Before the Kings hosted the Warriors on Tuesday, coach Reggie Theus stood inside his team's practice facility and discussed what that night would be like without his starting point guard, who was out with a lower back strain.
After all, the Kings in the pre-Beno Udrih era were an offensive abomination, averaging 93.4 points while going 1-4 to start the season before the fourth-year player hit the floor. But this, Theus clarified, was not the same, because the point guard cupboard wasn't bare just yet.
Anthony Johnson stepped in to surprise almost everyone but himself, his coach and his teammates with a 13-point, 13-assist outing that helped the Kings move closer to surpassing last season's victory total of 33. The 11-year veteran, who came to the Kings in the Feb. 16 Mike Bibby trade with Atlanta and will be a free agent this summer, might have another chance to lead his new team Friday against San Antonio. Udrih on Wednesday had an MRI taken of his back that was negative, but he still is considered day-to-day.
Theus said he chose to start Johnson, the team's last true point guard, over Francisco García because he prefers that the swingman play on the perimeter, where his long-range shooting is better utilized. Swingman John Salmons also might have been an option, but he was questionable because of a sprained right ankle until Tuesday afternoon. Mostly, though, Theus said he knew Johnson would have no trouble running the team as he has so many before.
"This team doesn't have many 11-year veterans," Theus said. "We have a couple veterans and a bunch of young guys, so having that leadership on the floor – somebody who's been in big games, somebody who knows how to distribute the basketball – was my thinking in starting him.
"Whether he was going to have a great game or not, I knew that he could run this club. … We run our offense through (center) Brad (Miller), but if Brad can't get the ball in the right spot at the right time, it's all a moot point."
Johnson showed none of the rust one would expect, as he had averaged just 7.5 minutes in 15 games since coming to the Kings. Johnson logged 38 minutes against the Warriors, reminding the league at large that he is available come July.
"Being a free agent, I want to stay on the radar," Johnson said. "And anytime I get a chance to play extended minutes, I plan on playing well and (trying) to take that into free agency, and hopefully, that will land me in a good spot."
Johnson wowed the Arco Arena crowd with three alley-oop passes to a dunking Kevin Martin, an element rarely seen in the Kings' offense.
"I'll throw it if I have somebody who's athletic who's going to go get it," Johnson said. "It's risk vs. reward, and if it doesn't work, then coach is going to get on you. But I've been in this league 11 years, and you have to put your neck on the line."
Injury report – Udrih is one of four players who are questionable for Friday's game.
Miller is experiencing bursitis in his right elbow, although Theus said he expects him to play. Rookie center Spencer Hawes continues to deal with a left foot sprain and had an MRI, which was negative, but is day-to-day. Forward Kenny Thomas, who could have played for the first time since Jan. 2, has been hindered by right knee soreness.
Theus explains timeout – Theus won't be apologizing anytime soon for a late timeout that incensed Stephen Jackson on Tuesday.
Jackson vented to reporters after Theus called the 20-second timeout with 33 seconds left and the Kings up 122-103, saying it was disrespectful and Theus should apologize. Theus said he merely was attempting to take out Martin and Ron Artest for the final moments.
"I had a guy at the scorer's table (waiting to go in)," Theus said. "I was trying to get the guys out of the game. I thought it was absolutely appropriate to call a 20-second timeout to get those guys out of the game. But (Jackson) thought I was coaching. He thought I was making moves. I really don't think he knew … the intention.
"I'd hate in the last couple of possessions for something to happen to one of our guys. When it's all said and done, it was the right thing to do at the moment."
Read Sam Amick's Kings blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
