It wasn't a cluster. The Ryan Anderson fan club was well dispersed throughout Arco Arena, offering a standing ovation when the Oak Ridge High School and Cal product entered the game for New Jersey midway through the first quarter Wednesday night.
The fans cheered Anderson's three-pointer 8:39 into the game, as well as his foul on the Kings' Beno Udrih 13 seconds later.
Anderson went on to tally a career-high eight rebounds with 13 points in 18 minutes.
Earlier, he said walking into Arco sparked memories of winning a high school state title there in 2005.
"I just remember how amazing that feeling was, thinking, 'I'm walking through an NBA arena,' " Anderson, 20, said.
"We were all so excited. Now, I've been through multiple arenas."
With a gaggle of microphones and cameras pointed toward him, Anderson laughed when asked if he was similarly received before every game.
"It's kind of humbling," Anderson said. "Hopefully, I don't do anything too stupid on the court."
Anderson, who averaged 16.7 minutes entering Wednesday, said he has felt good about his progress this season.
"I've worked my way through the rotation," he said. "I'm playing anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. I feel like I'm definitely working my way to bigger minutes. It really depends on how guys are playing."
Anderson plans to spend today with his family in El Dorado Hills as the Nets have Thanksgiving off.
"My mom made it clear to me that if any teammates wanted to come along, they could," Anderson said. "But, I think Vince Carter is going to take them out or something (laughing). Nah, I think everyone is doing their own thing."
Getting back – Mikki Moore said his ankle still bothers him, but as long as he keeps moving, it's fine.
"That doesn't give it time to tighten up," said Moore, who missed four games with a sprained right ankle before returning Monday night to play 20 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers.
In 24 minutes Wednesday, Moore had four points and five rebounds.
Moving on – John Salmons replayed Monday's final shot, the one that bounced off the back of the rim at the buzzer in the Kings' loss to the Trail Blazers. He said he has watched the film and hit the repeat button in his head.
"I've thought about it … a lot (Tuesday)," Salmons said. "It didn't go down. I'll move on from it."
Healing over – Kenny Thomas did not dress for Wednesday's game because of a left calf strain.
Best day – Despite the overtime loss to New Jersey, Wednesdays are the only day of the week on which the Kings hold a winning record (3-2).
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521. To get breaking news alerts and game scores sent to your phone, text KINGS to 72737.
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