LOS ANGELES – Kenny Natt watched the Kings' first four games of the season and came to the same conclusion as all other observers: it was painful.
Relatively speaking, of course.
While the Kings assistant felt for his team during its struggles, it was nothing compared to what he was going through. Natt, who hadn't missed a game in his 12 seasons as an assistant in Utah or Cleveland, was absent because of a severe infection in his left eye and a frightening case of the chicken pox.
The blurred vision was the least of his concerns, as Natt said he experienced unbearable migraine-type pain and had blisters along the left side of his face. He was put on pain medication and "quarantined" inside his home and tended to by his wife, Jolene.
"I was sleeping a lot, watching tape (of Kings games), listening to the commentators and just trying to get through it," said Natt, who returned to the team for the home opener against Memphis on Nov. 5.
"It was a freak thing. Knock on wood, because it could've been worse," said Natt, who said he continues to experience significant pain behind his eye and has a doctor appointment today in which he hopes signs remain positive.
A call of support – Since going down with a strained right calf Oct. 18 in an exhibition game in Dallas, Kings swingman Francisco García has received no shortage of support from well-wishers.
But none compared to the phone call he received Tuesday, when St. Louis Cardinals slugger and fellow Dominican Republic native Albert Pújols rang to give García his best.
García, who expects to miss at least another week but hopes to begin practicing by this weekend, said he has become friends with Pújols in recent years.
After Pújols relayed his sentiment, García had one of his own to share.
"I told him I hope he wins the MVP," García said.
Thompson does it again – Rookie forward Jason Thompson continued his steady pace of production, with 16 points (6-of-10 shooting) and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes. He was making his second career start and playing out of position at the small forward spot because of the absence of Kevin Martin (sprained left ankle).
"It feels great to come in and contribute, especially with Kevin out and to get our first victory on the road," said Thompson, who entered averaging 11.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 24.1 minutes per game. "When he comes back healthy, we're going to have a lot of confidence. We know we had a rough start coming in on the road, and we're not trying to have that (again)."
Greene sees time – Rookie small forward Donte' Greene saw some rare first-half action against the Clippers on Wednesday night, entering for fellow rookie Jason Thompson with 3:29 left in the first quarter.
In eight first-half minutes, Greene hit a three-pointer and a 20-footer for five points while grabbing two rebounds. He has now played in three of the last four games after only playing once in the first five games.
Read the Kings blog at www.sacbee.com/kingsblog .
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.