Kings Blog and Q&A

The NBA's crazy, compact season continues, but it no longer includes the Lakers. This is sort of hard to believe given their level of talent, but here are a few thoughts about the Western Conference semifinals that ended a few hours ago with the Thunder celebrating their 4-1 series clincher.

* The lusty crowds inside (18,000) and outside (an estimated 6,000 or 7,000 according to TNT's Ernie Johnson) OKC's downtown arena were reminiscent of the gatherings around Arco Arena a decade ago. Small markets tend to generate some of the loudest noise. And, yes, beating the Lakers has something to do with it.

* In contrast to the frisky old Spurs, whose stars also are well into their 30s, the Lakers throughout this series looked old, dispirited, discombobulated, and confused. What's the system? The style of play? Why the lack of energy and what happened to the free-flowing movement? Actually, I wonder what Jerry Buss is thinking about Phil Jackson and that triangle offense he was so eager to dump ...

* Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak was a lonely figure seated alone in the stands, but afterward, he was classy as usual. He stopped in the hallway after the game and endured a painful, informal interview session.

* Revealing stats of the night: Kobe Bryant, 0 assists. Andrew Bynum, 0 assists.

* The league should (and probably will) rescind the flagrant foul assessed to Metta World Peace just before intermission. That was ridiculous, based soley and unfairly on reputation.

* OKC and San Antonio finished a combined 15-1 in the opening two rounds. This should be a phenomenal conference finals.

* It's hard to believe that, only a year ago, OKC coach Scotty Brooks benched Russell Westbrook for his poor decision making. Westbrook was OKC's MVP of this series, though Kevin Durant continues to improve, and amaze with his overall skill and particularly his late-game shotmaking and defense. If he ever develops that superstar edginess? Becomes a little less accommodating? Scary thought.

* TNT's "Inside the NBA" was must-see TV when the studio cast consisted only of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson, but Shaquille O'Neal has been a terrific addition. Together, it works. They are insightful, hilarious, opinionated, and not afraid to offend their former peers. Mostly, they are simply too entertaining to miss, whether it's Shaq wearing his graduation outfit, Charles bragging about his weight loss, Kenny doing the robot walk behind the set, or Ernie interrupting the banter with a pithy transition ... Great stuff. Too bad they don't work the Finals.

The Los Angeles Lakers obviously had bigger concerns than beating the Kings. They're preparing for where the Kings would like to be - the playoffs.

Lakers coach Mike Brown said this of the Kings:

"They (Sacramento) have a nice young team and maybe if they get a savvy veteran or two, we will be talking about them in the playoffs as well."

The Kings need more mature players to aid the rebuilding process and teach young players how to conduct themselves on and off the court.

After the Kings regular season finale a few hours ago, DeMarcus Cousins was asked about an ESPN.com report indicating that team officials are lobbying for his participation at Team USA's pre-Olympic training camp July 1-7 in Las Vegas. USA czar Jerry Colangelo has said players for the 2012 London Olympics squad will be picked from among the 16 NBA stars who are still healthy, willing and available, and were named to the preliminary squad in January.

Cousins, in a typically candid postgame conversation, said he hoped to be invited to Las Vegas, and if so, expected to make the final roster. LIke, um, the 2012 Olympic roster. "I mean, who wouldn't want to play for Team USA?" he said. "Go over there and represent your country. I would love to do it."

Several Kings players address the media following the Kings' 113-96 win over the Lakers in their season finale at Power Balance Pavilion.

DeMarcus Cousins

Isaiah Thomas

Jimmer Fredette

Who would have guessed a tweet about a meeting during Friday night's game would lead to so many questions about Tyreke Evans.

Evans' agent, Arn Tellem, was in town Friday for a meeting with Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie and Kings management about Evans.

This wasn't a discussion about a contract extension (Evans isn't getting one yet). The Kings will let Evans play next season before deciding if they will extend him or how much to offer Evans.

With 10:10 left in the first quarter, TyrekeEvans had four points and rebound against the San Antonio Spurs.

That would be the extent of Evans' highlights.

The Spurs were able to take Evans out of the game by making him go against their set defense.

Former Kings coach Paul Westphal was the target of a lot of criticism back in 2009 for his strategies late in games.

Fair or not, there were folks in the media and fans who were not a fan of giving the ball to Tyreke Evans and allowing him to create on his own.

That's not the case with the Kings now.

Kings guard Marcus Thornton talks about his game-winning shot and other topics following the Kings' 104-103 win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Power Balance Pavilion.

Center DeMarcus Cousins addresses the media following the Kings win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Who on the Kings can be Kendrick Perkins or Derek Fisher?

"(Oklahoma City) had a few bumps in the road when they were together early on," said Kings forward Jason Thompson. "Now they've got some veteran guys in (Kendrick) Perkins and Derek Fisher. So now when they go through stretches, they have that veteran voice that most teams don't have. That has been the big difference for them over the years."

The Kings are still looking for their Perkins, Fisher or anyone to become the leader the team needs to end their seven-game losing streak.

Like the Thunder, the Kings will probably have to trade (as they did for Perkins) or entice a free agent (Fisher) to join them to fill those roles.

If the Kings trade for a leader, they'll have to give up something big like Tyreke Evans. It cost the Thunder Jeff Green, who was a key player for them to land Perkins.

Who would the Kings be willing to part with to find a leader?

Bringing in a player like Fisher would be easier if the Kings were winning. That's not the case right now and there's no telling when that will change.

The Kings tried in the offseason via free agency (Chuck Hayes) and trade (John Salmons)

Salmons is injured. Hayes is having one of his worst seasons after his preseason health scare about his heart and dislocating his shoulder in January after beginning the season as a starter.

Another one of the Kings leaders, Francisco Garcia, is out with a concussion.

That leaves leadership to the rest of the roster to end this losing streak at seven games.

Regardless of if/when the losing streak ends, the search for leadership has to be a priority in the offseason.

This is too short a format to give Brad Miller his due as an NBA player and significant member of the Kings, especially during the 2003-04 season when he started alongside Vlade Divac while Chris Webber recovered from microfracture knee surgery. This topic will be revisited in the near future, when Kings-Wolves isn't conficting with Giants-A's, the NCAA Tournament, and a schedule crunch caused by the compressed NBA season. Promise. Miller is deserving of more. But his appearance at Power Balance Pavilion on Monday - as starting center of the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves - is noteworthy, and weird, and worthy of immediate attention.

So, a few thoughts, observations, memories of Miller: :

The formula to beating the Kings appears simple.

Don't let them jump ahead.

The Kings are 9-21 this season when trailing after the first quarter.

The Kings are now 9-13 when leading after the first quarter after their nine-point lead during the first wasn't enough to propel them past the New Jersey Nets, Saturday night at Power Balance Pavilion.

The King actually led 35-31 at the end of the first quarter before losing 111-99.

But by overcoming the nine-point deficit, the Nets had already accomplished their goal

"We knew this team (Sacramento) was going to try to knock us out in the first quarter," said Nets coach Avery Johnson. "They are a first-quarter team but then we started adding 20- and 21-point defensive quarters. We got back to our defensive sets and got them out of transition."

The end of the first quarter set the tone for the rest of the game. By getting the lead down to four, the Nets were close enough to make the Kings have to work ahrd for a win.

The Kings just didn't match the intensity of the Nets.

"Overall, energy was down," said Donte Greene. "We got into it and picked it up late but it was kind of too late by then. We've got to start in the first quarter, even the third quarter - we've got to bring it."

SALT LAKE CITY -- It is evident Terrence Williams is a player Kings coach Keith Smart quickly came to trust on the court.

Players on 10-day contracts aren't supposed to be counted on in the fourth quarter of close games, but Williams has been a big-time player for the Kings late in games since joining the team last week.

Williams said after the game that he'd already signed to stay with the Kings the rest of the season. So after two teams in two-plus seasons, the 11th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft might have found a home with the Kings.

Forward Jason Thompson addresses the media following the Kings' loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Power Balance Pavilion.

Kings forward Jason Thompson said Wednesday night his left ankle is not completely back to normal despite his return to the Kings' lineup in their 117-112 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Thompson had missed the Kings' previous two games with the sprained left ankle. He played 37 minutes against the Spurs, finishing with 15 points and seven rebounds.

"The ankle's still not 100 percent, but I felt like I did what I could to help the team out," Thompson said. "It kind of was nagging a little bit, but I obviously didn't want to be on the court if it was going to affect how I was playing."

The Kings won't win many games that Tyreke Evans only takes five shots.

That's how many shots Evans attempted in Wednesday night's 117-112 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

Only one of the field goals attempts came after halftime.

The result: Evans had more turnovers (four) than shots made (three).

The Spurs were determined to not let Evans beat them by driving to the basket. It's no secret that's the strength of Evans' game and as expected, the Spurs made that tough.

Evans did have five assists, but the game was a reminder Evans' aggression on offense can't be limited to driving to the basket.

Evans was 1-of-2 on layup attempts and 2-of-3 on jump shots.

There were more shots there for Evans to take. The Spurs were conceding midrage opportunities. Evans did not take them nearly enough.

"What he has to do is he is going to have to take shots," said Kings coach Keith Smart.

According to NBA.com/stats, 384 of Evans' 715 field goal attempts this season have been within five feet of the basket (53.7 percent). Evans is shooting 59.1 percent from within five feet.

Evans' shooting falls way off anywhere else on the floor:

5-9 feet: 22-of-78, 28.2 percent
10-14 feet: 4-of-22, 18.2 percent
15-19 feet: 25-of-81, 30.9 percent
20-24 feet: 19-of-74, 25.7 percent
25-29 feet: 15-of-66, 22.7 percent
30-34 feet: 0-of-0, 0 percent
35-39 feet: 0-of-2, 0 percnet
40 feet-plus: 2-of-8, 25 percent

"As he grows he's going to learn to take those shots, miss them," Smart said. "Shoot them all, I don't care, but he's going to have to take those shots."

Evans said he is comfortable shooting mid-range jump shots when defenses take away the paint.

"I was comfortable taking it (Wednesday)," Evans said. "I took it when I had a chance. I just stopped taking it in the second half and I couldn't really get a rhythm. I was coming in and out of the game so I just find a rhythm after that."

Evans played 30 minutes, the lowest amount of any starter.

But when Evans is in the game, he is going to have to take and make shots outside of the paint consistently.

At one point Smart sat Evans after he drove right into Kawhi Leonard when there was no where for him to go with the ball. A jump stop would have given Evans the chance to take a short jumper but Evans tried to force his way to the rim.

It's the kind of shot Smart has tried to get Evans not to take against a set defense.

"You're dealing with smart players that study the scouting report and understand the tendencies - not rush out, don't overcommit and invite the jump shot," Smart said. "And he's going to have to take those shots being the point guard, off guard or small forward. That's part of his development that he has to get to. He has to get there because if not it's going to frustrate him because they're going to close the lane off."

OAKLAND - Terrence Williams' debut for the Sacramento Kings caught him by surprise.

It came with 8:19 left in the Kings' 111-108 loss to the Golden State Warriors Saturday night at Oracle Arena.

Williams signed a 10-day contract with the Kings last Wednesday and has practiced once with the team.

OAKLAND -- DeMarcus Cousins was having his way inside through three quarters on offense against the Golden State Warriors' Jeremy Tyler and Mickell Gladness, with 26 points on 8-of-18 shooting and five assists.

But as has happened multiple times this season, the Kings went away from a hot-shooting Cousins down the stretch in a close game.

Cousins attempted just two shots in the fourth quarter and did not get to the free-throw line. He finished with 28 points and 18 rebounds, both team-highs, as the Kings lost to the Warriors, 111-108.

Kings head coach Keith Smart said the Warriors went to a zone defense in an attempt to deny Cousins the ball, and the Kings' guards were reluctant to throw the ball into the zone.

Guard Tyreke Evans addresses the media following the Kings' loss to the Utah Jazz at Power Balance Pavilion.

Tyreke Evans' 25-point performance off the bench in the Kings' 103-102 loss to the Utah Jazz led to head coach Keith Smart being asked afterward if maybe Evans prefers coming off the bench.

It was Evans' second consecutive game in a reserve role. But it doesn't sound like he'll be occupying that role much longer.

"I think I'm going to start next game," Evans said after the game. "I don't know yet. I'm disappointed with the loss. I just want to get another win. I think I'm going to start next game."

The Kings' next game is Saturday night at Golden State.

Thursday's 103-102 loss to the visiting Utah Jazz doesn't help the club's overall record - another Lottery appearance is a lock - but the Kings are increasingly entertaining to watch. Keith Smart wasn't kidding when he promised to implement an uptempo style. When Marcus Thornton, Tyreke Evans, Isaiah Thomas and John Salmons fully commit to defending aggressively (and consistently) on the perimeter and in transition, the Kings will start winning games. And again, those 28 assists indicate a willingness to share the ball these days. No one misses that sluggish, dreadful, one-on-one style of the previous two years.

A few other thoughts, observations, musings:

* The Kings were immensely relieved to learn that Jason Thompson only aggravated an old ankle injury when he fell to the floor in the closing seconds. When Thompson had to be helped into the locker room, his arms around a trainer and teammate, most media types and scouts in the building suspected a more ominous injury such as an Achilles tear or torn knee ligament. The Kings press people were quick with the diagnosis.

This was how DeMarcus Cousins summed up the final few minutes of the Kings' 103-102 loss to the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, which was decided by Al Jefferson's put-back shot with 0.9 seconds to play:

"Just turnovers down the stretch, just small things, and small things turned into big things, which put us in that chippy situation, and they made the most of it," Cousins said.

In the final 3:11, the Kings were 2-of-9 from the field and, perhaps more damaging, 1-of-5 from the free-throw line. They also committed a pair of turnovers.

Kings forward Jason Thompson talks to reporters following the Kings' 103-102 loss to the Utah Jazz at Power Balance Pavilion.

Kings forward Jason Thompson has a sprained left ankle and is day-to-day, the team announced.

Thompson came up limping after Al Jefferson's game-winning shot with 0.9 seconds left in the Utah Jazz's 103-102 win over the Kings and had to be helped to the locker room.

Thompson said he had tweaked the ankle earlier in the game and stepped awkwardly on the final play. He was walking on his own in the locker room.

Kings center DeMarcus Cousins addresses the media following the Kings' 103-102 loss to the Utah Jazz at Power Balance Pavilion.

There is apparently no love lost between DeMarcus Cousins and Devin Harris.

Cousins and the Utah Jazz guard had to be separated from jawing at each other leading into a timeout in the first quarter of the Jazz's 103-102 win over the Kings at Power Balance Pavilion on Thursday night.

This is what Cousins had to say about the incident after the game:

"Honestly I'm tired of the kid. I don't know, like really I don't know what his issue is. I'm tired of the kid, honestly. I'm tired of him."

Kings guard Tyreke Evans addresses the media following the Kings' 119-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Power Balance Pavilion.

Kings head coach Keith Smart said he has a rule that if a starting player gets injured and needs to miss games, that player will still have his spot in the lineup when he's well enough to return.

With Tyreke Evans available Tuesday night after missing two games with a sprained left ankle, that rule was in effect.

It was John Salmons, though, who started at small forward in the Kings' 119-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Smart said after the game that that was a decision Evans made at the team's morning shootaround.

The Kings not only have won three straight games, they're playing their most entertaining basketball in a long, long, long, long time. Keith Smart has his squad playing hard and fast, and minimizing their lack of frontcourt length by swarming the passing lanes, rotating quickly and, in general, exhibiting the level of energy that leads to fastbreaks, victories, and more fans in the seats. If they keep this up - the Utah Jazz is here Thursday - theirs will be an appealing product even against lousy opponents during mid-week stretches.

But, since we're speaking of Smart: His wife, Carol, who stayed in the Bay Area with the two kids for his first season in Sacramento, moonlights as a seventh-grade girls basketball coach in her spare time. During a quick visit last night, Ms. Smart just happened to mention that the Fallon Mustangs (Dublin) went undefeated (12-0) and won the league. Only half-joking, of course - we think - she reminds her husband that she has a higher winning percentage than he does.

A few other late-night thoughts after the Kings' victory over the Memphis Grizzlies:

* While members of the media conducted interviews in the locker room, DeMarcus Cousins, Marcus Thornton and teammates walked closer to the televisions to catch ESPN replays of Brittney Griner's dunk against Florida. When the Baylor star threw down the one-hander, several of the Kings started screaming. Cousins, holding a towel, started waving the cloth and jumping up and down. Unfortunately, Cousins wasn't around to enjoy the Monarchs, who won the 2005 WNBA Championship before the franchise ceased operations.

* Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof said arena negotiations with AEG representatives lasted eight hours. He wouldn't talk specifics, though, and said the family plans to hire a p.r. firm to deal with the inquiries as the plan moves forward.

* Grizzlies center Marc Gasol barely missed a triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Cousins, who had been struggled, responded with a nice performance - 23 points, five rebounds, three assists and four steals in 25 minutes.

* Stat of the night: 28 assists.

OAKLAND - The scene inside Oracle Arena earlier tonight during the Chris Mullin jersey retirement ceremonies was crazy/surprising/disturbing/interesting, but because of the deadline pinch, I was unable to elaborate in my column in this morning's Bee. So, without further ado, here are some of the details, starting and ending with the crowd jeering and booing a visibly stunned Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob.

* Until Lacob reached for the microphone during the 30-minute halftime festivities, the event was moving along in traditional fashion, with fans cheering Warriors greats Nate Thurmond, Rick Barry, Al Attles, Mullins' Run TMC mates Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond, among others, along with former GSW coach Don Nelson and one-time Kings/Warriors guard Sarunas Marciulionis (who came into the league with Vlade Divac, Sasha Volkov, Zarko Paspalj and the late Drazen Petrovic with the historic Euro Class of 1989).

But when Lacob started to speak, there were discernible rumblings from the sellout crowd. Shouts of "Monta" echoed in the building, in an obvious reference to the recent trade of Monta Ellis in the deal for injured Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut. Frowning, and noticeably flustered, Lacob tried again. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way ..." he began, which only further incited fans.

A few thoughts after the Kings' blowout victory over the depleted Minnesota Timberwolves:

* After three home clunkers, the Kings have responded with great energy in their blowout victories against the Boston Celtics and the Wolves. It's too early to make too much of this, but even with Tyreke Evans out (ankle) and DeMarcus Cousins struggling in both games, the Kings were impressive.

* Jason Thompson has been exceptional for three straight games - rebounding, making plays, scoring in transition, and showing a deft touch around the rim with both hands. He always plays hard, but he has been mistake-prone. Not lately, though.

* Marcus Thornton has contributed nine steals in the last two games.

* The Wolves miss Ricky Rubio's perimeter defense almost as much as his passing/dynamic presence. Before tearing an anterior cruciate ligament against the Lakers on March 9, he ranked third in the league in steals (2.2) and fifth in assists (8.2). As was evident against the Kings, they have trouble stopping dribble-penetration.

* Smart, who spent almost a decade as a Warriors coach/assistant, plans to attend Monday's jersey retirement ceremonies for Hall of Famer (and former Warriors GM) Chris Mullin. Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond - the other members of Run TMC - will be there as well. Also attending will be one-time Kings guard Sarunas Marciulionis, who is traveling from his native Lithuania, and Don Nelson, jetting in from Maui. Nice gesture from Mullie to invite his long coach given their strained relationship during their final years together at Golden State.

* Former Kings coach Rick Adelman has endured a tough run of players suffering season or career-ending injuries, foremost among them Chris Webber (knee), Tracy McGrady (knee) and Yao Ming (foot), and now Rubio, whose recovery will be aided by his young age (21).

Guard Tyreke Evans addresses the media following the Kings' 124-112 loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Kings guard Tyreke Evans has a sprained left ankle and is day-to-day, a team spokesman said.

Evans appeared to land awkwardly and turn the ankle with 4:20 remaining in the Kings' 124-112 loss to the Pistons on Wednesday night. He was helped off the court and did not return to the game.

Evans said after the game the ankle was not swollen. X-rays on the ankle were negative, the team announced.

Evans scored a team-high 23 points as the Kings lost their third consecutive game and fell to 14-29. They next play Friday night against the Boston Celtics at Power Balance Pavilion.

The Kings effort - lack of effort, actually - against the depleted Golden State Warriors earlier tonight was inexcusable. Is it possible to trade to entire the entire roster by Thursday's noon deadline? This was by far the Kings' poorest performance under coach Keith Smart, and given the circumstances, it was even worse than that: The Warriors were in the visitors locker room when they learned that Monta Ellis and Ekpe Udoh had been traded to Milwaukee for injured Bucks center Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson.

While Ellis said he welcomed the trade, Udoh sat in the locker room, staring at the television screen. He seemed shocked, understandably.

A few other late-night musings:

* Warriors rookie head coach Mark Jackson, who during his introductory press conference, had promised his team would reach the playoffs, sat by himself in the front row of seats shortly after the team was announced. He stared ahead, and wasn't interested in chatting.

* The Warriors seem to be - and should be - seriously concerned about Stephen Curry's recurring foot problems. The standout third-year guard, plagued by issues last season, underwent surgery in the offseason and still isn't right. The club is considering sitting him down for the near future, which could mean the remainder of the 2011-12 season.

* I keep hearing the Kings hope to make a trade before the deadline, though none of the team's significant players are involved.

* Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob, who was one of the co-founders of the defunct American Basketball League (ABL) and its San Jose franchise back in 1996, said he is hoping to land a WNBA franchise sometime in the near future. When the Monarchs ceased operations in November, 2009, the WNBA attempted to find buyers for the franchise in the Bay Area - actually enlisting coach/GM John Whisenant in the attempt - to no avail. "I was a year too late," said Lacob, part of the ownership group that purchased the Warriors in July, 2010. "But it will happen. We will get an WNBA. Right now, there just aren't any teams available."

* Two stats say everything about the Kings' loss to the Warriors: the Kings' 11/13 assist/turnover ratio, and the Warriors' 50 percent shooting - both from the field and beyond the arc.

Kings forward-center Chuck Hayes talks about the Kings' effort following their 115-89 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Power Balance Pavilion.

When the Kings and Warriors played on Jan. 31, Brandon Rush made several late, key three-pointers as part of 15 fourth-quarter points to lead the Warriors to a win.

On Feb. 4, in an overtime loss to the Kings, the Warriors made 16-of-29 three-point shots as a team. Dorell Wright was 4-of-6 from long range in that game and Klay Thompson was 4-of-5.

Head coach Keith Smart addresses the media following the Kings' loss to the Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors had a different look when they took the floor Tuesday night. Guard Stephen Curry was sidelined by an ankle sprain. Monta Ellis and Ekpe Udoh were not with the team amid reports of a proposed trade.

But the Warriors have been one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league this season, and against the Kings, that was no different.

The Warriors made 12-of-24 shots from beyond the arc and the Kings, who have struggled this season guarding teams with good perimeter shooters, had no answers in the second half of a 115-89 loss at Power Balance Pavilion.

The Kings' 106-99 loss to the visiting Atlanta Hawks on Sunday was one of the most disappointing performances of the Keith Smart era. While the Hawks have talent, they also are without the injured Al Horford, traveled cross-country after playing at home Friday, and should have been greeted by a Kings team energized by their victory over the NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks and the fact they are three games into a nine-game homestand.

To Smart's credit, he says what he thinks - and he thinks his team failed to give an adequate effort and was unusually brief during his post-game interview session. This was a winnable game. But we'll keep it short because, well, this is one of those outings that belongs in the "forgettable" bin.

• DeMarcus Cousins, who led the Kings with 28 points, 12 boards and three steals, seemed frustrated throughout the game. One sequence late in the fourth quarter epitomized his evening: On an obvious (and crucial) pick-and-roll situation, Marcus Thornton drew the double-team on the right side, and when Cousins rolled to the basket, he forced a contested shot instead of passing the ball to the open teammate (Cousins). In the locker room afterward, Cousins sat for the longest time staring at his cellphone, composing himself before meeting members of the media approached. It's hard to believe this is the same player Paul Westphal aggressively urged management to trade early in the season ...

• The Kings' perimeter defense was non-existent - the Hawks shot 51.2 percent overall, benefitting from an inordinate number of uncontested shots from the wings or corners - and the ball movement was almost as bad. The starting backcourt of Thornton and Isaiah Thomas (three turnovers) contributed zero - and is in zero - assists.

• Francisco Garcia continues to enjoy a rebirth. He played 26 minutes, and along with Jimmer Fredette, helped space the floor with his outside shooting.

• The Kings were crushed on the boards. Besides Cousins (12), Tyreke Evans grabbed five rebounds.

• The Warriors are here Tuesday. They were impressive in L.A. against the Clippers Sunday night, coming back from a 21-point deficit despite Stephen Curry's chronic foot problems.

Kings guard Jimmer Fredette talks about the play of the bench and other topics in the Kings' 106-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Power Balance Pavilion.

Guard Tyreke Evans discusses the lack of energy and other topics following the Kings' 106-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Head coach Keith Smart addresses the media following the Kings' loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Power Balance Pavilion.

The Kings narrowed a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to five points, but could get no closer as their two-game winning streak ended with a 106-99 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Power Balance Pavilion.

Lacking the buoyant energy they displayed against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, the Kings fell behind in the third quarter with their starters on the floor.

Head coach Keith Smart went with a mix of starters and bench players down the stretch looking for a spark. Marcus Thornton's three-pointer with 3:32 left in the game pulled the Kings within five points at 94-89, but the Hawks pulled away from there.

Recording artist Drake showed up fashionably late (third quarter) to the Kings game Friday night, but by the time he walked in front of the crowd and into his courtside seat a few feet from the visitors bench, the rout was already on. And, no, this time the Kings weren't on the losing end. Kings 110, Dallas Mavericks 97. Keith Smart's squad led by as many as 21 points against the defending NBA Champions, who looked tired and out of sorts, and a team missing its former defensive anchor and screen-setter, Tyson Chandler. (They have to work harder these days for good looks).

A few other late-night musings, observations, stats:

* After noticing some of my colleagues' tweets suggesting that women were particularly appreciative of Drake's appearance, I would like to set the record straight. From my seat across from the visitors bench, it certainly looked like there were just as many men holding up their cellphones for photos and trying to crowd next to the celebrity, but hey, who's counting? Right fellas? At one point, Mavericks assistant Tony Brown complained to the officials because the crowd of photographers and onlookers extended into the Mavericks' huddle during a timeout. Jason Kidd didn't seem to mind too much, though. The Mavs point guard stopped and shook hands with Drake before heading to the locker room with about 20 seconds remaining.

* Ricky Rubio's left knee injury received some chatter post-game. The Timberwolves rookie banged knees with Kobe Bryant with 16 seconds remaining Friday in the Lakers-Wolves game and was helped to the bench in obvious pain. The dynamic point guard kept holding the outside of his knee and left the building on crutches amid fears that he had sustained a major cartilage or ligament injury. At the very least, it appears highly unlikely that he will accompany the Wolves for his Power Balance Pavilion debut next weekend.

* Bill Walton served as television analyst for the game, and as usual, lingered courtside and graciously signed autographs for a mob of youngsters.

* Referencing the near sellout (and boisterous) crowd, Smart reiterated his oft-stated desire to invigorate the fan base and "bring back the cowbells." And, of course, that's all Gavin Maloof needed to hear. The Kings co-owner, who visited the locker room post-game and sat in on the coach's interview, immediately jumped up and said, "We gotta bring back the cowbells! We have to start that Sunday (against the Hawks)." Gavin seems to have forgotten, however, that after repeated complaints to the league office from the likes of Phil Jackson, Donnie Nelson, Jerry Sloan and other visiting coaches in the previous decade, the Kings were urged to discourage fans from bringing the the cowbells to the arena. It was an enduring part of the team's identity, though. The league might want to re-think that one ....

* Drake waited outside the Kings locker room for almost 20 minutes after the game, chatting with folks, posing for photos. At one point he grabbed a basketball and displayedg some decent dribbling skills.

* Mavs owner Mark Cuban was a rare no-show. He was in the Cayman Islands with his family, which was good for him but unfortunate for us, because he always has something interesting to say.

* Kings' most impressive stats of the night: a 25-14 assist/turnover ratio; nine boards by small forward Tyreke Evans; 11-of-27 on three's; 50 percent overall shooting; and a 21-point lead. How often does that happen these days?

Win or lose, Kings coach Keith Smart is usually asked about Jimmer Fredette after every game.

Fredette had a solid showing in the Kings' 99-98 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday with 11 points off the bench. Fredette has scored in double figures in three of five games this month, but was also scoreless in 10 minutes at Phoenix.

Here is how Smart addressed the latest question about Fredette's progress:

Guard Tyreke Evans talks about the Kings' late defense and other topics following the team's 99-98 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night.

Keith Smart was prepared to place the outcome of Wednesday night's game against the New Orleans Hornets in the hands of his team's defense.

After forcing a shot-clock violation with 19.2 seconds to play, the Kings had the ball down by one point, 98-97. Smart said that in the timeout, he told Marcus Thornton to look for a quick basket rather than hold for the last shot.

Smart said he wanted to shift the pressure back to the Hornets to score.

Head coach Keith Smart addresses the media following the Kings' win over the New Orleans Hornets at Power Balance Pavilion.

Isaiah Thomas stole an inbounds pass with the Kings down by one and 8.9 seconds left, and found a streaking John Salmons for the eventual game-winning lay-up as the Kings defeated the New Orleans Hornets at Power Balance Pavilion, 99-98.

The Hornets had a chance to win it with 6.8 seconds left, but Trevor Ariza's fadeaway jump shot was well-defended by Tyreke Evans and clanged off the front of the rim.

The Kings, who trailed by six points early in the fourth quarter, snapped their four-game losing streak with three strong defensive possessions in the final minute.

A few late-night musings after Tuesday's eventful evening with the Sacramento City Council and several hundred of their closest friends, many of whom were eager to discuss the proposal for a new arena in the downtown railyards:

• The council's 7-2 vote that approved the term sheet and authorized the parties to proceed with the RFP and parking bids was preceded by testimony from a number of colorful characters opposing and favoring the proposal. Mayor Kevin Johnson said there were 19 requests to speak in opposition, and three times as many waiting to vent in favor of the deal. KJ gave equal time to both groups - limited individual speakers to two minutes - and 40 minutes total. The most creative, or at least the most entertaining presentation was given by longtime Kings fan Mike Barnbaum, who approached the podium wearing a purple hardhat, spoke a few words, and belted out an off-key version of the song, "Downtown," before reaching his two-minute time limit. (And, yes, believe it or not, the crowd joined in the chorus). Later, Mike reminded me the song was made famous by British singer Petula Clark. How could I have forgotten?

• City manager John Shirey, who is being praised for his significant behind-scenes input at the recent NBA/city/Kings meetings in Orlando, related an interesting anecdote during the raucous post-meeting press conference in the foyer outside the council chambers. "This is a great milestone for this city," he said. "It's a great thing for me personally ... .My team growing up was a team called the Cincinnati Royals. And it was a sad day for me when that team left Cincinnati (1972 for Kansas City). But here it is, it's grown up again, it's right here again in Sacramento, and we're going to keep it. And I don't have to say goodbye a second time."

• Shirey isn't the only city official with a sentimental attachment to the Kings. City council member Steve Cohn, an avid basketball fan, is a native of Kansas City, another former home of the Kings. Yet this is the first arena venture that the East Sac resident has enthusiastically embraced.

• While watching the scene in the chambers and later in the foyer, where KJ held a press conference joined by several council members, David Taylor, and officials from AEG, Populous and Turner, I was reminded about the impact of spontaneous emotion. Anyone attending modern sports events is usually subjected to the whims of the game's particular game operator, and subjected to overhead video screens and fan prompts that tell fans when to cheer, when to jeer, when to stand, in essence, choreograph the entire evening allegedly based on developments on the court. It's pretty annoying stuff. But watching the Kings/Sacramento fans at the council meeting and the postgame presser reminded me of what geniune emotion sounds like. When the 7-2 vote was announced, the crowd inside the chambers erupted in a familiar chant of "SAC-ra-MEN-to, SAC-ra-MEN-to." Later, the chant switched to "THANK you KJ, THANK you KJ," a reference to the mayor, who just happens to be a native Sacramentan and former NBA All-Star.

• Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof, who sat throught the four-hour meeting, didn't break down like he did when the tentative agreement was announced in Orlando. But he choked up when council member Rob Fong looked directly at him in the audience and, very eloquently, thanked him and other members of the Maloof family for giving Sacramento another year and another chance to come up with a workable arena plan to retain the Kings.

"I see Gavin out there," began Fong, "and we spent some time together on this. Please tell your family, 'thank you.' There are plenty of ways or times you guys could have said, 'you know what? We gave you a lot of chances.' We hung in there with you, but you hung in there us, and I think we're finally going to get there."

• Poor little Isaiah Thomas looked exhausted. The popular rookie point guard showed up for the final two-plus hours of the session, then hung around for the press conference. With the Kings having arrived home from Denver around 1 a.m. Tuesday, he looked absolutely exhausted.

Guard Isaiah Thomas reacts following the Kings' 108-100 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at Power Balance Pavilion.

Kings head coach Keith Smart said he thought rookie guard Isaiah Thomas may have become flustered after committing some early turnovers against the Clippers on Thursday night.

Thomas admitted as much following his least productive game since he cracked the starting lineup on Feb. 17.

Thomas, who was named the NBA's Western Conference rookie of the month earlier Thursday, had 10 points and four assists in the Kings' 108-100 loss but committed six turnovers. The Kings turned the ball over 18 times as a team.

Head coach Keith Smart addresses the media following the Kings' loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at Power Balance Pavilion.

After playing one of their best offensive halves of the season for the first 24 minutes on Thursday night, the Kings cooled off in the second half and lost to the Los Angeles Clippers at Power Balance Pavilion, 108-100.

The Kings shot 57.5 percent from the floor in the first half -- and still went into halftime with the score tied at 57-57, thanks in part to nine turnovers.

They made just 14 of 39 shots (35.9 percent) after the intermission and finished with 18 turnovers that led to 27 points for the Clippers.

"(The Clippers) got a little more aggressive, a little more physical as we tried to attack the basket," said Kings head coach Keith Smart. "They got in there and knocked some balls loose and they turned over some points.

Win or lose, my Twitter account at some point is usually flooded at some point with Jimmer Fredette questions.

They usually are about why isn't Kings coach Keith Smart playing Fredette more? Or does Smart not like Fredette or why is the coach holding Fredette back?
Fredette has had his struggles as a rookie. Fredette gets into trouble when teams force him to dribble into trouble and has struggled defensively (which I touched on here.).

When the Kings drafted Fredette he was touted as a point guard but Smart doesn't want Fredette to worry so much about running the offense. Instead he wants Fredette to do what he does best.

"I'm encouraging him to be a shooter," Smart said. "That's a skill you have, be a shooter right now."

Fredette's playing time has decreased with the return of Marcus Thornton (who has scored 20 or more in nine of his last 10 games).

Fredette had some good moments while Marcus Thornton was out. Fredette averaged 9.8 points and made 50 percent of his threes in six starts.

But in the last two games, Fredette has played just 20 minutes, none of the time coming in the second half.

Overall Fredette averages 7.9 points and is shooting 37.7 percent on threes. Fredette is shooting 37.8 percent from the field this season.

Smart would rather Fredette shoot than dribble into trouble and have a shot blocked or commit a turnover.
Smart, however, isn't going to be Fredette's ear every moment of every practice or when he's in the game.

"I think for me as a coach and a player you have to leave him alone," Smart said. "I think everyone is in his ear about everything and so I try to stay away from him and let him play because if I'm in his ear he'll be a robot on the floor."

"My job is to keep encouraging him and not get caught up in making him into something that he's not yet."

"For me I've said what I need to say to him. He knows where everything stands. So I've got make sure I leave him alone and let him grow as a pro but again keep encouraging hm. I want him to focus on shooting the ball."

Guard Isaiah Thomas addresses the media following the Kings' 103-96 win over the Utah Jazz.

Isaiah Thomas careened up-court and threaded a bounce pass to a cutting Marcus Thornton under the basket. Thornton converted the lay-up with 0.8 seconds left in the third quarter, and Thomas had his sixth assist of the quarter.

Thomas finished with eight assists in the Kings' 103-96 win over the Utah Jazz, and the Kings as a team had 23, making this the fourth time in the last five games they have recorded 21 or more assists.

The scene at Power Balance Pavilion earlier tonight was pretty crazy for obvious reasons: The Kings were hosting the Utah Jazz less about 36 hours after a tentative private-public agreement was reached on a new downtown sports arena. The proposal will be submitted to the City Council for approval next Tuesday. Mayor Kevin Johnson, who is a lock as one of the five affirmative votes needed, arrived after the weekly council meeting ended, and then worked the oversized room (arena) like a politician.

He walked down the sidelines from his courtside seat and hugged Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof. He walked back to the Maloofs again a few minutes later, accompanied by council members Angelique Ashby and Jay Schenirer. He also brought former vice-mayor Jimmie Yee over to the Maloofs - the same Yee who cast the deciding vote that secured the loan to former Kings owner Jim Thomas in 1997 - and then spent time in one of the suites, mingling with other business and city leaders who have been involved in the arena effort.

And, at least twice that I counted, KJ jumped to his feet and applauded spectacular plays by rookie point guard Isaiah Thomas.

A few other notes:
* I caught up with Joe and Gavin Maloof up in their suite before the game, and they were both visibly exhausted, but elated. Joe Maloof said he spent so much time in the negotiations in Orlando that he never even got to the Amway Center for any of the All-Star Weekend events. "Gavin has been there, and he says it's incredible," said Joe. If the deal is approved next week, he plans a return trip to Orlando to tour the arena widely regarded as the standard for modern arenas.
* Gavin Maloof said he received hundreds of congratulatory texts when the agreement was brokered on Monday, including from unlikely sources. "I even got some from Anaheim," he said, laughing. He also has been asked about choking up when he addressed the media in Orlando shortly after the deal was announced. "I was so happy," he said, "and I just lost it. I felt like the weight of the world was off my shoulders. We loved this place. We never wanted to go anyplace else, we really didn't."
Asked how the deal was finalized, Gavin said, "(David) Stern wanted it. We wanted it. Everybody stretched. AEG gave more. We gave more. I'm still (laugh) in a state of shock, though. Hopefully I can sleep in tomorrow."
* Once again, DeMarcus Cousins showed off his phenomenal hands. He repeatedly beat everyone to loose balls and long rebounds, including one particularly impressive one-handed, off-balance grab in the closing minutes. His conditioning also seemed surprisingly decent considering he stayed to enjoy the festivities in Orlando (he was in the Rising Stars game on Friday) and didn't return to Sacramento until early Monday
* The diminutive Thomas, who has quickly emerged as a fan favorite, said he hopes his hometown Seattle gets another NBA franchise, but was pulling for the Kings to remain in Sacramento. "Seattle deserves another team," he said, "but the Kings belong here. I'm so happy it looks like it's working out."
* I will be discussing the Kings, the arena situation, the local sports landscape, etc., on our live chat Wednesday at noon.

Head coach Keith Smart addresses the media following the Kings' win over the Utah Jazz.

DeMarcus Cousins had 22 points and 18 rebounds, and Isaiah Thomas added 18 points and eight assists as the Kings defeated the Utah Jazz, 103-96, at Power Balance Pavilion on Tuesday night.

Thomas and Cousins keyed a strong third quarter for the Kings, who had trailed by three at halftime. Thomas had six of his assists in the quarter, while Cousins scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds.

After a slow start from the floor, the Kings shot 52.4 percent as a team in the second half.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Kings center DeMarcus Cousins had 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists as Team Chuck defeated Team Shaq, 146-133 in the Rising Stars Challenge Friday night at All-Star Weekend.

The game consisted of rosters comprised of 20 first and second-year players that with Charles Barkley and Shaquille then drafted rosters from both groups.

Cleveland rookie guard Kyrie Irving won MVP with 34 points on 12-of-13 shooting and nine assists.

San Antonio rookie Kawhi Leonard (right calf strain) did not play.

ORLANDO, Fla. - These are very eventful days, with the the Kings arena situation being dumped right into the middle of the All-Star Game festivities. The city is a hive of activity. The airport has been jammed these past few days into the wee hours. The rental car agencies are slammed (trust me). And the people who facilitated the city/county/Magic partnership that led to construction of the $380 million Amway Center - the downtown arena that is the gold standard for all new buildings - are everywhere. I was at Jam Session Thursday at the Orange County Convention Center, mainly to harass David Stern about Sacramento's latest arena developments, and Orlando city mayor Buddy Byer and Orange County mayor Teresa Jacobs were nearby, and they could not stop grinning.

By the way: The sentiment among the national media here is very pro-Sacramento, despite reports about persistent overtures from folks in Anaheim and potential threats from Seattle and darkhorse candidate Vancouver. The Canadian city's failure to support the Grizzlies led to the team's relocation to Memphis, but potential owners and investors continue to pester the league, and the large Asian population appeals to Stern's desire to expand its brand. Plus - and this is a big plus - Vancouver has a modern arena, unlike Seattle or Sacramento. These days, when the revenue streams from club suites, sponsorships, and amenities/concessions allay operating costs and account for a large percentage of income, it's all about the buildings.

Here are a few other observations, notes, etc., as the weekend approaches:

* Magic official Alex Martins, who rose from the ranks of assistant publicist when the city was granted an expansion team in 1988 to team president and CEO (and the guy who oversaw the resurrection of arena negotiations), is heading the team's feasibility study into a $100 million development project near the downtown Amway Center. Except for the Church Street entertainment corridor, the neighborhing area is economically depressed. The project would include restaurants, retail and housing, and attempt to revitalize this portion of the urban core. If the development would occur, it would enable the Magic to relocate the majority of its employees to its downtown facility.

* Allen Johnson, executive director of the city's Venues Department, had some interesting things to say about Amway Center's parking and the impact on traffic flow. There are 2,100 parking spots in the Geico Garage located adjacent to the arena, but most of the available slots are located within a 10-minute or so walking distance. While some people argue that a lack of surface parking is a major negative of downtown arenas, Johnson is convinced the dispersed parking has major advantages in terms of traffice flow.
"I would never, ever be involved with building another venue that has surface parking in a downtown core because it's a terrible use of land," he said. "What we always understood is that people leave an event at the same time, but we didn't count on the fact that because they were walking two, three blocks, it would actually be helping traffic flow. It also helps that people are walking by the businesses on Church Street."

* Martins is among those who believe the quality of Amway Center enables the arena managers to lure top touring groups and artists. "There is absolutely no chance that Andrea Bocelli would have played at the old building," said Martins. "It just did not have the acoustical advantages of the new building. Everybody was just amazed at at his performance (Feb. 12)."

* The Amway Center is owned and operated by the city of Orlando, but Magic owner Rich DeVos - a billionaire, by the way - was pressured into making a substantial contribution for construction of the $380 million facility. After low-balling the city and county, which secured a one cent increase in tourism taxes, he agreed to a provide $50 million toward construction, another $25 million toward the financing of area gyms, assumed the risk of cost overrides, and backed the public bonds.

* So, on a final note, Jeremy Lin is a local sensation here, too. He arrives Friday and is scheduled for several appearances.

WASHINGTON - The Kings finished their six-game road trip 1-5. Hardly a record to brag about, there was a lot learned on the trip.

A few of them were:

ORLANDO - This was going to be a crazy, active weekend anyway - All-Star Weekend always is - but David Stern apparently will have less time than usual to schmooze with his stars, cultivate his important visitors from China, Europe, and other global markets, along with his domestic partners, because of his plans to meet with Mayor Kevin Johnson, Joe and Gavin Maloof and try to pin down the specifics of a potential arena deal. Jason Jones and Ryan Lillis are traveling here Thursday, and I arrived a few hours ago after a lengthy delay and diversion to Tampa because of thunderstorms.

I have been speaking with officials from the city and county of Orlando, along with Magic team president Alex Martins, and will be writing about the Amway Center (opened in October, 2010) and its financial impact on the area. Folks here say the All-Star Weekend will contribute $100 million to the local economy, with an estimated 50,000 visitors filling hotels, attending events, renting cars, and dining at restaurants. A major traffic snafu is expected Sunday when some folks head back to Orlando after the Daytona 500, about an hour's drive from here.

As for anything new on the arena talks? I am hearing the same consistent theme: the threat to Sacramento comes from Anaheim, and not Seattle, which (a) still needs someone willing to sell a team (which the Maloofs are not) and (b) is years away from opening doors on a new building.

Much more to come in the coming days.

CLEVELAND - There has been plenty of talk for some time about the Kings' need for a point guard and whether Tyreke Evans is a true point guard.

Kings coach Keith Smart has referred to Evans as a combo guard and worked with him on becoming a better facilitator.

But perhaps the Kings' "pure" point guard was sitting on the bench all along.

FINAL
Cavaliers 93, Kings 92

CLEVELAND - Cleveland rookie guard Kyrie Irving made two free throws with 0.4 seconds to play to send the Kings to their fifth consecutive losss.

Irving was fouled by Tyreke Evans as he drove to the basket. The Kings had just taken the lead on a lay up by DeMarcus Cousins with 2.9 seconds to play.

The Kings (10-21) were down 10 in the fourth but rallied by the play of rookie Isaiah Thomas. Thomas had season highs of 23 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds.

The Cavs (12-17) were led by Irving with 23 points. Antawn Jamison had 21 points and rookie Tristan Thompson had 15 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

Former King Omri Casspi had a career-high 12 rebounds for Cleveland.

Marcus Thornton had 21 points and a season-high 10 rebounds. Cousins had 19 points.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - There has been a constant theme after Kings losses that came up again Friday night after the Kings blew an 11-point lead and lost to the Detroit Pistons 114-108.

The Kings have to play smarter basketball.

The Kings make the game hard on themselves with mistakes that come from not sticking to the scouting report or not making the simple play.

NEW YORK - There was a buzz around these parts that the Kings could be the team to give Jeremy Lin some problems and end the Knicks' winning streak at six.

Why? Tyreke Evans is a big, guard that it was presumed would be physical and make it tough on the Lin to run the offense.

That wasn't the case. Not even close.

Jeremy Lin's amazing story was the ONLY reason to continue watching the Kings-Knicks game tonight after about the first quarter, when it became that Keith Smart's bunch is reverting to old ways. Three straight games now. They don't defend the perimeter. They don't move the ball. They dribble too much. Oh, and the Knicks new point guard sensation - and that would be Lin - contributed 13 assists. The Kings finished with a whopping 15.

Geoff Petrie and his basketball staffers can take some comfort from the fact that they were among the many who blew the call on the 6-foot-3 Lin, who just happened to grow up in Palo Alto, play for Golden State and the Reno Bighorns last season, and way back when, received exactly one invitation to participate in the Las Vegas Summer League. But at some point, the Kings have to get the point, right? They need a point guard. They need a point guard. They need a point guard.

Actually, the Kings need a floor leader. Until they address that issue, whatever talent they accumulate will continue to be wasted (or ruined by the dribbling, ball-stopping, one-on-one mentality). Kings shooters rarely receive a pass in rhythm, and even when they do, they persist in dribbling instead of just releasing a shot. The make the game harder than it needs to be ....

This Jeremy Lin just won't end. The Bay Area phenom - and I guess we can call him that now - hit a last-second three-pointer earlier tonight to lead the New York Knicks past the Toronto Raptors. I wrote about Lin for tomorrow's Bee, but quoting his former coach at Golden State (Keith Smart) and with the Reno Bighorns of the NBA Developmental League (Eric Musselman). Lin, 23, was sent down to the D-League three times last year - and Musselman, who now coaches the LA-Defenders, loves the guy. After Lin's the latest heroics, Musselman texted me, "He is amazing."

A few other thoughts:
* If I were Smart (get it?), I would put Tyreke Evans on Lin tomorrow night and challenge him to smother the Knicks sensation.
* As yet another example of Lin's impact as an Asian American in the NBA, a sports columnist friend of mine at Newsday, whose son is an adoptee from Korea, let him stay up to watch the Knicks-Raptors game. We talked immediately afterward, and she said her son was too excited to sleep.
* Lin scored 12 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 11 assists, including a nifty wraparound pass to Amare Stoudemire.
* Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni looks and sounds as excited as everyone else about Lin. No kidding. The kid saved his job ...
* So where were the Kings during the Jeremy Lin sweepstakes? Yeah, they were like most teams in the NBA. They blew it, too. The Harvard grad worked out for eight teams prior to the NBA Draft in 2010 and played for the Dallas Mavericks at the Summer League in Las Vegas. Afterward, the 6-foot-3 point guard was offered a two-year deal by Golden State (one year guaranteed), so he signed with the Warriors. The Kings spent the summer in pursuit of Pooh Jeter, who was let go after last season.

Head coach Keith Smart addresses the media following the Kings' 98-84 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Shooting a chilly 35 percent, the Kings finished with just two players in double figures and lost to the Phoenix Suns at Power Balance Pavilion on Saturday night, 98-84.

The Kings had trouble finishing plays under the basket, making just 17 of 42 shots in the paint. DeMarcus Cousins had a game-high 26 points and pulled down nine rebounds, and Marcus Thornton scored 21 points.

The rest of the team combined to make 11 shots from the floor.

TNT sideline reporter Cheryl Miller called and asked to clarify comments that were made about Sacramento's arena situation during Thursday's Kings-OKC broadcast at Power Balance Pavilion. In a first-half interview with Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, the former WNBA and USC great noted that a ballot measure requiring public approval for use of revenue (toward an arena) from proposed parking bids failed by a 5-4 margin. The mayor tried to explain that this was a good thing - from his perspective - because it enabled the bidding process to proceed. But Miller, along with analysts Reggie Miller and Chris Webber, appeared confused by his explanation.

"I feel bad," Cheryl Miller said Saturday. "I thought the question was very direct and we had plenty of time for him (Johnson) to expand on it. There could have been clarification across the board. I guess we stirred up the dust, but if there's a plus, people are talking about it. The last thing I want to see is Sac lose a team, and I know Chris (Webber) and my brother (Reggie) feel the way. Our hearts are in the right place. Reggie played for 18 in Indianapolis, so we all understand small markets. I just hope everybody keeps their ire up, and keeps their fervor for where the Kings need to be."

The first time I heard a Kings coach mention Donte' Greene as a defensive player was in July 2009.

I was speaking with Mario Elie, who had been just hired as an assistant coach with the Kings.

Elie made his NBA career on defense and said with Greene's size (6-foot-10) and athleticism that Greene should be able to be a reliable defender every night, but he thought Greene was more concerned about scoring.

Center DeMarcus Cousins talks about the impact of the home crowd following the Kings' win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.

Kings center DeMarcus Cousins said he refers to Marcus Thornton as "Mr. Big Shot."

Head coach Keith Smart has used no such moniker for the Kings guard. But he demonstrated his confidence in Thornton nonetheless in the Kings' 106-101 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.

Since this was the late TNT game, these are late-late-late night musings, thoughts, observations:

* The atmosphere at Power Balance Pavilion was more electric than it has been against any team not named the Lakers in the past, oh, six or seven years. The place was rocking, folks.

* Donte Greene played the most complete 16 minutes of his Kings career. The numbers don't tell the full story: 10 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and great defense in the closing minutes against the willowly Kevin Durant. Donte used his size and length to stay in front of Durant, and contest his long jumpers, which is all you can do.

* The Kings had an arena and Sacramento-era record 17 of their shots blocked, including nine in the third quarter - six of them by Serge Ibaka. They also shot only 40 percent to the Thunder's 48. But, the Kings controlled the boards (46-40), committed only 12 turnovers to 21 assists, and beat OKC at its own game: the Kings outscored the Thunder in fastbreak points (23-19) and cominated the paint (60 points to 34).

* Oops. TNT analysts Chris Webber and Reggie Miller completely botched their update about Sacramento's arena situation. Guess they gotta read The Bee. They had Sandy Sheedy's proposal regarding the parking bids as passing and requiring a public vote, which of course, is not what happened. Mayor Kevin Johnson, seated a few feet away from me, worked his cellphone furiously, scrambling to get the accurate information to the TNT crew.

* Rookies Jimmer Fredette and Isaiah Thomas again contributed off the bench. Fredette threw nice passes and converted a three in transition, while Thomas was Russell Westbrook's worst nightmare in the closing sequences. Thomas is smaller than his listed 5-foot-9, but he is also quick and much stronger than he looks.

* As soon as the game ended, an animated DeMarcus Cousins ran over to the TNT broadcast table and was seen shaking hands with Miller and chatting with Webber. When I asked what he said to Miller, he said, "Ah, it was nothing. I just asked him, 'how do you like me now?' He said a lot of stuff about me. But he just shook my hand and we were laughing."

* Tyreke Evans had two beautiful drives at the start of the fourth quarter. Imagine if the Kings had a consistent deep shooter to put out there with him? Fredette eventually may be that guy. Marcus Thornton hits big shots, and when he is of the mind, can be a pest defensively. He has extremely quick hands. But he is a streak shooter, and in light of Evans' struggles from the perimeter, I'm not convinced this is a starting backcourt. More consistent outside shooting would lead to better spacing and open the lane, especially for Tyreke.

Head coach Keith Smart talks about Marcus Thornton's late three-pointers, Donte Greene's contributions off the bench and other topics following Thursday night's game.

Tyreke Evans scored 22 points and made some key late free throws, Donte Greene led the Kings' bench players with 10 points and the Kings closed the game on a 19-6 run to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night at Power Balance Pavilion, 106-101.

The Kings trailed 95-87 with just under six minutes remaining in the game. But they rallied to tie it at 97-97 on the second of back-to-back three-pointers by Marcus Thornton and made 9 of 12 free throws down the stretch to close out the win.

DeMarcus Cousins had 19 points and 9 rebounds, and Jason Thompson added 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings, who improved to 10-16.

The announcers doing tonight's Kings-Thunder national game on TNT - especially former Kings forward Chris Webber - seemed confused when talking during the broadcast about Tuesday's City Council vote, even though Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson explained the situation to announcer Cheryl Miller before the game at Power Balance Pavilion.

Several times during the first half, Webber made comments about the council's vote on the arena failing. In the second half, Webber said he had talked to Johnson and again attempted to clarify but he never really explained the vote accurately and what it meant.

Yes, the vote failed - but it wasn't a vote on the arena, as Webber implied. The council rejected by a 5-4 vote a request by Sandy Sheedy to put the plan to lease the city's parking to help finance the arena up for a public vote.

Here's one of The Bee's Ryan Lillis' stories that best explains the vote and what it means.

NEW ORLEANS - Having figured out his starting lineup, Keith Smart wants to solidify his bench rotation.

"I want to be consistent with the bench guys and establish a rotation there and at one point have all five bench guys in the game and they are doing a great job," Smart said. "I've set aside several plays that they will only run that I though would fit them and keep the floor balanced."

Isaiah Thomas has been the most reliable bench player, sparking the Kings to comeback wins. Chuck Hayes is still the "arm and hammer" man as Smart calls him - a glue guy

The next step is figuring out how to best use the rest of the reserves.

Jimmer Fredette could play a big role in the improvement in the bench.

"I think (Fredette) can be a catalyst in that next group to where he can be one of the focal points in that second unit to where he's not locked in with other guys who are going to be mainstays when he's on the floor with the rest of the starting lineup," Smart said. "Him playing in that role will probably help him so when he does come in and play with some of the starters down the road. That's the plan, that's the vision."

Smart, however, isn't promising anyone playing time even if his vision is for the bench to thrive.

"That's what I want but they've got to produce," Smart said. "Because if not they'll sit over there and we'll watch the game all together from the sidelines."

There will be plenty on this issue in the upcoming weeks, but since the Sacramento arena issue has been part of the arena discussion these past few days in Seattle, here is the latest from the Northern California end: David Stern absolutely wants another franchise in Seattle - the Sonics' departure four years ago remains a sore spot within his administration - but he doesn't want it to be the Kings, which would tarnish his legacy after a brutal offseason, protracted labor dispute and his personal attempts to solidify the Kings future here these last several years.

Also, the last thing Stern (and his fellow owners) wants is the relocation of another team with a history of stability and success - albeit, of late, addled by some serious mismanagement. Thus, he continues to work behind the scenes with Mayor Kevin Johnson on the financing of a new sports and entertainment complex in the downtown Railyards. Assuming the community and Sacramento politcal/business leaders continue making progress toward the financing of a new facility, I keep hearing Stern will remain committed to Sacramento. Given the stunning last-minute reprieve when the Kings appeared head to Anaheim last April, nothing would surprise me. I keep hearing whispers that Stern has a dramatic play yet to come - something "up his sleeve," as they say.

By the way, the Kings are winning

A few thoughts on the Kings' impressive comeback victory Monday at New Orleans:
* DeMarcus Cousins has come up with 20 and 16 rebounds in the last two games, while playing 40 and 38 minutes, respectively. I will say it again: Contrary to what a number of national NBA writers suggested when Paul Westphal was fired, the second-year center wasn't the problem. The Kings' faster pace under coach Keith Smart has played to Cousins' strengths and improved his conditioning. Smart actually communicates with Cousins and his teammates - not a novel concept. It will be interesting to see how he responds Tuesday night in Minnesota in a back-to-back situation.

* John Salmons has been a different player under Smart. Even when he struggles with his outside shot, he is making quicker decisions, taking the shot or moving the ball, instead of overdribbling and killing the shot clock.

* Isaiah Thomas is quickly emerging as a fan favorite. On a team known for its sluggish, one-on-one play, his energy and tempo are driving the Kings out of their dreadful offensive style.

* Ricky Rubio awaits Tuesday night in Minnesota. Even with Kevin Love unavailable because of his two-game suspension, one suspects the Timberwolves' point guard will try to run the Kings into exhaustion. I would love to see Evans defensively challenge Rubio; with his long arms, quick hands, strength and anticipation, Tyreke has the potential to be a special defender.

* For those who might have forgotten, the Kings' last four-game win streak occurred last season between March 23-March 29. Seriously, in a 24-win season, who cared?

* The Oklahoma City Thunder visit Thursday, in the Kings' only scheduled appearance on TNT. Of course, that all changes if they start winning a few games. Chris Webber will be back to provide commentary.

Kings coach Keith Smart discusses the win over New Orleans. At the 4:20 mark Smart discusses Jimmer Fredette's role.

Marcus Thornton said he "wasn't tired at all" while logging nearly 47 minutes in the Kings' win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.

Neither did forward Jason Thompson, who played more than 40 minutes, exhibit any overt signs of fatigue.

As the Kings closed out their 114-106 win over the Warriors, it was their five starters on the floor for the entire overtime period. All five played the entire third quarter and at least 40 minutes, led by Tyreke Evans, who played 48 minutes and 23 seconds of a fast-paced game.

If anything positive came out of Chuck Hayes' injury last month, it was Jason Thompson finding his game and re-establishing himself as a contributor with the Kings.

"I'm loving this guy with how he's playing, under control, staying within his strength, and doing a great job on the low post," Smart said. "When we need a bucket, he comes through, not with his right hand, but his left hand. He's working on that in practice, and it's paying off for him."

Thompson's role was uncertain before the season. Hayes was starting and J.J. Hickson was the first big man off the bench.

Thompson began to show signs of being a consistent contributor after Hayes' injury and worked his way into the starting lineup. In his first eight starts Thompson averaged 10.4 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Thompson had 15 points and 16 rebounds in Saturday's 114-106 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors at Power Balance Pavilion.

"J.T. did an incredible job (Saturday) on both ends of the floor," said DeMarcus Cousins after the game. "I know I had a career stat (20 rebounds) but J.T. did a lot tonight. It was just a great feeling; everybody stepped up tonight."

Guard Marcus Thornton talks to reporters following the Kings' 114-106 win over the Golden State Warriors in overtime at Power Balance Pavilion.

It had been a long time since the Kings scored 100 points in a game and, apparently, that was hovering in the back of head coach Keith Smart's mind.

Before the Kings beat the Golden State Warriors, 114-106, on Saturday night, they set a new Sacramento-era record by going 14 consecutive games without scoring 100 points.

The Kings hadn't broken the century mark since beating the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 5, 103-100. That was the day Smart took over as head coach, saying he wanted the Kings to adopt a running style, the likes of which usually makes for higher-scoring games.

"I've been trying to get us to get to 100 points for the longest time," said Smart, under whom the Warriors averaged 103.4 points per game last season.

Head coach Keith Smart addresses the media following the Kings' 114-106 win over the Warriors at Power Balance Pavilion.

Marcus Thornton scored a game-high 28 points for the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins had 21 points and a career-high 20 rebounds and the Kings bounced back in overtime after stumbling in the fourth quarter to beat the Golden State Warriors, 114-106, at Power Balance Pavilion.

The Kings started the overtime period on a 9-0 run, and Tyreke Evans' three-pointer with 50.6 seconds left iced the win as the Kings improved to 8-15.

Evans finished with 26 points and nine assists, and Jason Thompson added 15 points and 16 rebounds. Cousins and Thompson combined to equal the Warriors' rebounding total as the Kings dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Warriors, 55-36.

Guard Isaiah Thomas addresses the media following the Kings' 95-92 win over the Trail Blazers.

Keith Smart is confident in Isaiah Thomas' confidence.

It's one big reason why Smart said he feels comfortable having the rookie guard on the floor. Thomas played a little over 17 minutes in the Kings' 95-92 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.

With Marcus Thornton returning to the starting lineup, Smart used a rotation of three guards against the Trail Blazers, with Thomas the lone guard coming off the bench.

John Salmons played his best all-around game of the season for the Kings Thursday night.

Salmons had season highs in points (19) and rebounds (eight) in the Kings 95-92 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

It was just the sixth time this season Salmons scored in double figures.

It's been a rough season offensively for Salmons as he's averaging just 7.6 points while a career-worst rate of 37.1 percent.

Kings coach Keith Smart has never wavered in supporting Salmons. Here's what Smart said about Salmons Thursday night:

Kings rookie Isaiah Thomas is listed at 5-foot-9. Talk about a stretch. I'm 5-foot-6, and when I talk to Thomas, we're eye to eye. All of which makes his late-game block against Portland's Wesley Matthews - listed at 6-foot-5 - all the more impressive. Matthews, who was preparing to score on an assist from Gerald Wallace on the break, was surprised by the Thomas, who chased him down, elevevated, and with his left arm extended, swatted the ball away.

A few other post-game thoughts:

• This was easily John Salmons' best game of the season. And while Salmons has struggled - even defensively - the one thing he isn't doing is over-dribbling.

• The Kings won this game with their defense. Their decision-making was terrible for much of the fourth quarter.

• DeMarcus Cousins only played 14 minutes after getting in early foul trouble, but while Keith Smart said he went with the "rhythm of the game" - and there is a lot to be said for that - the second-year center was pretty effective during his brief appearance with eight points, six rebounds and two assists. I just think Cousins needs to be on the floor.

Guard Marcus Thornton talks to reporters following the Kings' 95-92 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night.

When the Kings and Trail Blazers played in Portland on Jan. 23, the Kings trailed by a score of 33-31 halfway through the second quarter. The Trail Blazers then scored 11 consecutive points, encountered little resistance and stretched the lead to 20 before halftime.

Thursday night, the Kings trailed Portland 32-30 early in the second quarter. The Trail Blazers then scored 11 consecutive points -- and the Kings responded immediately, putting together an 8-0 run of their own to keep the game from getting out of hand.

At times this season the Kings have seen a stretch of several bad minutes take on a kind of snowball effect. As forward-center Chuck Hayes said Thursday night, "Once teams usually get going on us, when it rains it pours."

Head coach Keith Smart addresses the media after the game.

Marcus Thornton scored a team-high 20 points in his first game back after missing four games with a thigh injury, John Salmons added 19 points and the Kings erased an early 13-point deficit to beat the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, 95-92.

Tyreke Evans added 18 points and Jason Thompson had 13 points and 12 rebounds as the Kings snapped a five-game losing streak and beat the Trail Blazers for the first time in their third meeting this season.

The Trail Blazers had two chances to tie the game as the clock wound down after Gerald Wallace stole the ball from Thornton with under 10 seconds left. But Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford's three-point attempts both clanked off the iron, and the announced crowd of 11,740 at Power Balance Pavilion breathed a collective sigh of relief.

OAKLAND - Ok, this was a strange one: the Kings dominated most of the statistical categories tonight in their loss to the Golden State Warriors, except one: turnovers (21 to 8). That will definitely get you beat.

Here are a few other late-night thoughts:

• Despite the disappointing record, the Kings have two easily identifiable pieces around whom to build - Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. You can't say the same when you look at the Warriors. They have to be worried about Stephen Curry's recurring ankle problems; he just isn't right. Monta Ellis is an undersized shooting guard, and he wasn't thrilled about being on the bench during the Warriors comeback. David Lee? Very productive, but do you want that contract?

• Evans remains an immense talent, an intense competitor, and someone who is truly receptive to coaching and direction. Is he a point guard? Absolutely not. But he is a unique and powerful player, at times a dominating player, and he clearly is responding to Smart's insistence that he pass ahead, play faster, move without the ball, and cease with the one-on-one dribbling displays. And, yes, I continue to believe he can (and should) be a lockdown defender.

• Cousins is maturing almost by the minute. He played 36 minutes, scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, and engaged in a calm, thoughtful conversation with the refs after he was called for a turnover on the baseline. His conditioning continues to improve, which is a crucial factor as he moves along in his career. Additionally, while he scored on some patient, crafty moves down low, we are seeing him positioned more often at the elbows, where he can face the basket, square up for his feathery jumper or make a one or two-step dribble to the rim.

• Geoff Petrie's immediate challenge: Finding players with complementary skill sets to Evans and Cousins. He still needs a floor leader and that small forward who can hit the deep jumper (a la Brandon Rush of the Warriors) and open the inside for Cousins. The lack of dynamic on-court leadership was apparent once again during this latest meltdown.

• Jason Thompson quietly is re-emerging as a factor, doing what he should be doing: rebounding, running the floor, providing energy, understanding his role.

• Jimmer Fredette is suffering from the rookie blues. He is passing up open shots, trying to penetrate against multiple defenders, and making the game much too hard. He is probably the Kings' best outside shooter. Take the open shot to stretch the floor, and when you aren't open, move without the ball. Of course, he would benefit immensely from the presence of a few more ball movers. Bad habits are contagious. Hope he doesn't go there.

• The diminutive Isaiah Thomas has the potential to be a more consistent version of Nate Robinson.

• How about guarding the corner three's? Rush converted four of his five attempts. That's what he does.

SALT LAKE CITY - Isaiah Thomas did it again.

The Kings rookie came into a game and energized the team. Thomas scored 13 of the Kings' 26 points in the fourth quarter of Saturday night's 96-93 loss to the Utah Jazz.

Thomas accounted for all 13 bench points for the Kings against the Jazz.

Kings coach Keith Smart keeps running into obstacles when it comes to implementing the running style of play he wants with the Kings.

First, there's the overall lack of conditioning of the team. Secondly, injuries have prevented Smart from finding continuity.

Perhaps the most important things is this season, the Kings just can't shoot well.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Jimmer Fredette scored 13 points off the bench in the Kings' 101-89 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers Monday night.

That is significant in that it was the first time in Fredette's rookie season that he scored in double figures in consecutive games.

Fredette had 20 points in last Saturday's loss at Memphis.

SAN ANTONIO - Keith Smart's emphasis has been on building a team where everyone gets the credit.

And Smart is making sure everyone gets credit.

Smart shared that it was Francisco Garcia who suggested Smart leave John Salmons in the game late and he responded with consecutive jumpers to tie the game at 86 before Tyreke Evans gave the Kings the lead for good.

Keith Smart played college basketball at Indiana for legendary coach Bob Knight. But let's not forget much of his education as an NBA coach came under Don Nelson.

Smart reminded us of that in Wednesday's win over the Indiana Pacers.

During the fourth quarter of the Kings' comeback, Smart went to a lineup of Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Thornton, Tyreke Evans, Francisco Garcia and DeMarcus Cousins.

It's the kind of unorthodox lineup some coaches would not tryout - four guards and a center.

But then again, Nelson was never afraid to try something different. And it worked for the Kings because rather than go inside to the likes of David West or Roy Hibbert, the Pacers went small and the Kings' were faster and able to use their zone defense to frustrate the Pacers.

Bringing in a smaller guard to help run the team has been important in all three wins under Smart since he took over.

The first time in the Kings' rally against Milwaukee, Jimmer Fredette played with Thornton and Evans in a three-guard look.

Thomas was a key figure in the Kings' win at Toronto, allowing Evans to play off the ball more.

Perhaps Smart has figured out how to close games with this roster. The key will be trying to make sure the Kings aren't behind by 15-plus points, as they were against Milwaukee and Indiana.

I got back from 49ers camp in time to catch the second half of the Kings-Pacers tonight on the tube, and was impressed with a few things. I love the way Keith Smart went to a zone defense in the fourth quarter and seemed to surprise the Pacers with his small lineup of Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton, DeMarcus Cousins, Francisco Garcia and rookie Isaiah Thomas.

The Kings shoot 30 percent and win the game in the fourth? Effort, energy and adrenalin rushes remain constants in NBA victories.

Smart's intent is clear: He plans to transition Evans to small forward and find out long the Kings can go with Thomas at the point. He seems to envision Jimmer Fredette as more of a shooting guard - and when Fredette stops hesitating, he will be a much more effective player. He creates separation for his shot, but then becomes tentative, attempts a few dribbles (a chronic Kings ailment), and then takes a tougher shot. His handle (that left hand) needs some work, too, but he'll figure it out. This is where the lack of Summer League and a full training camp hurts.

So, as an aside, here is the essence of my conversation with KNBR host Tom Tolbert at 49ers camp earlier Wednesday: When I mentioned that the Kings were the worst passing team I have covered (either as a beat writer or columnist) in three-plus decades, he cracked, "No way. You have to pass the ball to be a bad passing team. They don't even pass the ball." Amen to that.

MINNEAPOLIS - John Salmons didn't exclude himself when discussing the problems the Kings are having on offense.

"We've just got to continue to learn how to trust each other and continue to play together and make open shots, particularly myself," Salmons said after the Kings lost 99-86 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Salmons is off to a bad start. He's shooting 35.5 percent (44-of-124) and has been dreadful from the three-point line at 18.2 percent (8-of-44).

DALLAS - By now you might have heard there was an incident involving DeMarcus Cousins during the postgame locker media time.

I spent time on my Twitter account that probably should have been devoted to my game story (don't worry bosses, I filed on time) clearing up what actually happened.

HOUSTON - Last month Samuel Dalembert believed he would be a Sacramento King this season.

Chuck Hayes' contract had been voided for failing his physical and the Kings were in need of another post player - an area the team might have looked to add depth before losing Hayes.

TORONTO - Keith Smart continues to try out different lineups in what has become training camp during the season.

Injuries have affected Smart's plans, too. But in the Kings' 98-91 win over the Toronto Raptors, Smart used only nine of his available players. Travis Outlaw was the only player not to play.

Donte' Greene appears to have found more of a role under Smart and Francisco Garcia is playing a bigger role.

Smart described the situation as "unfortunate" because he has to use games to figure out which lineups work instead of practice.

Teams usually have the day off after back-to-back games but Smart will get the team together this afternoon in Houston because he's only had one practice since taking over the team last Thursday.

If Marcus Thornton can work today, that would help Smart figure out his rotations, too.

Thornton has missed the first two games of the five-game road trip because of a left thigh contusion.

The Kings' victory over the Toronto Raptors earlier tonight is just another reminder that basketball, more than either of the other big two sports (baseball and football), is a game of adrenaline. Especially in a regular season game without the emotional buildup inherent in, say, ESPN's telecast of the Clippers-Heat, the team that collectively expends the most energy probably wins. Consider that the Kings yet again managed only 13 assists and committed 16 turnovers, yet entered the fourth quarter tied and made plays when necessary. Again, stats means more in baseball and football.

A few other thoughts:

• When he worries less about scoring, little Isaiah Thomas is a very creative playmaker.

• Jimmer Fredette is the Kings best shooter. When he stops forcing shots and trying to do too much with the ball - AND his teammates start setting him up for open jumpers - all parties will benefit.

• It sounds crazy given his assists/turnover ratio (five turnovers, zero assists tonight), but DeMarcus Cousins is an amazing passer. When are we going to see this part of his game?

• I love coach Keith Smart's theories on conditioning. There is no comparison between the teams that are in terrific shape (Bulls, Heat, Lakers, etc.), and those that aren't (Kings, among others.) We know about the struggles of Cousins, Tyreke Evans and Donte Greene, but the Kings have to be hoping that newcomer Chuck Hayes sheds at least 20 pounds while on the disabled list. So, again, what exactly where these guys doing (eating?) during the lockout? And how much were they paying their personal trainers? Just wondering.

(Apologies. Crazy travel day and this entire post did not show up. It should all be here now).

PHILADELPHIA - Ten games into his NBA career there are still some expecting Jimmer Fredette to be the savior of the Kings.

It's really not fair.

Fredette is in the midst of adjusting to the NBA game. Throw in a coaching change after seven games, an NBA lockout and a short training camp, it's been a hectic month or so of NBA life for Fredette.

After watching the Kings earlier this evening and then speaking with my colleague, Jason Jones, who was forced to endure the team's miserable effort against the Philadelphia 76ers, I felt compelled to check the updated stats. The numbers just get worse. The Kings assist totals are simply horrific: In 10 games, they are averaging 14.4 assists to the opposition's 25.2 - a differential of 10.8, by far the worst in the league. So, again, I will revisit my initial reservation about the 2011-12 roster: A starting lineup featuring Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton, John Salmons and DeMarcus Cousins ... and one basketball. Good luck.

The message has been consistent from everyone to DeMarcus Cousins when it comes to fouls.

"Stop reaching," Cousins said. "Every time I see them hold the ball out I've just got to go for it. That's something I've got to continue to work on and stop picking up the cheap fouls."

Foul trouble kept Cousins out for a significant part of the fourth quarter in Sunday's 104-97 loss to the Orlando Magic.

Cousins picked up his fifth foul with 6:53 left in the third quarter. He didn't go back into the game until there was 4:48 left in the game.

Kings coach Keith Smart addresses the media following his team's loss to the Orlando Magic.

The Magic used a 13-5 run to pull away late in the fourth quarter and beat the Kings, 104-97, at Power Balance Pavilion.

After falling behind by nine points in the third, the Kings rallied to take an 85-84 lead on a layup by Tyreke Evans with 7:26 left in the game.

But with the game tied at 87-87, Jason Richardson hit a three-pointer to start the Magic's late run.

The Kings (3-6) put Magic center Dwight Howard in early foul trouble, and Howard finished with just 5 points and 4 rebounds in 20 minutes. But Orlando's bench picked up the slack, contributing 42 points, including 20 from Glen Davis.

Keith Smart knew he'd be on a coaching staff once the NBA lockout ended.

Smart didn't think it would be with the Kings.

Smart's plan during the lockout was to accept a position on Rick Carlisle's staff with the Dallas Mavericks.

So, after another eventful night (and yet another coaching change) at Power Balance Pavilion, here are a few late-night thoughts, quotes, observations:

• Considering the Kings were playing their fifth game in six nights and their first under new head coach Keith Smart, their comeback victory over the Milwaukee Bucks was impressive. Other than the 2010-11 finale against the Lakers, we haven't seen this type of emotion in the arena in a long time.

• If anyone needed further evidence that Joe and Gavin Maloof give team president Geoff Petrie an inordinate amount of autonomy, consider that the Kings co-owners were informed of Paul Westphal's statement regarding DeMarcus Cousins' one-game suspension long after the fact. But the thing about the Maloofs: Hard to believe, but they do leave the basketball decisions to the basketball people. They can be upset about the statement in one moment - totally taking up for Cousins - and then change their minds in an instant, insisting that the coaches have to maintain order and discipline in another.

• My biggest question about the Westphal Era remains this: Why the sudden public anti-Cousins campaign? I still haven't heard anything to convince me the second-year center has done anything more offensive than act like a goofy, immature 12-year-old in the locker room or occasionally mouth off. In fact, I think Cousins has made terrific progress in terms of conditioning, postgame locker room demeanor (when the media is admitted) and his attitude in general. I still don't get it. Career suicide. Plus, if we want to talk about selfishness these last two-plus seasons, let's talk the entire Kings roster.

• Expect more playing time for Jimmer Fredette. He can shoot, and it appears, he can create plays.

• With his late defense on Brandon Jennings, the long-armed, quick-fisted Evans once again demonstrated that he can be a superb, game-changing, on-ball defender.

• Finally, it was interesting the way Smart implemented sets to offset the Kings' poor passing and movement. Everyone is getting touches and shots, which keeps all the players happy. Energy, effort, defensive commitment and spacing can overcome a lot of deficiencies. Make the pass ... and then the extra pass ... and then move and let the ball come back. Are these Kings capable of learning? Imagine a fastbreak where the ball doesn't dent the floor? I have covered the NBA since 1981, and I can't remember a team that made the game so unnecessarily difficult ...

DENVER - One area the Kings weren't supposed to struggle in was offense this season.

But the Kings are off to a bad start in several offensive categories.

The Kings are 22nd in scoring (92 points per game). The Kings are 29th in field goal percentage (39.2 percent) and are last in assists (13.7 per game).

I was supposed to be off for a few days, but given the Kings' shocking collapse, it's hard to stay away. I will address their issues at noon today on The Bee's live chat, but here are a few early thoughts:

• That death-by-dribbling offense is killing me. Twelve assists against the Denver Nuggets? After 13 assists against the Memphis Grizzlies? The only semblance of offensive structure was a basic give-and-go featuring DeMarcus Cousins and Jimmer Fredette. When your rookie and your second-year center are acting like veterans, you're a team in trouble.

• The body language displayed by John Salmons, Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton, etc., was almost as offensive as the lack of energy/effort/offensive fluidity. When did basketball become a 9-to-5 grind working with widgets on an assembly line? Even the respected Chuck Hayes, who is still significantly overweight, by the way, was inexplicably sloppy.

• For all the flak DeMarcus Cousins has taken nationally since Paul Westphal "suspended" him for the game against New Orleans, partly because he was perceived as being "selfish" for yelling at teammates, the similarly expressive Thornton barks at teammates all the time, often expressing visible displeasure when someone fails to convert one of his passes. Just wondering: so why is that okay?

• More to come. Based on NBA protocol and the Maloofs' growing restlessness, Westphal has an increasingly limited time frame to turn this mess around.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - If much of rebounding is about effort, DeMarcus Cousins was trying hard Tuesday night.

Cousins grabbed eight rebounds in 22 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies, coming off the bench for the first time this season.

It was Cousins first game back since being excused from Sunday's win against New Orleans over a trade demand he says he never made.

One of the loudest cheers of the night at Power Balance Pavilion on Sunday went up at the beginning of the second quarter, as it was announced that Francisco Garcia had checked into the game.

Garcia, the longest-tenured player on the Kings, made his season debut in the Kings' 96-80 win over the Hornets and finished with six points and two rebounds.

Garcia started 34 games for the Kings last season but had not appeared during the team's 1-3 start this season.

"It's been a long time, but it feels good," Garcia said after the game. "It feels good to be back, be with my teammates."

Tyreke Evans was admittedly in a funk.

He was thinking too much on the court

Free throws became impossible to make at times. But Evans made 9-of-18 shots in scoring a game-high 27 points to help the Kings beat the New Orleans Hornets Sunday night.

Evans also only missed one of his eight free throws after entering the game 13-of-27.

"Fans, coaches expect me to be better," Evans said. "I felt like I let people down by the way I was coming out. The Laker game I showed I could play great and I've got to play great every night. From here on out I've got to push myself to be a great player and help my team win."

Kings coach Paul Westphal began the preseason by saying Evans looked "sluggish" and criticized his turnovers in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Evans said after a talk with Westphal, he was encouraged to just have fun and not think so much.

His effort Sunday was a result of that talk.

"I'm a basketball player," Evans said. "I know what I can do on that court and coach knows as well. Maybe he might have felt that, maybe he was right. I know once the lights are on I'm going to give it 150 percent whether I have a bad game or not. I'm still going to try to play hard every night."

The Kings, dreadful from the free-throw line through their first four games, made 18 of their first 19 free-throw attempts against the New Orleans Hornets and finished 18-of-21.

The Kings entered the game making a league-worst 61.4 percent of their free throws.

Guard Tyreke Evans, one of the most troubled players at the line in the previous two games, made 7 of 8 attempts in the Kings' 96-80 win over the Hornets. Evans said after the game he tweaked his form at the line.

"I had one foot on the line at first," Evans said. "I just put both my feet in front of me, just go straight up, follow through, and it was going in the basket."

The Hornets, meanwhile, made just 8-of-16 free throws, a statistic that will probably be overshadowed by their 0-of-15 mark on three-pointers.

* Evans and Chuck Hayes both said after the game that they planned to reach out to DeMarcus Cousins.

Tyreke Evans had his best performance of the early season with 27 points and Marcus Thornton added 25 points as the Kings beat the New Orleans Hornets, 96-80, at Power Balance Pavilion.

The Kings were playing without DeMarcus Cousins, who coach Paul Westphal said was told to stay home after Cousins asked to be traded following the Kings' loss to the Knicks on Saturday night.

The win snapped a three-game skid and eased some of the frustration from the Kings' loss Saturday night, as the Kings prepare for a back-to-back-to-back stretch that starts Tuesday in Memphis.

After trailing 40-38 at halftime, the Kings' offense woke up to score 58 points and record 11 of their 16 assists in the second half. Evans provided a spark out of halftime by scoring 13 of his points in the third quarter.

The Los Angeles Lakers left Power Balance Pavilion with a loss six days ago. But it seems as if they also took the Kings' energy with them.

The Kings have looked flat in their last 10 quarters of basketball. It began just before halftime in Portland and has carried over in consecutive home losses to Chicago and New York.

There's no shame in losing to the Bulls. The Knicks are also a good team. But being down by almost 30 points to a Knicks team without Amar'e Stoudemire, lacking depth in the backcourt and being lit up by Josh Harrellson?

The Kings fell behind early against the New York Knicks and never recovered in a 114-92 loss at Power Balance Pavilion that had players voicing their frustration after the game.

Much of the discontent stemmed from a sluggish offensive performance in which the Kings shot 34.9 percent, had just 15 assists and never seemed to find any kind of flow.

The Kings reached the free-throw line 41 times as players tried to drive to the rim, but continued their early-season free-throw woes by making just 26 of those 41 attempts.

"We just look lost," said guard Tyreke Evans. "We're just playing off our natural talent, that's how we get our points. It's terrible right now, man. We've just got to figure something out.

Chuck Hayes said the big things - like making shots - aren't the Kings' biggest problem.

It's the little things, the details that will cost the Kings games.

And one of those minor details has been especially bad at home.

An admittedly displeased coach Paul Westphal pointed to two areas that crippled the Kings in their 108-98 loss to the Chicago Bulls at Power Balance Pavilion tonight - transition defense and free throws.

"It was pathetic the way we got back on defense," Westphal said. "If we just did that and made our free throws we win the game. That says a lot for our team, but it also says a lot that we need to do that, and just can't talk about it."

Westphal continued: "We believe we have a very good team, and we've waited long enough. We know we're not going undefeated, we know how good the Bulls are, but the guys in our locker room have to decide to go together into this incredibly difficult season that lies ahead. And then we'll see how good we can be."

PORTLAND, Ore. - Tyreke Evans is still trying to figure out the Kings' offense this season.

He's not the only one. And the Kings have had only four games (two preseason, two regular season) to figure out how to best prevent what happened in Tuesday's 101-79 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Evans took eight shots in the game, making only two. He also had a game-high five turnovers.

After two fouls in the first quarter Evans said: "I just never found a rhythm."

The Kings relied on Evans' scoring in his first two seasons, but now that's not supposed to be the case.

That probably explains why Westphal wasn't alarmed that entering the fourth quarter Evans had taken only five shots.

"Honestly I don't care who takes the shots as long as we take good shots," Westphal said. "Some nights he's going to get a lot of shots other nights he won't."

When it comes to learning the offense, Evans has it found that it gets him going smoothly just yet.

"To be honest with you it's harder," Evans said. "We get confused sometimes with where we need to be at. We've just got to keep playing and try to fight through it. We've only had a short time to work with it."

Evans isn't sure how long it will take for the offense to click with regularity. He just knows it has to happen.

If not, there will be more nights like Tuesday in Portland.

"I don't know about easier but we've got to make it that way," Evans said. "If teams play us like that every night it's going to be tough to get in our offense. We've just got to find a way."

Kings center DeMarcus Cousins has a fan in Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

When asked about Cousins' raising his fist at Pau Gasol (I didn't see that part, but that was the question. Bryant didn't see that either. If anyone finds a link to it, please send it to me).

Bryant, however, had a message similar to one the Kings have preached to Cousins. Don't do anything that takes away from his skills on the court.

With about a minute and a half remaining in the first quarter of Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jimmer Fredette dribbled to his right, gained a little separation from the Lakers' Andrew Goudelock with a ball fake, and fading away from 15 feet hit his first official NBA shot attempt.

The Kings-Lakers game featured all the ordinary drama amid extraordinary circumstances, namely, the Kings actually being here in Sacramento for another season-opener. It's also hard to believe the Lakers are 0-2. But now that the deadline crunch has passed, here are a few musings, quotes, observations on the Kings' impressive home victory.

• The Lakers converted one of 16 three-point attempts. While their offense at times featured the familiar ball and body movement (21 assists on 37 baskets), and backcuts that would please ex-coach Phil Jackson (and the legendary Pete Carril), that 06.3 percent efficiency rate from long range is tough to overcome.

• Marcus Thornton, who re-signed for an average salary of $8 million over four years, might be a steal of the offseason. He scores with such ease, and with such efficiency. His 27 points came on 9-of-13 shooting. Additionally, his quick motor forces the Kings into faster pace and to capitalize on opencourt opportunities.

Kings coach Paul Westphal addresses the media following his team's 100-91 win over the Lakers.

With 4:04 remaining and the Kings' once-15 point lead cut to two points, Marcus Thornton calmly stepped up and delivered a 26-foot three-pointer to stop the slide.

The shot sparked an 11-4 run to close out the game that gave the Kings a 100-91 win over the Lakers in their season-opener in front of a raucous crowd at Power Balance Pavilion.

"It was loud in there and our players really liked the feel of that game," Kings head coach Paul Westphal said. "The fans were just fantastic. I thought we played a real solid game for 48 minutes, both ends of the floor. Team basketball, defense, offense, moving the ball. Really liked the contributions we got from everybody we played. So that was a nice win for us."

Thornton finished with 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting, and Tyreke Evans contributed 20 points. DeMarcus Cousins, after a rough first half, had a team-high 11 rebounds to go with 12 points.

Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 29 points. Metta World Peace had 19 points, and Pau Gasol finished with 15 points and 9 rebounds.

The Kings shot 9-of-18 from beyond the arc; the Lakers finished 1-of-16 from long distance.

"It shows that we're growing," said forward-center Chuck Hayes. "It was a quick test early in a short season, and we responded well."

-- Matt Kawahara

When Marcus Thornton signed his new contract that will pay him about $8 million a season over the next four years, there were those that wondered how the small-market Kings could pay such a sum to Thornton.

The logic was no one would offer the restricted free agent that much and the Kings might be able to match an offer sheet for a lower price.

After two preseason games (a small size sample) Thornton is looking like the best player on the Kings.

Coach Paul Westphal quipped after the Kings' preseason win over Golden State on Tuesday night that his team's turnover total was "a coach's nightmare."

"I came into this game and I didn't even have any gray hair," Westphal said.

The Kings turned the ball over 27 times in a variety of ways, including 11 in the third quarter of their 95-91 win at Power Balance Pavilion. DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans combined for 16. In their first preseason game against the Warriors last Saturday, the Kings committed 20 turnovers.

Some sloppiness is to be expected with the rushed preseason. Several players said after Tuesday night's game that they are still learning new teammates' tendencies on the offensive end of the floor.

Asked what the Kings can do to cut down on the turnovers, Cousins answered: "Just stop being so careless with the ball."

"We had a lot of careless turnovers," Cousins said. "We've got to catch passes, we've also got to make better passes. I mean, that's going to come with time.

"This is a new group," he said. "Lot of new faces on the team. We do have to learn how each other play, and all that comes into play. As time goes on, we'll get better at it."

* Evans, who scored 15 points and had a team-high seven assists, went down hard on a fast-break in the third quarter and had ice on his left elbow after the game.

"It's pretty sore, but I'm good," Evans said.

* Westphal said the team will have one practice Wednesday followed by several days of two-a-days. They will take Sunday -- Christmas Day -- off before the regular-season opener against the Lakers on Dec. 26.

"We made plays together both defensively and offensively down the stretch (Tuesday) and I think that's a good sign for a young team," Westphal said.

"We need some more preseason games to be ready, but we don't get them," he said. "So, hopefully we'll get some time in and get some of these mistakes and rustiness out of our system in practice these next few days. I'm sure there'll be a lot of sloppy games with two weeks of training camp but that's what lies ahead."

-- Matt Kawahara

OAKLAND - Tyreke Evans said he needs to be a leader for the Kings. Maybe that's why Kings coach Paul Westphal is demanding more from the third-year guard.

Evans had 17 points and seven assists in the Kings' 107-96 loss to the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena.

But Evans also had five turnovers and Westphal wasn't pleased with how Evans looked against the Warriors.

Here's the latest on Chuck Hayes.

The Kings don't know what doctors found wrong on his echo stress test.

"The doctors have to get more information," said Kings coach Paul Westphal. "When we get more information we'll say something."