Well, hopes for the first perfect opening road trip in over 10 seasons was spoiled by the late comeback of the New Jersey Nets last night.
The Kings had been behind my as many as 18 points before coming back to hold onto an 8-point lead with 3:00 left in the game. It was a series of missed shots, poor defense, and fouls that allowed the Nets to go on an 11-0 run to come back to take the lead and keep it. The Kings fell 106-100. The Kings that looked so good on Wednesday against the Timberwolves, that kept their cool, made smart plays, and secured the win were gone and the team from last season reappeared. The team that could not close out games where they held the lead late in the 4th quarter. It was a disappointing win.
Tonight the Kings take on the new look Cavs. The Cavs are looking to secure their ninth consecutive win over the Kings. While the Kings look to hand the Post-James Era Cavs their second loss of the season. While some are saying that the Cavs can continue their dominance over the Kings, I am skeptical. The Kings played okay last night night. This will be a test for them early as it is the first back-to-back games of the season, but the Kings have a completely different team facing the Cavs tonight. They have a full roster for the first time in I do not know how long. Last night rookies Whiteside and Jeter were inactive for no other reason than two people had to sit. Everyone on the roster is healthy now that newly acquired center Samuel Dalembert is back on the court from his groin injury.
The Kings are looking to take a 2-1 record home to Sacramento to face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night for their home opener. ARCO is almost sold out for DeMarcus' Sacramento home debut. Fans will be treated to the Rookie of the Year award ceremony, new routines from the Sacramento Kings Dance Team and Kings Breakers, and much more! Wednesday the Kings are taking on the Lakers for their first of four meetings this year.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
First Win Brings Good Omen
Last night the Kings defeated the Timberwolves 117-116. To some who look at the type of team that the Timberwolves are, are saying, "Big deal, I'm not impressed!"
I am impressed, however, and here is why. Last season, when Tyreke Evans did not play, the Kings went 2-8. The team struggled all year to close out close games even with Evans' help. This game was a great way to start off the season. It was dramatic in all fashions. In game that was more like riding a teeter totter with the constant lead changes and ties as a spectator, you could just feel it coming down to the wire. That is what happened too! The Kings coming out on top for their first road win to open their season since October 31, 2000, just four days shy of the 10 year mark. This win marked the end of a 6 game season opener losing streak that has stood in place since 2004-2005.
The good news is that in the past 10 years, the Kings have started the season winning 4 of 10 season openers. All four of those years the Kings made it to the playoffs sitting either atop or in second place in the Pacific Division. In 5 of the past 10 seasons the Kings have made it into the playoffs. Of course winning the opener does not automatically get you a bid into the playoffs, but for the Kings, winning game 1 seems to lead the way to a winning season.In the seasons where the Kings have won game 1 they are a combined 261/386 games for a winning percentage of .676. In the Kings final two playoff appearances the season started off on a sour note. In 2004-2005 the Kings slipped from the 2 seed to the 6th seed after opening the season against the Texas Triangle (Dallas, San Antonio, Houston) where they went 0-3. In 2004-05 they were 1-2 to open the season slipping from a 6 seed to an 8 seed only to disappear from the radar after that.
What does all of this mean? Nothing really, but if the past 10 years have taught us anything it is that the Kings tend to fair better when they get a W in game 1. With a three game road trip to start off this season, the Kings are looking to do something they have not done in the past 10 years, have a perfect season opening road trip. In the past 10 years, the Kings have opened the season on the road for 7 seasons and the best record is 2-2 from 2000-01, the same year the Kings last won a season opener on the road. The match-ups for the next two stops: New Jersey Nets Friday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. The Kings will follow their 3 game road trip with a 4 game home stand starting with their home opener taking place on Monday November 1st against Toronto.
In the past 10 years the Kings best record (10 games) to start the season is 7-3, which happened in both 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. Can the Kings finally come out blazing? Here's a look at the first 10 games of the 2010-11 season:
I am impressed, however, and here is why. Last season, when Tyreke Evans did not play, the Kings went 2-8. The team struggled all year to close out close games even with Evans' help. This game was a great way to start off the season. It was dramatic in all fashions. In game that was more like riding a teeter totter with the constant lead changes and ties as a spectator, you could just feel it coming down to the wire. That is what happened too! The Kings coming out on top for their first road win to open their season since October 31, 2000, just four days shy of the 10 year mark. This win marked the end of a 6 game season opener losing streak that has stood in place since 2004-2005.
The good news is that in the past 10 years, the Kings have started the season winning 4 of 10 season openers. All four of those years the Kings made it to the playoffs sitting either atop or in second place in the Pacific Division. In 5 of the past 10 seasons the Kings have made it into the playoffs. Of course winning the opener does not automatically get you a bid into the playoffs, but for the Kings, winning game 1 seems to lead the way to a winning season.In the seasons where the Kings have won game 1 they are a combined 261/386 games for a winning percentage of .676. In the Kings final two playoff appearances the season started off on a sour note. In 2004-2005 the Kings slipped from the 2 seed to the 6th seed after opening the season against the Texas Triangle (Dallas, San Antonio, Houston) where they went 0-3. In 2004-05 they were 1-2 to open the season slipping from a 6 seed to an 8 seed only to disappear from the radar after that.
What does all of this mean? Nothing really, but if the past 10 years have taught us anything it is that the Kings tend to fair better when they get a W in game 1. With a three game road trip to start off this season, the Kings are looking to do something they have not done in the past 10 years, have a perfect season opening road trip. In the past 10 years, the Kings have opened the season on the road for 7 seasons and the best record is 2-2 from 2000-01, the same year the Kings last won a season opener on the road. The match-ups for the next two stops: New Jersey Nets Friday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. The Kings will follow their 3 game road trip with a 4 game home stand starting with their home opener taking place on Monday November 1st against Toronto.
In the past 10 years the Kings best record (10 games) to start the season is 7-3, which happened in both 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. Can the Kings finally come out blazing? Here's a look at the first 10 games of the 2010-11 season:
- @Minnesota
- @New Jersey
- @Cleveland
- vs Toronto
- vs Lakers (ESPN)
- vs Memphis
- vs Minnesota
- @Phoenix
- vs Detroit
- vs New York
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
BluPrint: More than Just a Plan
If you have followed articles written about Sacramento Kings' hybrid guard, Tyreke Evans, you will notice that a plan called "the Blu Print" is referenced often. However, you may not know that Blu Print is more than just a plan for the success of the youngest Evans brother.
Sure, the Blu Print was created by Tyreke's older brothers when he was just a tiny tot, dribbling the ball in Chester, PA. It was back then that the whole Blu Print dream began to take shape. In an industry that can swallow up even the most stable of rookies, Tyreke was not your ordinary rookie. He was just 19 with just one year of college under his belt when the 2009-2010 NBA Draft took place. For a 19-year old local hero to get that national spotlight was something Tyreke's older brothers want to make sure did not change what they had worked so hard to establish. They are a close nit group of family, a few close friends, and trainer LaMont Peterson all better known as "Team Tyreke". While the main goal of the Blu Print plan was to reach the NBA and grab that Rookie of the Year title, it doesn't stop there.
Blu Print has become an outlet for creativity in the Evans family. Tyreke is not the only one with talent. If anyone watched any of Donte Greene's U-Stream shows while the Kings were on the road last season you are likely to have caught Donte, Jason Thompson, and Tyreke spitting rhymes, but don't worry, Blu Print Entertainment isn't about Tyreke becoming a rapper like so many other athletes have attempted and failed at. Blu Print Entertainment is a company aimed at seeking out talent in their backyard of Chester, PA and spanning the rest of the country.
Currently the label boasts the musical talents of three different artists: International i, sHERBS and S.W.A.G. All three artists have their own unique sound and back story. There is also a fourth member of the Blu Print musical family that as of now is heard on International i's "Legend to Me" and sHERBS' "Know My Role" her name is Ashley Vitale or as Doc referred to her as "the Lady of Blu Print". You can preview music from all three artists on the newly launched Blu Print Entertainment website . To keep up with the newest happenings surrounding Tyreke, head to Blu Print News blog, it's almost as good as getting the information directly from Tyreke! The first album set to be released is that of founder and CEO of Blu Print, Doc Evans (aka International i) "Just a Sample". No release date is set, but his fans are patiently waiting to hear more from him and the rest of the Blu Print family!
Follow "Team Tyreke" and Blu Print Crew on Twitter:
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Family: It's More than just a Team
When it comes to sports there is one thing most every athlete will tell you, "my team is like my family." There is no doubt this statement is true, but what about athletes and their real families? This off season Kings have been treated to special glimpses into the private lives of some of their players.
We saw Jason Thompson's little brother Ryan play for the Kings in Vegas Summer League before ultimately accepting a training camp invitation to the Utah Jazz. Unfortunately, just before the last preseason game the Jazz chose to waive Ryan and three others.
We saw Jason Thompson's little brother Ryan play for the Kings in Vegas Summer League before ultimately accepting a training camp invitation to the Utah Jazz. Unfortunately, just before the last preseason game the Jazz chose to waive Ryan and three others.
Then there was the Landry brothers. We were able to see Carl and his little brother Marcus battle it out on the court through most of the preseason. From all accounts, Marcus was really taking advantage of the time he was getting on the floor and making an impression on Kings fans; however, he too was waived before the end of the preseason. Kings fans were treated to a "A Day in the Life of" type segment with Carl as he returned home to Milwaukee. It was nice to get to know a little bit more about the Kings starting power forward.
In the "Here We Rise" specials on Comcast Sports Net California, we also go to go home with rookie DeMarcus Cousins to see what life is like back home for the rookie. All I can say is that boy loves his momma! He has a great relationship with her and is a different person off the court than he is on. He rarely smiles when he's on the floor, it's business. But when he's off and not playing, he is every bit of the 20 year old that he is; smiling, laughing, dancing, and having a good time.
Though no at home segments were filled of last year's stand out and Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans, there is no doubt that his family is as strong as they come. Through the wonders of Twitter, I have gotten the opportunity to get to know his older brother Doc Evans. If there is one thing I can say about the Evans' bunch is that they support each other 100% no matter what. Tyreke isn't the only talent in the family either. Doc, aka International i, is close to releasing his debut album, Just a Sample on his label Blu Print Entertainment. Not only is Doc an artist on his label but he has two other standout artists in sHERBS and S.W.A.G. They all have samples of their music up on the Blu Print Entertainment site linked above.
Blu Print is something that we should all take note of and try and model ourselves after. Read more about it on their website, but this bunch made sure that they all could reach their goals and set out this plan to get there. Being given the opportunity to really see into the private lives of players we idolize on the court is a unique experience. If there is one thing I can say about Kings players, past and present, is that they aren't in the media much. There isn't someone following them around to capture their every move on camera to sell to the tabloids. They are real people, down to earth, humble, and respectful. They are professional athletes sure, but they are people too and this off season we have seen the person before the athlete!
In the "Here We Rise" specials on Comcast Sports Net California, we also go to go home with rookie DeMarcus Cousins to see what life is like back home for the rookie. All I can say is that boy loves his momma! He has a great relationship with her and is a different person off the court than he is on. He rarely smiles when he's on the floor, it's business. But when he's off and not playing, he is every bit of the 20 year old that he is; smiling, laughing, dancing, and having a good time.
Though no at home segments were filled of last year's stand out and Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans, there is no doubt that his family is as strong as they come. Through the wonders of Twitter, I have gotten the opportunity to get to know his older brother Doc Evans. If there is one thing I can say about the Evans' bunch is that they support each other 100% no matter what. Tyreke isn't the only talent in the family either. Doc, aka International i, is close to releasing his debut album, Just a Sample on his label Blu Print Entertainment. Not only is Doc an artist on his label but he has two other standout artists in sHERBS and S.W.A.G. They all have samples of their music up on the Blu Print Entertainment site linked above.
Blu Print is something that we should all take note of and try and model ourselves after. Read more about it on their website, but this bunch made sure that they all could reach their goals and set out this plan to get there. Being given the opportunity to really see into the private lives of players we idolize on the court is a unique experience. If there is one thing I can say about Kings players, past and present, is that they aren't in the media much. There isn't someone following them around to capture their every move on camera to sell to the tabloids. They are real people, down to earth, humble, and respectful. They are professional athletes sure, but they are people too and this off season we have seen the person before the athlete!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Helping Out Casspi
Okay, if you follow Omri Casspi on Twitter, you would know that last week he made a post about being in search of a new backpack for this year. Me being the smarty pants that I am responded with the quip, "Trying to shed that pretty pretty princess look huh?". If you aren't sure what I mean by this, it's a well honored athletic tradition to torture incoming rookies no matter what the sport. It's breakfast deliveries, coffee runs, bag carrying, popcorn filled cars, just about any juvenile trick in the book. Well, in Sacramento rookies have to carry a horrible backpack around. It's not horrible if you are a 5-year old girl, but when you are a tough, masculine, NBA player it's pretty horrible carrying around a pink, sparkly, princess roller backpack, which is what Omri has been sporting for a year. Now that his rookie year is over, so is his time with the backpack that will surely land in the hands of DeMarcus or Hassan!
Well that is what has inspired this post. It isn't really basketball related, but it's amusing at least to me! So here's a few options for Omri in his backpack hunt!
Well that is what has inspired this post. It isn't really basketball related, but it's amusing at least to me! So here's a few options for Omri in his backpack hunt!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Relax It's Only Preseason
The Kings have played three preseason games this season; they have won just one. I have been in contact with personal friends that are Kings fans as well as ones that I do not know and all I keep hearing is, "Why isn't Tyreke playing more?" "What's with this starting line-up?" "Why aren't we starting our starters?" etc. I think it is important for all Kings fans to realize that it is preseason. Our players from last year have spots on the roster for this season; others do not.
The preseason, to me anyway, is a time for the training camp invitees to show us what they've got. To show the coaches why they need to be a part of the team's roster going forward. This is really their tryouts. Sure, Summer League gave some of them a chance to strut their stuff, and practices and training camp scrimmages do as well, but it's nothing when compared to actual real game experience. Sure, the caliber of play isn't the greatest, but it isn't the worst either. It's also a time to see who works well with each other and what match ups aren't the best for every game. It's a chance to work out the kinks!
It is important as a fan to realize that preseason games count for nothing in terms of the the regular season. Sure, some guys will cement their standings as starters or even players, but stats count for nothing! I do not want to see a Kings player become this year's Blake Griffin who suffered a season ending injury in a preseason game with the Clippers last year. How would you react to seeing Tyreke or DeMarcus go full force in a preseason game to see their whole season and your hopes of winning knocked out with them? I'm not willing to take that chance! So if Tyreke sits every game until the second game of the season, I'd be okay with that!
So remember, it is only preseason, nothing matters right now! It's more of an opportunity for those trying to make it into the league to get a spot! Starters and stars don't need to go out and give it all they've got on an exhibition game! Conserve that energy for the regular season! If anything we have learned from preseason play this year, at least in the NFL, is that if you win all or most of your preseason games, it doesn't mean you will win in the regular season ones! Take the 49ers who are 0-5 for the season...or the Raiders who did well in preseason but have struggled to gain solid footing in the regular season!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Here We Rise
There is little else that is more exciting for a sports team than the feeling that your city and your fans back you 100% no matter what. In the midst of a disaster with the new Arena proposal, the namesake being gone in a few short months, and just uncertainly surrounding Sacramento's only remaining professional sports team, fans are rallying BIG time!
By big I mean the huge banners hanging over ARCO Arena. On the main entrance just to the side of the box office is the reigning Rookie of the Year's banner. The words "TYREKE EVANS" and a huge picture of him can be seen while driving on I-5 just past Arena Blvd exit. On the other side that faces Truxel is our new hopeful to win Rookie of the Year honors and number 5 draft pick, DeMarcus Cousins. These were the biggest banners in Kings history, but that didn't last long.
If you have driven on I-5 at all since September 16, 2010, and you look over to the CalSTRS building (It's that really tall, shiny, glass looking building) just beyond the Tower Bridge (that gold bridge you pass on I-5) you will see the enormous 177-foot "Here We Rise" banner that took over the record of largest banner in not only Kings history, but as the largest building wrapped banner in Sacramento's history.
The crew over at ARCO has worked tirelessly on the "Here We Rise" campaign. With #HereWeRise tags on Twitter popping up in the tweets of Kings fans all over the nation, the site that was built for it has received as much attention as the site developed for Tyreke Evans' Rookie of the Year campaign. If you haven't already, head over to the "Here We Rise" site and see what the campaign is all about. You have the unique opportunity to upload photos of yourself to show your support for your team and become part of digital billboards. In addition to the digital billboards, Kings fans have the opportunity to upload other fan related photos, download a placard of the "Here We Rise" slogan, and send e-cards to fellow fans. All of these actions earn you points that give you the opportunity not only to show off your fan status, but to win cool Kings gear and other prizes. Once signed up for "Here We Rise", fans are automatically entered to win a trip to this year's All-Star game in Los Angeles. Hopefully this year the Kings will have someone in the actual All-Star game and not just in the Rookie Sophomore Challenge!
Join the movement today!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Preseason Has Arrived!
Well fellow Kings fans, tonight is the night many of us have been waiting months for. Me, I've been waiting since the game clocked ticked to 0:00 and the final buzzer rang through Staples Center on April 13, 2010! Tonight at 7:00 pm PST the Kings take on the Phoenix Suns at ARCO Arena.
The Kings have 17 players on roster after waiving Donald Sloan and J.R. Giddens earlier this week. Tonight's starters are set Beno, DeMarcus, Tyreke, Carl Landry and his little brother Marcus Landry and fans throughout the Sacramento area are sure to be flocking to ARCO for their first glimpse at DeMarcus and Tyreke together.
If you cannot make it to ARCO Arena, have no fear fans. Head over to Kings.com during the game and chat live with Kings fans and Kings go to insider, Jason Ross, or as he's known to his live chat fans, "The Chat King"! If nothing else it's a fun way to know what is going on during the game without being there! Jason is a great blogger and provides great in game comments. This feature is available for every game throughout the season! Come hang out with your fellow Kings fans and share your thoughts on the new-look Kings.
Kings fans: Here We Rise! If you haven't already, head over to Here We Rise and find out how you can win great Kings prizes and join the movement!
The Kings have 17 players on roster after waiving Donald Sloan and J.R. Giddens earlier this week. Tonight's starters are set Beno, DeMarcus, Tyreke, Carl Landry and his little brother Marcus Landry and fans throughout the Sacramento area are sure to be flocking to ARCO for their first glimpse at DeMarcus and Tyreke together.
If you cannot make it to ARCO Arena, have no fear fans. Head over to Kings.com during the game and chat live with Kings fans and Kings go to insider, Jason Ross, or as he's known to his live chat fans, "The Chat King"! If nothing else it's a fun way to know what is going on during the game without being there! Jason is a great blogger and provides great in game comments. This feature is available for every game throughout the season! Come hang out with your fellow Kings fans and share your thoughts on the new-look Kings.
Kings fans: Here We Rise! If you haven't already, head over to Here We Rise and find out how you can win great Kings prizes and join the movement!
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