Kings defense makes a stand

That one rebound, the one that got him over the hump, was months in the making.

Brad Miller had to recommit himself to the game, focus on eating right and hit the gym, even during hot summer days.

Slumped in a chair with tobacco stuffed in his mouth, Miller said it was worth it Wednesday night after leading the Kings to a 105-91 victory over Charlotte with 22 points and, more importantly, a career-high 21 rebounds.

"As a big guy, you always want to try to get 20 rebounds," Miller said. "It feels like I've been stuck on 19 for about five years. It feels good, and definitely a win feels good, too."

Kevin Martin finished with 22 points, and Ron Artest scored 21 as the Kings began a five-game homestand with their third consecutive victory at Arco Arena. Former King Gerald Wallace tallied a game-high 25 points for the Bobcats on 8-for-18 shooting.

Miller's previous high of 19 rebounds was set Jan. 5, 2005, in Toronto. Once he reached that mark Wednesday, he said his teammates let him know he was nearing a new benchmark.

"That guy has been in there awhile. He's just been covered underneath a lot of skin," coach Reggie Theus said. "I mean that in the most sincere way. He really worked hard. We nicknamed him 'Skinny' over the summer. So, he's just reaping the benefits of that hard work and really staying focused on what he has to do as a player and as a leader on the team."

Miller also finished one shy of his career high for blocked shots, with three of his team's total of 10. Teammate Mikki Moore made a game-high four blocks, which tied his career high.

And despite having the league's second-worst rebounding average (39.16), the Kings outrebounded Charlotte 55-39.

"I can't remember the last time we had more offensive rebounds than the other team, so this is a big game for us," Theus said.

But the Kings' thoughts also were with a teammate. Swingman John Salmons left the game at halftime to be with his wife, who was experiencing complications with her pregnancy, Theus said. Salmons' wife is due in May.

"There is something going on," Theus said. "I'm not really sure what. Enough for him to have to make sure she's OK."

Moore empathized with Salmons. Moore's fiancée miscarried last week three months into her pregnancy.

"She's OK," Moore said of Salmons' wife. "She's just having some pain right now, contractions and things. I talked to him. He understands me, I understand him."

Salmons played 16 minutes in the first half, scoring eight points on 4-for-6 shooting.

The Kings led 55-52 at halftime, then went on a 20-12 run to secure a double-digit lead before Charlotte called a timeout with 4:12 remaining in the third quarter. Entering the fourth quarter, the Kings were ahead 84-68, but Charlotte threatened with a 15-5 surge.

Miller said it took a little momentum and several defensive stops to turn the game in the Kings' favor. A re-energized defense assisted the Kings, who secured the victory with a 16-8 run.

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