Bee Sports Editor/Opinion
Udrih, Evans and other home-opening thoughts
A few observations after watching the Kings' home opener from Section 115, Row E:
• Were we too hasty in pushing Beno Udrih to the bench? Or maybe he needed some competition to push him.
Against the Grizzlies, Udrih played like a point guard who deserves $6.031 million this season. It seems he hasn't performed that well in two seasons – when he was Mike Bibby's backup at point guard.
Now that he has been replaced as a starter by rookie Tyreke Evans, has the Udrih we first knew re-emerged?
• There was a difference in tempo between the way Udrih and Evans brought the ball past the time line.
I kept count: Evans needed an average of six seconds to pass midcourt; Udrih averaged four seconds with a greater sense of urgency.
If Spencer Hawes did enough to win his starting job back, didn't Udrih?
• Kenny Thomas replacing Jason Thompson, who fouled out late in regulation, was a startling substitution.
Thomas, who couldn't get off the bench last season, played 14 solid minutes. It's amazing what a different view a new coach can offer.
• Omri Casspi was impressive, but he has to stop waving his arms when he gets open or looking incredulous when he doesn't get a pass. It looks as if he is playing schoolyard ball.
What to surf
www.sacbee.com/kings: Sam Amick and Jason Jones have exclusive quotes and video from Arco Arena.
What to watch
World Series, Phillies at Yankees, 4:57 p.m., Ch. 40: Can the Phillies stay alive?
What to do
NBA, Hawks at Kings, Arco Arena, 7 p.m.: See how Mike Bibby looks in red.
Tuesday's results
NBA
• Nuggets 111, Pacers 93
• Celtics 105, 76ers 74
• Cavaliers 102, Wizards 90
• Suns 104, Heat 96
• Pistons 85, Magic 80
• Bulls 83, Bucks 81
• Lakers 101, Thunder 98 (OT)
• Mavericks 96, Jazz 85
• Hawks 97, Trail Blazers 91
Today's poll
Who should be the Kings' starting point guard?
• Tyreke Evans.
• Beno Udrih.
To vote, go to www.sacbee.com/sports.
Tuesday's poll results
Who will win the Pacific-10 Conference football title?
• Oregon. 80%
• Arizona. 2%
• Stanford. 2%
• Cal 6%.
• USC. 7%
• Oregon State 2%
Total votes: 322.
The last word
What you're saying on sacbee.com comments: "Now if only you guys can play like this every game, we'll have a team to be proud of even if we lose." – oestrellajr on "Extra effort wins home opener."
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