Kings notes: Thunder's Ibaka has stuffed Kings

Coach Keith Smart said he plans to write the number "17" on the board in the Kings' locker room before tonight's game against Oklahoma City.

That's the number of blocks Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka has in two games against the Kings this season.

The 6-foot-10 Ibaka is by far the leading shot-blocker in the NBA, averaging 3.56 per game for the season.

His repeated rejections of Kings' shots, Smart said, was a topic of discussion at Thursday's practice.

"Make sure you are alert when you go into the paint, drop off passes," Smart said he told players. "The guy's a phenomenal shot-blocker, so don't challenge him. … We have to make sure we're in the right spots to move the ball when guys make plays."

Smart said he highlighted several plays that resulted in Ibaka blocks when the Kings watched film after their 115-89 loss to the Thunder last week.

Ibaka blocked seven shots in that game. On some of those plays, Smart said, the ball could have been passed to a more open teammate.

"Maybe his first jump is going to get to the ball," Smart said. "The second jump, maybe he's under the rim, maybe he has to get back into position to block it. We've probably got a lay-up or a good jump shot there."

Kings forward Jason Thompson called Ibaka a "force" and pointed out that those blocked shots can lead to fast-break opportunities for Oklahoma City.

"I think that we need to go at his body more," Thompson said. "Use a couple more pump fakes and get him in foul trouble."

Thornton hurting – Guard Marcus Thornton did not practice after suffering a left quad contusion in the third quarter of Wednesday night's loss to San Antonio.

"It was too tender for him to practice today, so he didn't," Smart said.

Thornton missed seven games in January because of a similar injury.

Thornton took a knee from Spurs guard Manu Ginobili and left Wednesday's game briefly but returned.

Smart said Thornton received treatment Thursday to try to reduce the swelling, and that his availability for tonight's game had yet to be determined.

The Kings are 1-10 this season without Thornton, their leading scorer at 18.7 points per game.

Live session – Thursday's practice was spirited, punctuated toward the end by loud exclamations from players. Smart had the Kings play out some late-game situations and threw in a wrinkle – no dribbling.

"We got the level up high," Smart said. "This way, you get that competitive nature."

Keeping the faith – Tonight's game is "Fan Appreciation Night."

According to the Kings' website, perks for fans include a free team poster and discounted apparel at the team's store.

• Read more articles by Matt Kawahara

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