His back wasn't feeling 100 percent, but that didn't stop Francisco Garcia from helping out in the community Saturday.
Garcia's "Holiday in a Box" program provided traditional holiday meals to 50 Spanish-speaking families at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Sacramento.
Garcia attended the event even though he was bothered by a sore lower back, the result of a fall during Wednesday's win over the Warriors.
"I was getting stiff there, but it was cool," Garcia said. "It was worth it."
In addition to the meals, Wells Fargo donated a $100 gift card to each family. Garcia's program is one of six "Season of Giving" functions by the Kings.
"It was great," Garcia said. "There were a lot of people there, and I had a lot of fun."
Garcia isn't enjoying not being on the court. He missed his second game Sunday, a 108-96 victory for the Kings over the Portland Trail Blazers at Sleep Train Arena.
Garcia landed hard after going airborne in the second quarter while being fouled. He left the game shortly after the fall.
"It hurt when I landed, but when I got up and started running that's when I knew something was wrong," Garcia said.
Garcia made the trip to Los Angeles for Friday's game against the Clippers, but it was obvious his back bothered him every time he stood up to encourage his teammates.
Garcia had been starting with Tyreke Evans being out because of a sore left knee. Evans on Sunday missed his eighth game in the past 10.
Garcia is eyeing a return to the court today.
"(My back is) feeling better," he said. "(This) morning, I'm going to go out and see if I can practice."
New look – Injuries and the indefinite team suspension of DeMarcus Cousins forced the Kings to try a new starting lineup.
James Johnson started his first game since Nov. 16. He started at power forward with Jason Thompson replacing Cousins at center. John Salmons was the small forward.
Marcus Thornton and Aaron Brooks started at guard. Thornton was coming off the bench when Evans and Garcia were healthy.
See you soon, Blazers – The Kings' next game is Wednesday at Portland. That game will conclude the four-game series between the teams.
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