 69866
Holiday Chaos and Joy
December 19, 2008 by Kayte Christensen ·
Being a professional athlete has its perks, don’t get me wrong. Being paid well to do something you love and would play for fun, regardless, along with the adoring fans, being able to travel all across our own country and not to mention all over the world to countries like France, Italy, China and others! But let’s be realistic, being a professional athlete around the holidays is not much fun.
For instance, the Kings are in the middle of an eight-day, four-game trip. The rest of us are running around trying desperately to finish up our holiday shopping while fighting the crowds, planning our trips home to see our families or readying our own homes in anticipation of hosting our families. And if your family is anything like mine, the simple thought of spending four days with 30 people, eight of which are young children, as well as 12 dogs… well, I’m already getting a headache just thinking about it! Even though the holidays are synonymous with stress and self medicating, be it chocolate or adult beverages, I wouldn’t trade them for the world. But the professional sports world doesn’t necessarily recognize holidays!
Those of you who love great Christmas movies, you have to see “Holiday Inn” with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. In case you haven’t seen it, I’ll give you the “Reader’s Digest” version. Crosby and Astaire are in the entertainment industry and Crosby decides he wants to leave the industry to live life on a farm. He quickly finds out life on the farm is a lot more labor intensive than he expected and he decides to get the best of both worlds by turning his farm into an inn that is only open on holidays! The night of his last performance, Crosby asks Astaire if he even knows what a holiday is. They’re “days of rest!” he replies. “But when you’re in show business, it likely means you give an extra performance!”
Athletes are no different than entertainers or performers. Take the Christmas Day match-up between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers or the Thanksgiving Day football games — the list goes on and on! It’s only one of the reasons I’m so thrilled to be an average person these days. During this holiday, when all the teams all over the world are lacing up their sneakers and throwing on their game and practice gear for another day at the office, I will be cuddled up on the couch with one of my nieces or nephews surrounded by my loud and frequently overbearing family and a dozen or so animals… and I will be loving every last ear-piercing minute of it!
Happy Holidays to you and yours! May they be filled with chaos and joy!
Kayte’s Caption, December 19, 2008
December 19, 2008 by Kayte Christensen ·
Congratulations, Jonathan! Tonight’s winning caption is: “I just saw the Kings symbol in the sky. Time to put on our capes and save this team.”
Here’s how to submit your caption suggestions:
1. Leave a comment.
2. Text ‘Kayte’ to 69866
Share Your Memories of #4 and #21
December 18, 2008 by Andrew Nicholson ·
The Sacramento Kings announced the team will be retiring Chris Webber (#4) and Vlade Divac’s (#21) jersey numbers on February 6 and March 31, 2009, respectively. Now it’s time for Kings fans to share their fondest memories of two of Sacramento’s finest players.
This is your opportunity to pay tribute to two players who helped make Kings basketball popular worldwide, boost ARCO Arena into the conversation of greatest home court advantages in the nation and made Sacramento a mainstay in the NBA Playoffs.
All you have to do is submit your memory in the comments section below!
Chris Webber and Vlade Divac Forever Kings Ticket Package
Webber and Divac Press Release
Happy Holidays!
December 16, 2008 by Katie ·
Seasons Greetings Kings fans! It’s been awhile since you’ve seen a SKDT blog.
It’s been a very busy season for us so far. Since the Home Opener, we’ve had a lot of home games, practices and appearances in the community.
While many of you see us performing our routines on the court, some of our favorite memories take place off the court. Giving back to the community is very important to Maloof Sports & Entertainment and we feel very blessed to be a part of it.
Every year before Thanksgiving, we donate our time to Loaves and Fishes. It’s humbling to spend time with the families in need and share in the good memories on the special day. During our visit, we load up and serve plates full of mashed potatoes, turkey, gravy, stuffing and all the Holiday fixings. Don’t forget about dessert. We have that covered too! Pumpkin and pecan pie… mmm! Everyone that attended the turkey dinner left with full bellies, fond memories and reasons to be thankful.
Following the Thanksgiving feast, we had another annual appearance at Shriners Children’s Hospital, which is our favorite to attend every year. We love being able to put a smile on the childrens’ faces. In that moment of happiness, it seems as if they haven’t had a worry in the world and have gained a friend in us. Sometimes we have to hold back the tears because it gives us even more reason to be thankful for all we have.
More recently, six of us performed for U.S. troops at their Holiday party at McClellan Air Force Base. We looked quite festive in our Santa-inspired dresses, which made the crowd go wild! It’s a great feeling to be able to show our appreciation for all they do for our country. After the performance, we stayed to sign posters, take pictures and mingle with the squadron. As our parting gift, we all received a stuffed teddy bear. It’s small things like that that make us smile!
Even though it’s been a very busy season so far, we want to thank all Kings fans for all the positive feedback we’ve received. It inspires us to keep working hard and allows us to put in the extra effort in order to bring the best entertainment Sacramento or the NBA has to offer! We appreciate the voice our fans have had this year and really take it to heart. Thank you!
Until our next blog, we wish you and your families a safe and happy Holiday!!! Make sure to stay tuned for a special SKDT SURPRISE in the New Year!
Change
December 15, 2008 by Jason Thompson ·
We had a big statement win against the longtime rival Lakers last Tuesday. I feel like once we change the team around and get more wins, the Lakers will be a real rival, especially with the history the two teams have had in the past. That game drew a big crowd at ARCO — the best crowd I’ve seen. And we didn’t disappoint with our 12-point win that gave them their third loss of the season. It was a real good win for us. Everybody played with a lot of energy right from the jump and that’s the most important thing. Guys were playing defense like their lives depended on it and it showed.
After that we had a couple practice days and then we went to L.A. and played the Lakers in another tough game with a high-intensity atmosphere like at ARCO. It pretty much went down to the wire. In the last minute-and-a-half they had a couple more things go their way and they came out with the victory. But it wasn’t one of those losses where you’re like, ‘Man, what happened?’ We felt real confident and knew we should have won the game.
We came back to ARCO to face the Knicks with a lot of confidence but we didn’t start the game like we wanted to, like we started against L.A. I feel like we played to the level of the competition, which I was afraid of. But we did, and now we know what we got to do in the future.
Today Coach Theus got let go and Coach Natt has replaced him. I guess the big word is change. I don’t think our record speaks for the team that we have but that’s what happens when you’re a head coach in this league. That’s business. When you have success and when you have downfall the credit goes to you, first, and then it goes to the star players and then it goes to the guys like me who are learning.
Now, tonight we play the Timberwolves — a team we beat at ARCO and lost a close one to at their place in the first game of the year. Then we have a long road trip. We’ll be on the road for about a week and we’ll really see how we are. It’s going to be a real big test for us.
On my off day, yesterday, I got to help out my boy Donté Greene once again as a special guest on his show. We went to Raley’s. We rode around in some motorized shopping carts singing some songs and making the show a success, just like the last episode was. The question was, ‘Should JT come back?’ And I guess you guys — Kings fans — chimed in and said, ‘Bring him back!’
So, Happy Holidays everybody! Keep supporting us. Keep trying to pack ARCO. The most important thing is once we have you guys supporting us in ARCO it’s hard for us not to play well. Once you guys have it packed and start making it lively, we thrive off that energy. So just keep doing what you’re doing, bring your friends and family to our games, be safe and once again, Happy Holidays!
Oh, and we’ll see if JT has some type of show in the future!
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