The scariest moment of Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics occurred at the end of the first half.
I looked down to tweet the halftime score and some quick stats when I looked up and saw Kings forward Darnell Jackson near midcourt on his knees in a position that made it look as if he was praying.
Soon Kings medical staff was running over to check on Jackson.
Jackson was on his back, pointing at his chest while Kings trainer Pete Youngman knelt over him.
Having grown up in Southern California I remember the Hank Gathers tragedy. And most basketball fans know the story of Celtics star Reggie Lewis' death.
Fortunately it never got to that point as Jackson was able to walk off the court. Officially, Jackson was said to have experienced shortness of breath. Jackson didn't return to the sidelines in the second half.
"I don't have particulars" said Kings coach Paul Westphal after the game "I know that he was held out because it was the wise thing to do when something happens like that. The doctors don't think that it's anything that won't check out okay but you always check somebody out."
Hopefully there is an update and good news at practice Wednesday.
*As for the game, the Kings certainly didn't embarrass themselves against the Celtics. The Kings lost, 95-90, and showed why the Celtics didn't take them lightly.
DeMarcus Cousins received the kind of treatment reserved for the best in the league from the Celtics.
That meant Kevin Garnett was focused on Cousins. Cousins still managed to score 20 points, but it wasn't easy.
"Cousins had been playing well," Garnett said. "All the fours on this trip had been playing really well. Cousins, LA and up in Portland, this guy has been having some unbelievable stretches, you know with 25, 12 and seven assists (vs. New Orleans). Young boy is playing really well. So I was more locked in slowing him down tonight, giving him different looks."
Celtics coach Doc Rivers didn't like that his second unit blew their early lead but did credit the Kings for their effort.
"When you get a young team down early like we did, you have to keep them down," Rivers said. "We allowed them back in the game. They played hard. They are a fun, young team, a tough team to play on the road."
*The week doesn't get any easier for the Kings. After playing the leaders in the Eastern Conference (Boston), the Western Conference-leading San Antonio Spurs will be at Arco Arena Friday.
The Kings could be catching the Spurs at a good time (which is crazy to say about a team that is 40-8) but the Spurs will be playing their third game in four nights when they visit Arco.
San Antonio lost Tuesday at Portland and plays the Lakers Thursday in Los Angeles.
--Jason Jones
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