You can’t say the Kings don’t make it interesting. Despite Sacramento leading by double digits in the fourth quarter, the Wizards had the ball with a chance to win the game in the closing seconds. And then Tyreke Evans happened.
1 – Tyreke Evans stripping the ball from Gilbert Arenas with a one-point lead and under 10 seconds left might be his best play of the season. Evans went toe-to-toe with Arenas throughout the game. He used his strength to bully Arenas around the basket. Arenas got going in the second half, but Evans held his own, and his effort was punctuated by his pickpocket of Arenas. Not to mention Evans forcing Arenas to foul out, and then knocking in the subsequent free throws with three seconds to go. Clutch, clutch rookie.
2 – The atmosphere was unlike any the Kings had played in all season. ARCO was rocking again, partly because of the ESPN broadcast and partly because of $1 beer night. The Kings young squad responded to the electricity. Players were fired up and wore their emotions on their sleeves. Hopefully, these types of performances convince people to head out to the arena more often.
3 – Credit Paul Westphal for yet another bold move that paid off. The Kings coach went with a starting lineup featuring Omri Casspi instead of Spencer Hawes. Hawes, as noted last night, has been totally unproductive as of late. Casspi responded with 22 points and 5 rebounds in a season-high 37 minutes. The hope is that this also lights a fire under Hawes, who played just eight second half minutes.
Quick hits – How many plays could the Kings make to try and throw this game away? Ime Udoka: Please protect that ball … Beno Udrih struggled with his shot for the first time in recent memory, going just 2-9 from the floor … Andres Nocioni turned in a good game, matching his season-high with 20 points including three huge three-pointers.
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Comments
They should do dollar beer night more often. That'll get people out there for sure! What are the odds they do it again???
I haven't heard of any problems from last night so you gotta believe the Maloofs might try this again. Seemed successful.
Love the guys that had "$1 Beer" signs. lol.
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