Kings Blog and Q&A

At least for tonight, the Kings figured out how to win an ugly game.

They shot just 43.2 percent for the game. They made only 66.7 percent of their free throws. But when a team doesn't turn the ball over (nine turnovers tonight) and holds it's opponent to 37.3 percent shooting, it can pull a win out of those not-so-pretty statistics.

Kings coach Paul Westphal said the Kings "played 48 minutes of first class defense" for second consecutive game.

"We still hung on because of the defense until we were able to make the shots we needed to win the game," Westphal said.

*Having Carl Landry is helping Spencer Hawes' game a lot. When Landry is in the post the opponent has to respect him. It's creating more room for Hawes.

Meanwhile Landry can score from the outside and can still take care of business in the paint.

Landry was also big down the stretch. He had 10 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter.

*Here was Hawes on playing against Chris Kaman:

"He is an All-Star, there are no bones about it. He is so skilled down there and for me it is kind of like playing against myself. He goes left or right, and can really create so many problems when he gets rolling. I think our team did a great job of containing him."

*Ime Udoka's steal when the Kings had a one-point lead was the play that saved the game.

And no, Udoka doesn't practice tossing the ball falling out of bounds to his teammates.

"I knew where my guys were on the court," he said.

*Another note from Westphal's press conference. He said developing young players is a priority but "we won't give young players playing time - they have to earn it."

Too often teams with losing records give playing time to young players who might have not earned it with good practice habits and solid play on gameday.

It sends a bad message: that the players are entitled to play. Yes, they need to play. But if they're not putting in the work, they'll learn more watching a player like Udoka do the right thing.

--Jason Jones

FINAL (Kings 97, Clippers 92)

Tyreke Evans had 22 points, including four late points that prevented the Clippers from rallying from 16 points down.

Rasual Butler's three pointer made it 91-90 with 2:07 to go. But Chris Kaman's turnover on the on the ensuing possession after Kings' miss set up Evans to take over.

Ime Udoka came up with the steal and who tossed the ball back in play while falling out of bounds. Spencer Hawes came up with the ball at midcourt and Evans did the rest.

The play set up the first of two consecutive baskets from Evans to give the Kings a 95-90 lead.

Spencer Hawes finished with 16 points and nine rebounds for the Kings. Carl Landry had 18 points and rebounds.

Kaman led the Clippers with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Drew Gooden added 17 points and eight rebounds.

It was an off night for Baron Davis, who made just five of 17.

The Clippers' 92 points was the fewest the Kings have allowed this season.

--Jason Jones

THIRD QUARTER (Kings 76, Clippers 68)

This game feels like the Kings are up by a lot more, especially since the Clippers are shooting 37.1 percent. But The Kings made just six of 23 shots in the third to allow the Clippers to stay close.

Chris Kaman now has 16 points and nine rebounds. Spencer Hawes, who started off hot with 16 points in the first half, is still stuck on 16. Hawes does lead the Kings with eight rebounds.

--Jason Jones

SECOND QUARTER (Kings 56, Clippers 42)

Spencer Hawes has always been able to shoot, but this is ridiculous. The third-year center is hitting jumpers, hook shots, aggressive driving layups and doing all of it while in motion. A game of H-O-R-S-E that comes with set feet this is not. Nonetheless, he has hit 8 of 12 shots and has a game-high 16 points to go with five rebounds in 21 minutes.

The Kings are shooting 52.2 percent overall, again pushing the tempo and moving the ball like they did in Friday's win over Utah and controlling the ball (five turnovers). The Clippers are shooting just 35 percent, with Drew Gooden and Chris Kaman scoring a team-high eight points apiece.

FIRST QUARTER (Kings 32, Clippers 18)

In what was perhaps the Kings' strongest finish to a quarter of the season, they ended on a 20-4 run capped by Spencer Hawes' 17-footer from the left wing at the buzzer.

While the Kings center is off to another good start (10 points, three rebounds), it's point guard Beno Udrih who is again playing at a very high level. He has seven points, three assists and three rebounds. The Clippers - who beat the Kings handily at the Staples Center on Feb. 20 - hit just 3 of their final 16 shots of the period after starting four of five from the field.

So which Spencer Hawes do we get tonight?

The Kings center has recorded back-to-back double doubles once this season. That happened in the Kings third and fourth games of the season.

We haven't seen nearly enough of the way Hawes played Friday night. And considering the lack of size for the Kings, Hawes playing the role of rebounder/willing defender is a must.

Hawes has nine-double digit rebounding games this season. Sacramento is 5-4 in those games, including the overtime loss to Cleveland and the 30-point game from Hawes in Los Angeles that was spoiled by Kobe's game winner.

The Kings have been at their best this season when one of their young post players - Hawes or Jason Thompson - has played well.

We all know what Tyreke Evans has been good for all season. Thompson is out with a back injury. Carl Landry is still getting acclimated to his new teammates.

So Hawes - who actually has played some of his best basketball in February - needs to be the anchor defensively and play big on offense against Chris Kaman.

Perhaps Hawes should start the night out like this again:

From The Bee

Kings' Landry has exceeded expectations By Ailene Voisin

Kings notes: Team basks in glow of feel-good win By Sam Amick

Gameplan
By Sam Amick

Kings (19-39) vs. Clippers (24-34)
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Arco Arena
TV: CSNCA
Radio: KHTK (1140 AM)

Kings update: If the Kings have any hope of ending their season with close to the upswing with which it began, they will have to win games like tonight's. They beat Milwaukee and Chicago on the road in December to run their record to 13-14, but have gone 6-25 since. They are coming off a 103-99 win over Utah on Friday, and a second consecutive win would be significant, especially in light of the tough three-game trip that starts Tuesday and goes through Oklahoma City, Houston and Dallas.

Clippers update: There is legitimate talk in Los Angeles that the Clippers could have a shot at landing LeBron James as a free agent this summer, with the logic based largely on location and that this team has a decent core of talent. Forward Drew Gooden is the latest addition, having been traded from Dallas to Washington to the Clippers last week. His team is 3-1 since he joined, and 2-1 in games in which he has played.

Probable starters
KINGS
No. Player Pos.
19 Beno Udrih PG
13 Tyreke Evans SG
18 Omri Casspi SF
24 Carl Landry PF
31 Spencer Hawes C

CLIPPERS
No. Player Pos.
1 Baron Davis PG
10 Eric Gordon SG
45 Rasual Butler SG
0 Drew Gooden PF
35 Chris Kaman C

Beno Udrih was on point. So was Tyreke Evans.

Remember this version of the Sacramento Kings?

When the Kings were the favorite "surprise" team early in the season, it was Evans and Udrih leading the way.

Between injuries, lineup changes, Kevin Martin's return and exit, the Evans-Udrih tandem hadn't been on display like this in a while.

Udrih (25 points, four assists) and Evans (24 points, eight rebounds, seven assists) took turns directing the offense and playing well off each other, much like they had earlier in the season.

Paul Westphal had been reluctant to play both his point guards together, but with Francisco Garcia (seven points, three assists) able to handle the ball in relief, the combo worked well tonight.

*Spencer Hawes (again) responded to a message from his coach with 15 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.

Hawes played like a "big" tonight. He took hard fouls and went up strong around the basket. And when he had the ball in the high post, Hawes did a good job of keeping the offense running.

By the way, Westphal said he and Hawes discussed their pregame chest bump and "thought it'd be kind of cool to do that."

Now let's relive Westphal and Hawes having some fun:

About the only thing Hawes said wrong tonight was the University of Washington's Quincy Pondexter should win Pac-10 Player of the Year.

We all know it should be Cal's Jerome Randle, right? (Go Bears!)

But the key will be Hawes following up with more games like this. With Jason Thompson out at least two weeks, there will be plenty of chances for Hawes to establish himself.

With Carl Landry not going to the bench, it will be up to Hawes to keep Thompson from taking the starting center job back.

*The Kings' defense is to be commended. Hawes was at the center of it by playing aggressively in the middle.

Landry also played good post defense. But the flagrant foul he picked up in the third quarter looked like a bad call.

*Evans ability to get to the basket late in games continues to impress. If the debate for Rookie of the Year is really open, one might look at Evans play late in close wins to decide who should win the award.

Evans attacked All Star Deron Williams with success at the end of the game.

"He played really well down the stretch," Williams said. "It's a tough matchup for any point guard. He makes me look small. He's able to do so many things around the basket and when he gets in the lane you think you have him contained but he gets right up over you."

*In case you're counting, that's the 25th starting lineup of the season.

--Jason Jones

FINAL (Kings, 103 Jazz 99)

The Kings' poor free throw shooting helped keep it close, but they over came that and Utah's rebounding edge to end a five-game losing streak.

Tyreke Evans had 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Beno Udrih had a season-high 25 points.

The Kings (19-39) were 16 of 28 from the free throw line (57.1 percent) and were outrebounded 48-37 by Utah (37-21).

The Kings won by making 70.6 percent of their shots in the fourth (12 of 17) to overcome making 4 of 10 free throws.

The Kings shot 54.5 percent for the game while the Jazz struggled and made just 40.9 percent from the floor. Utah stayed close with 18 second-chance points.

Carlos Boozer led the Jazz with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Deron William had 10 points and 13 assists, but shot 4 of 16.

THIRD QUARTER (Kings 75, Jazz 75)

The Kings are still hot on offense, having made 50 percent from the floor. Tyreke Evans is close to his first triple double as a pro with 17 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Much like he did earlier this season, Beno Udrih (14 points) is playing well with Evans.

The Jazz are still hanging around because they've outrebounded the Kings, 39-29. The Jazz are shooting just 39.4 percent. Carlos Boozer has 20 points and nine rebounds.

--Jason Jones

SECOND QUARTER (Jazz 50, Kings 49)

The strong play continues for the Kings, who are shooting 47.6 percent and led by 10 points apiece from Tyreke Evans and Spencer Hawes. Both have been outstanding, with Hawes adding three assists and seven rebounds while Evans also has four assists and five rebounds.

The Jazz are shooting just 41.3 percent against a more-active-than-normal Kings defense, but Andrei Kirilenko's 12 points have helped put them ahead.

FIRST QUARTER (Kings 25, Jazz 20)

Huge kudos to Paul Westphal and Spencer Hawes, who decided to flip this tense situation on its head and provide a laugh before the game that led to a more-loose team during it.
After the coach and third-year center feuded over Tuesday's Bee story on playing time and rotations and Hawes was benched against Detroit that night, they orchestrated a hilarious pre-tipoff scene in which the 21-year-old and 59-year-old exchanged a low-five, high-five and ridiculously-funny chest bump that nearly took Westphal's suit jacket off.
As for the actual game, the Kings have moved the ball beautifully en route to their early lead. Beno Udrih - who started with Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, Carl Landry, and Spencer Hawes - has 10 points on four of six shooting. Hawes has been phenomenal, hitting a strong putback layup and a three for five point while grabbing six rebounds and dishing out two assists. - Sam Amick

Jason Thompson is out with a bad back. No one really knows what Paul Westphal will do with Spencer Hawes.

Maybe it's Joey Dorsey time.

The Kings don't have much to turn to in terms of brawn in the post. Jon Brockman is still out and he's the only other frontcourt player with the physical pedigree one would expect to bang against Carlos Boozer and Paul Milsap tonight.

Dorsey showed some defensive moxie in his first game at Arco Arena on Tuesday. In the fourth quarter he stopped a 3-on-1 fast break by being in the right position. And on a Kings unit that's too often too quiet on defense, you could hear Dorsey loudly communicating with his teammates.

It would be a mild surprise to see Dorsey start ahead of Hawes. Then again, how many of us thought Brockman, Thompson or Sean May would ever start ahead of a healthy Hawes this season.

And the official Kings media packet for tonight's game lists the probable starter at center as "TBA" so you can go ahead and take your guess.

Westphal said the plan for the rest of the season is to establish a defensive identity. Dorsey will definitely defend.

For those who aren't familiar with Dorsey's game, here's a clip from his 7-point, 12-rebound effort this season with Houston:

From The Bee

Matthews, King for a summer, is force for Jazz By Jason Jones

Kings notes: Hard fall, achy back -- Thompson out 2 weeks By Ailene Voisin

From The Salt Lake Tribune

Miles facing crisis of confidence By Ross Siler

The Gameplan
Utah (37-20) at Kings (18-39)
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Arco Arena
TV: CSNCA
Radio: KHTK (1140 AM)

Kings update: Jason Thompson's back injury will be out two weeks with a back injury. That should mean even more touches for Carl Landry. There are times where it's evident the impact Landry will have on the offense, but it's clear the rest of the team is still adjusting to having a featured post player.

Jazz update: Utah got healthy and got hot, winning 18 of 21, and now are a game behind Denver for first place in the Northwest Division. Carlos Boozer is playing at a high level and Deron Williams is one of the best point guards in the NBA.

Probable starters
KINGS
No. Name Pos.
13 Tyreke Evans PG
20 Donte' Greene SG
18 Omri Casspi SF
24 Carl Landry PF
TBA C

JAZZ
No. Name Pos.
8 Deron Williams PG
23 Wesley Matthews SG
47 Andrei Kirilenko SF
5 Carlos Boozer PF
13 Mehmet Okur C

--Jason Jones

While changing channels between the figure skating performances at the Vancouver Olympics - love that stuff! - I caught ESPN's blurb about the Memphis Grizzlies sending rookie center Hasheem Thabeet to the Developmental League. This is beyond embarrassing for a No..2 NBA Draft pick. The onus here, though, is clearly on meddling Griz owner Michael Heisley. The basketball people definitely wanted to draft local Memphis standout Tyreke Evans, but were overruled by their boss. For some reason, Heisley bought into the old school theory about the need to draft centers - even longterm projects - even though far superior players were available.

If Evans had gone to the Grizzlies, and Oklahoma City had stuck with James Harden at No.3, I'm confident the Kings would have bypassed Thabeet (whew!) and selected a point guard - albeit, the wrong one. From all accounts, they would have drafted Jonny Flynn, leaving Stephen Curry for Golden State. As Doug Collins noted on TNT's telecast of the Nuggets-Warriors game earlier tonight, most NBA types failed pegged Curry as an undersized shooting guard and failed to appreciate his pure point guard skills. As I have mentioned before, my dream backcourt for the upcoming decade is Curry-Evans, with Curry at the point. Don't think even the Warriors are dumb enough to make that move, however.

So, as the season continues to go south, that's the good news. Also, unless the Kings catch a wave, they have a great shot at another top five draft pick.

For all those Rush Limbaugh partisans

I heard from several Rush Limbaugh fans today, mostly chiding me for referencing him in my column about Paul Westphal's decision regarding Spencer Hawes. For those who might not have been following the drama, Westphal placed Hawes on the inactive list Tuesday after the third-year center voiced his frustration about roles, rotations, and substitutions. Of course, Evans and Sean May voiced very similar comments, and neither was punished. Westphal explained that May apologized, Evans was only speaking in generalized, and .... well, he just seemed ticked off at Spencer. I wrote that it was surprising that Westphal, who is a friend of right-wing blowhard Rush Limbaugh, would attempt to muzzle a player, especially since all of the player comments were relatively mild and matter-of-fact. Anyway, to set the record straight, if Westphal and Keith Olbermann were buddies, I would have offered a similar comment about the bombastic left-wing talk show host. While I thoroughly enjoyed an intelligent, enlivened, provocative discussion - we are all about passion here - if I wanted to be lectured or yelled at, I'd re-enroll in my Catholic grammar school.

Carril keeps the basketball nuggets coming

While chatting with Evans after Thursday's practice, Kings special assistant Pete Carril urged the rookie to take more jump shots, in essence, forcing himself to improve in that area. Carril believes that the passing lanes will open up when Evans starts taking and knocking down jumpers. And who is to argue with the Princeton legend? Carril's insights, astute observations and attention to detail continue to amaze me. Here's another one: In the exact opposite of Jason Thompson, who has huge feet, Omri Casspi's feet are small for someone 6-foot-9. Carril maintains that, as a result, it's imperative that Casspi be fully squared (and therefore balanced) before he releases his jumpers. From what I have seen, Coachie is right on. The problem is that with inconsistent playmaking and passing, and an offense that often results in one-on-one plays and doomed, ill-advised last second hoists, the Kings wings never know when they're going to receive the ball, and too seldom receive the ball in rhythm.

Just a thought: More of Rick Adelman's old elbow series, which involves several players offensively, and fewer of the pick-and-rolls that usually wind up with Evans, Beno Udrih or one of the other Kings dribbling dents into the floor and forcing up bad shots.

Kings forward/center Jason Thompson could miss up to two weeks with two non-displaced fractures in his lower back. The injury was revealed on x-rays taken after Thursday's practice.

The 6-foot-11 Thompson, who sat out the last two practices, suffered the injury when he took a nasty spill in Tuesday's loss against the Detroit Pistons. He recently was reinserted into the starting lineup in place of Spencer Hawes at center.

Before learning of the extent of Thompson's injury, coach Paul Westphal was still mulling his options for tomorrow night's starting lineup against the Utah Jazz. Here's one hint, though: When the curtain was raised for the closing portion of practice, Hawes was working with the first unit.

Spencer Hawes wasn't alone in discussing coach Paul Westphal's player rotations in this story that ran in Tuesday's edition's of The Bee.

Hawes, Sean May and Tyreke Evans were all quoted. In the end, what Hawes had to say led to him being inactive for tonight's game against Detroit.

Westphal said after the game that every player knows he has an "open door" policy.

It's one of the things many of the Kings expressed happiness about when it came to Westphal earlier this season.

That open door is why May still dressed for tonight's game and played. He was quoted as saying that when "you have an inconsistent system, it's hard to ask for consistent results."

May spoke with Westphal and explained he didn't mean to attack his coach, which was enough for Westphal.

"I did say it that but I didn't mean it (maliciously)," May said after the game "...It's frustrating when things are going the way they are. That's all I meant by it."

Evans said some players are "confused" when they enter the game and don't know when they might start and try to impress Westphal when they get a chance to play.

Evans started at point guard and had 28 points and a career-high 13 assists. No word as to whether the rookie had a sitdown with Westphal or even needed to.

If he didn't, it might be because he's a rookie and Hawes and May have been in the league for three and five seasons, respectively.

Westphal didn't commit to Hawes playing against the Utah Jazz on Friday.

Hawes was in the hallway after the game, but didn't want to talk about the situation.

One thing is certain: Hawes might want to talk to his coach soon.

--Jason Jones

FINAL (Pistons 101, Kings 89)

The Kings (18-39) dropped their fifth straight game by allowing a bad-shooting team to shoot 58.4 percent. Richard Hamilton finished with 30 points for Detroit (21-35). Tayshaun Prince added 22.

Tyreke Evans had 28 points and a career-high 13 assists in the loss for Sacramento. Carl Landry had 18 points and was the only other King to score in double figures.

It doesn't get any easier Friday at Arco for the Kings with the Utah Jazz in town. Utah has been the hottest team in the league over the last month.

--Jason Jones

THIRD QUARTER (Pistons 83, Kings 58)

There are new players, but one thing hasn't changed: The Kings do not play good defense.

The third, in which the Pistons proceed to rout the Kings, was the latest example.

The Pistons made 13 of 20 shots in the third, and are shooting 60 percent for the game. Richard Hamilton is getting uncontested jump shots with regularity and has 25 points, 14 coming in the third.

The Pistons shoot 43.6 percent on the season, third worst in the NBA.

Tyreke Evans has 16 points and nine assists for the Kings.

--Jason Jones

SECOND QUARTER (Pistons 54, Kings 42)

After trailing by as many as 14 points in the first quarter, the Kings reserves chipped away at the deficit and even led for a short time in the second quarter. But a 9-0 Pistons runs ended all that, with Charlie Villanueva hitting a three-pointer and a short range look in that span. The Kings ended on the worst of notes, with Rodney Stuckey allowed to race to the rim off an inbounds play and hit the layup with less than one second left.

The Kings are shooting just 39.5 percent, with only Tyreke Evans scoring in double figures so far (12 points). The Pistons have received a combined 33 points from Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton and Rodney Stuckey.

- Sam Amick

FIRST QUARTER (Pistons 29, Kings 26)

The Kings finished the quarter on a 15-4 run after another lackluster start, with the unit of Tyreke Evans, Andres Nocioni, Beno Udrih, Ime Udoka and Sean May doing the damage.

Nocioni's finger-roll layup with 0.8 seconds capped the run.

On a side note, third-year center Spencer Hawes is inactive tonight, with coach Paul Westphal clearly not pleased with his comments in today's Bee story about the team's inconsistent rotations. Asked about Hawes being inactive, Wespthal told The Bee's Jason Jones, "I saw where he's having a hard time understanding his role. He should understand it tonight."

The Kings waived guard Larry Hughes today after they agreed to a buyout, according to a source close to Hughes.

Hughes never played a game for the Kings after he was acquired from the Knicks in three-team deal with the Rockets.

Hughes was scheduled to make $13,65 million this season.

The Kings announced that Hughes had been waived this afternoon.

--Sam Amick.

The Kings' deals last week weren't just about landing players. They also sought to create salary cap space for the offseason.

But as many of my friends say while playing dominoes, not all money is good money.

It seems a lot of teams that have cap space can't wait to use it up, even if there aren't the elite players worth spending that money on available.

The Detroit Pistons doled out big contracts to guard Ben Gordon (five years, $55 million) and forward Charlie Villanueva (five years, $35 million).

Villanueva has been inconsistent and backs up rookie Jonas Jerebko - a second round draft pick.

Gordon has played in only 36 games this season and his scoring (15.1 points) is the lowest it's been since his rookie season.

Of course, there's plenty of time for things to get better. And I never fault a player for being injured.

But might the Pistons have been better off saving some of that cash in what was obviously going to be a rebuilding year?

The Pistons are seven games out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They've dealt with a lot of injuries, but even at full strength, this version of the Pistons probably would miss the playoffs.

Neither Gordon nor Villanueva is the franchise-changing player.

Gordon is a good player in the right situation. But the Pistons are paying a lot of money for Villanueva, especially if Jerebko proves to be a better player in the long run.

So as the Kings prepare to scour free agents this summer there might be a lot of clamoring for the team to spend money.

If the Kings don't spend wisely they could find themselves in a bad spot. Not trading to improve, but trading to unload a contract.

--Jason Jones

From The Bee

Sporadic playing time wearing on some Kings By Sam Amick

From The Detroit Free Press

Gordon, Hamilton start to look good together By Vince Ellis

Gameplan

Detroit (20-35) at Kings (18-38)

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Arco Arena.

TV: CSNCA.

Radio: KHTK (1140 AM); KAHI (950 AM).

Kings update: The first two games of the Carl Landry era came under less-than-ideal circumstances, as he had only two shootaround sessions to familiarize himself with the Kings' system while playing two games in the process (losses at the Clippers and Suns). But improvement should start soon. The newest Kings had a full-length workout in the team's practice facility Monday and will play their next three games at home in a manageable span of six days.

Pistons update: They aren't exactly the Pistons of old, but Detroit has been better than its subpar self recently. The Pistons have won five of their past nine games, with shooting guard Richard Hamilton averaging 30.6 points the past three outings. Yet only one victory in that stretch came against a winning team, as the Pistons downed San Antonio 109-101 in overtime at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Sunday.

Probable starters

PISTONS

No. Player Pos.

3 Rodney Stuckey PG

32 Richard Hamilton SG

22 Tayshaun Prince SF

33 Jonas Jerebko PF

6 Ben Wallace C

KINGS

No. Player Pos.

13 Tyreke Evans PG

18 Omri Casspi SG

20 Donté Greene SF

24 Carl Landry PF

34 Jason Thompson C

- Sam Amick

Maybe it was done to expedite the process of removing Kevin Martin's likeness from anything Kings-related, or perhaps it was a way of making Francisco Garcia feel better after he didn't play at Phoenix on Sunday.

Whatever the motive, the Kings wasted no time moving past Martin on Monday.

The picture below was taken as you enter Arco Arena through the security door, and the mural was photographed before Martin was traded to Houston on Thursday.

In the post-Martin era, however, Garcia has apparently been unofficially promoted. Now whether that's because of his true standing in the eyes of the organization or because his body (skinny guard) and number (32 compared to Martin's 23) made the switch so easy for the artist? That's up for debate. Nonetheless, I wanted to provide a unique look at the periphery aspect of trades that often go overlooked. This is just one of many changes that will have to be made by the Kings, as Martin's face is on billboards all over town after they tapped into the local creativity earlier this season

- Sam Amick

PHOENIX - Because my colleague and Kings beat writer Sam Amick took a break after Saturday's road trip to Los Angeles, I was able to watch Steve Nash perform before his home crowd. His act never gets old. It's hard to believe he's 35, hampered by a sore lower back, and still playing almost 34 minutes a night with two months of the season remaining. The man is a marvel, a 6-foot-3 magician with a basketball.

His 17-assist effort against the Kings did the following:
- Kept him locked with the injured Chris Paul at a league-leading 11.1 assists per game.
- Eclipsed the Kings total number of assists (16)
- Reminded everyone again of what an exceptional point guard Kevin Johnson was.

After Nash had pierced the Kings defense with 16 dimes by the end of the third quarter, the Suns media department informed media members that he needed only four assists to become the club's all-time franchise leader in 20-assist games. Since he only played four minutes in the fourth period and only added one assist, he and KJ remain tied with seven 20-assist games. Sac's mayor holds the Suns' record for most assists in a game - 25 against San Antonio on April 16, 1994 - but in an imaginary duel between legendary Suns point guards, Nash said he likes his own chances. "Right now I think I've got him at point guard," Nash quipped. "Right now."

SCRAPPING FOR MINUTES

With Paul Westphal continuing to experiment with various combinations, the battle for playing time is intensifying. Francisco Garcia - recently activated after missing the entire season with a fractured wrist - didn't get off the bench. (Still can't figure why he started Saturday night against the Clips). Anyway, he was joined on the bench last night by Andres Nocioni, whose recent struggles certainly could't have enhanced his trade value. Additionally, Spencer Hawes committed five fouls in a mere 11 minutes.

ALSO, OF NOTE ...

Westphal rated Omri Casspi's four-point, two-rebound effort arguably "his worst of the season," and suggested that them rookies' four turnovers were reminiscent of his struggles during preseason ... I understand the necessity for spacing on offense, but as someone along press row commented during the Kings' third-quarter lull, when Casspi and the Kings other wings were dispatched to the outer reaches during another isolation sequence, "That's what I hate about the NBA." Move, move, move .... Amare Stoudemire says his first preference has always been to remain with the Suns, and now that the Feb. 18 trade deadline is passed, he's playing some of the season's best basketball. He finished with 19 points and 14 boards, including eight on the offensive end ... Not that anyone thinks of the Suns and thinks "great defense," but they held an opponent below 100 points for the third straight game. The Kings' 15-point third quarter also was an opponents season low. "I thought we did a great job," said coach Alvin Gentry. "I thought Steve (Nash) did a really good job on Tyreke (Evans). We probably did the best job that we've ever done as far as dribble penetration." ... A final thought about US Airways Arena: I haven't covered a game here for a few years, but the building remains one of the most physically appealing and functional facilities in the league. The exterior glass facade that was added a while back is stunning ...

FINAL: Suns 104, Kings 88

PHOENIX - Besides all those Steve Nash assists, one play epitomized the Kings miserable 104-88 loss to the Suns. With 2:19 remaining, Donte Greene bounced a pass to Carl Landry, who slipped as the ball approached, leading to yet another missed opportunity. Tyreke Evans put his face in his hands. Paul Westphal called a timeout. And the Suns dancers pranced out onto the court for the customary, end-of-game free T-shirt toss.

It was another of those nights. Six Suns finished in double figures, led by Jason Richardson with 24. Nash burned the Kings with 17 assists, or one more than the Kings.

Landry led the Kings with 18 points and Beno Udrih had 17 off the bench.

After a competitive opening half, the game got away from the Kings quickly in the final period. Channing Frye curled inside and was fouled, and after Tyreke Evans missed a high-arching runner, Grant Hill blew downcourt for a jam. That made it 80-69 Suns, forcing Paul Westphal to call a timeout.

Even with Nash on the bench, the Kings didn't have enough juice to initiate much of a comeback. Through three periods, by the way, the 35-year-old point guard had 16 assists - one more than the entire Kings team.

Before play resumed, he responded to the public address announcer's comment - Canada losing to the U.S. in hockey - with a grin and a thumbs down.

THIRD QUARTER: Suns 75, Kings 69

Steve Nash was listed as questionable before the game because of lower back issues, so of course, he not only starts, he had 10 assists by halftime. With just under eight minutes remaining in the third period, he had 13 assists - meaning he had assisted on more than half of the Suns field goals.

Forget what I said earlier about no 24-second violations. The Kings were just tagged with the game's first - in the middle of a Suns run. Nash is orchestrating the offense, finding Amare Stoudemire and Robin Lopez inside, and the Suns' two big guys are having their way against the Kings interior defense.

Paul Westphal is tinkering with his lineup even more than usual. Ime Udoka and newcomer Dominic McGuire already have seen decent minutes.

Donte Greene, who was 0-for -4 in Saturday's loss to the Clippers, is having a strong game with 16 points. His three from the right corner slowed a Suns run and kept the score close entering the final period.

HALFTIME: Kings 54, Suns 51

This is the type of up and down half you expect in this building. There was no danger of either team committing a 24-second violation. But for most of the secone period, the Kings were even more effective in the open court than the Suns. Beno Udrih came in and gave a life, both with a pair of a jumpers and four quick assists. The nicest play of the half was a two-on-one break, with Omri Casspi grabbing a steal, pushing the ball ahead, and finding Tyreke Evans streaking in for one of those reverse layups, where he takes that extra long stride that frees him under the basket.

The one thing the Kings aren't doing is disrupting Jason Richardson. A notoriously streaky shooter, Richardson erupted for 19 points, almost none of which were contested. Donte Greene and Carl Landry led the Kings with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

FIRST QUARTER (Kings 27, Suns 25)
Carl Landry obviously didn't let his struggles in his Kings debut against the Clippers last night damage his confidence. The Kings went to him often, beginning with the opening sequences, and he responded with an excellent opening quarter. He converted three of his first shots and collected five rebounds before getting a breather. One one possession, he tossed up an inside shot that missed badly, but pursued the rebound and scored on a reverse.

In contrast to recent games, the Kings did a decent job getting back in transiition - critical against the Suns.

Fourth quarter: Clippers 99, Kings 89

Carl Landry had 10 points and eight rebounds in his Kings debut, but six of his points came during garbage time in the fourth quarter. The Kings needed more than single-digit scoring from Francisco Garcia (seven points) and Jason Thompson (nine), not to mention slowing Clippers guard Eric Gordon to something below his output of 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Gordon was strong at the finish, scoring 14 in the final quarter to Staples Center chants of "MVP!"

Third quarter: Clippers 77, Kings 68

Kings rookie small forward Omri Casspi scored nine of his 15 points in the third quarter as the Kings cut ever so slightly into the Clippers' 15-point halftime lead. It was all Casspi and Tyreke Evans, as the rookie guard scored 11 points in deliberate fashion. The Kings picked up their defensive intensity and held the Clippers to 5-of-17 shooting in the third, not to mention limiting their turnovers to two (13 overall).

Second quarter: Clippers 60, Kings 45

After an Evans layup early in the second quarter put the Kings up 24-21, the Clippers put together a 23-8 run that featured the same disjointed defense the Kings displayed before this week's roster shakeup.

No one has bothered to guard Rasual Butler on the perimeter, so he has four three-pointers and 12 points at the break. Chris Kaman (15 points, eight rebounds) is either finishing putbacks or snickering as he buries jumpers that Spencer Hawes apparently isn't aware he can hit. Gordon can't decide whether he wants to muscle through the marshmallow interior defense or punish them from long range, so he has done both en route to 14 points.

Meanwhile, Landry has gone quiet (three points, five rebounds) while Evans was mostly mum until late (eight points, three assists).

First quarter: Kings 22, Clippers 21

Landry wasted no time producing for the Kings. He scored their first basket in the kind of way that Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie had wanted when he traded for him this week. The former Houston forward received the ball on the left block, double-pumped, then fought through Clippers big men Chris Kaman and Butler for a layup and the foul that turned into a three-point play.

It has been a shared effort from there, with Casspi scoring six points and Jason Thompson contributing five points and four rebounds. The Clippers missed their first five shots but then hit six of their next eight. Butler has a team-high nine points.

The Kings' lead would be bigger if Hawes hadn't blown a dunk on the break to end the period.

-- Sam Amick

It's certainly a day to move forward, with the Kings about to get their first look at their new team today in LA-LA land. With that in mind, be sure to stick with this post until the end as there is video of new King Carl Landry discussing tonight's game against the Clippers.

But the trade that sent Kevin Martin to Houston and brought Landry to the Kings will be a topic of discussion for quite some time, and Kings coach Paul Westphal was among those wanted to weigh in at yesterday's practice. After raving about Landry and what he'll bring, Westphal had something to say on the topic of how he used Martin.

As I detailed in this story, Martin certainly didn't think he was utilized effectively in Westphal's offense. From his vantage point, this coaching staff was far too reluctant to speak up when his younger teammates looked past him like he was the Invisible Man. He longed for more sets that fit his style, stagger screens and the like a la vintage Rip Hamilton in Detroit or Ray Allen in Boston.

Martin didn't help the situation with his passive aggressive ways, keeping his true feelings to himself and those closest to him while letting his oft-negative body language do all the talking around the team. He was well aware that there weren't many Martin believers left, and clearly he was right.

But as far as the Xs and Os and how he was used, Westphal took umbrage at the notion that he didn't run offensive sets for Martin.

"He got 20 points a game shooting under 40 percent," Westphal said. "He got a lot of shots and a lot of stuff run for him. I think a lot of it might have been timing, coming back from the injury, and confidence and stuff like that, but I resent a little bit acting like we forgot about Kevin and didn't feature him. (After) almost every time out, we ran something for him. I think he's going to do great in the new system and he'll be real good, but the implication that we didn't run a lot of stuff for Kevin is not true."

All that being said, it was no coincidence that Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie referenced his coach several times when explaining the trade Thursday. Wespthal's voice was heard loud and clear as it pertained to this trade, which takes us to the present.

The Tyreke Evans-Carl Landry era.

The Kings now have the sort of inside-out game they had dreamed about, and I'm among the many who think they are a better team because of this deal (As for the merits of the trade beyond the talent aspect, I'll be weighing in on that in the next few days).

The players themselves don't know how this will go, but at least it will be interesting to watch.

A quick injury update
Rookie forward Jon Brockman will be out two to four weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee suffered during Friday's practice. As a result new King Joey Dorsey will be active tonight to play the rebounding, tough-guy-off-the-bench role. As for Landry, he is fired up about getting started.

-- Sam Amick

From The Bee

'Landry gives Kings additional toughness,' By Sam Amick

'Ball is in Evans' court, and everyone's watching,' By Ailene Voisin

From The Los Angeles Times

'Clippers are in need of a victory,' By Ben Bolch

'Clippers clear the way for a top free agent,' By Ben Bolch

TONIGHT'S GAME

Kings (18-36) at Clippers (21-33)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles.

TV: CSNCA. Radio: KHTK (1140 AM).

Kings update: The 23rd starting lineup of the season includes the return of Jason Thompson to the starting lineup, new addition Carl Landry and Francisco Garcia, who returned from injury this week. Landry might have won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award had he stayed in Houston the rest of the season. Now the league will see how he produces as a starter as he becomes the Kings' primary option in the post.

Clippers update: Los Angeles has an All-Star center in Chris Kaman. The Clippers also have some new players courtesy of two trades. One player will be familiar to Kings fans, as oft-dealt Drew Gooden had a brief stint with the Kings last season. With first overall draft pick Blake Griffin having missed the season because of a knee injury, the Clippers appear to be preparing for next season.

Probable starting lineups

Kings

No. Player Pos.

13 Tyreke Evans PG

32 Francisco Garcia SG

18 Omri Casspi SF

24 Carl Landry PF

34 Jason Thompson C

Clippers

No. Player Pos.

1 Baron Davis PG

10 Eric Gordon SG

45 Rasual Butler SF

9 DeAndre Jordan PF

35 Chris Kaman C

You folks may have noticed the last post disappeared regarding the Dan Fegan part of today's Kevin Martin story, so let me explain.

It was a gaffe on my part to focus on our editing process in the newsroom, so that is the reason the post was taken down. The original point, of course, was to share more background, information and insight relating to Martin's exodus that is very relevant. So let's do just that...

To be clear: Dan Fegan represented Ricky Rubio, who was passed up by the Kings on draft day in favor of Kings rookie Tyreke Evans.

That really should be duly noted, because Fegan - who represents Martin - was quoted in today's print story saying he thinks the drafting of Evans led to Martin's departure. There is also this reality: Martin's hiring of Fegan didn't sit well with Petrie, as the agent is among the most influential in the game and known for putting serious pressure on teams if his guy doesn't want to be in the current locale.

When Martin signed with Fegan during his time out because of injury this season, the pairing was problematic. Petrie's experience with Fegan in June during the Rubio saga was somewhat contentious, and suddenly here came the prospect of dealing with him again.

And one last clarification about Martin and the lead-up to his departure: it's not as simple as saying he wanted out of Sacramento. He, like so many players around the league who play on subpar teams, was simply dreaming of greener grass. Rather than languish with an organization he wasn't sure could turn it around anytime soon, he wanted to be shipped to a contender.
-- Sam Amick

By now we all know who's who on the Kings roster.

Gone are Kevin Martin and Hilton Armstrong, who are now Houston Rockets.

Sergio Rodriguez is a New York Knick.

Kenny Thomas was waived.

Now on the team are:

Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey from Houston. Larry Hughes from the Knicks is a King in name, but won't be with the team anytime soon. Dominic McGuire was added from Washington.

But there was a lot more uncertainty less than 24 hours ago.

As word spread Wednesday night amongst the Kings players that Martin had indeed been traded most were surprised something had come of the rumors.

Some, who didn't take too kindly to Martin's not entering during the fourth quarter of Tuesday's game against the Celtics or his on-court pouting wondered if that had anything to do with the deal.

Kings president said that wasn't the case at today's press conference at the team's practice facility.

Nor was this a deal about Martin's inability to coexist with Tyreke Evans.

This was about landing Landry, a power forward who can play in the post. If any of you chose to watch last night's game, it was obvious the Kings need some kind of post presence.

If you can't dominate the paint against the undermanned and undersized Warriors there's a problem.

The 130-98 loss left normally upbeat Paul Westphal admitting he was "embarrassed" by the effort.

The team had the day off today. But last night there was no talk of excitement about new teammates or who might see their role change without Martin.

That's hard to discuss when an undermanned and undersized Warriors team has just drilled you.

"It is what it is, man," Evans said. "Whenever we have the ability to make this team better, let's get it done. The way we traveled here (Wednesday) and lost by 30, it was the worst experience of my life. I've never lost by 30, ever. So whatever happens happens."

Evans conceded players worrying about deals the day before Thursday's deadline could have impacted the on-court product.

"It was like 'We don't care,' " Evans said. "Everybody wanted to score points instead of just playing basketball. They went out there and they ran their sets. That's basic basketball. If we can't stop that we can't win a game."

Now it's time to see if this new infusion of toughness can prevent night's like Wednesday in Oakland from happening the rest of the season.

*Toughness is something used to describe all of the significant additions since last season.

That's no accident.

There's a concerted effort to shed the soft label that has dogged the Kings for years.

The three rookies aren't scared. I think Omri Casspi would play center if he had to. Donte' Greene likes to have fun, but hasn't backed down from challenges this season.

Landry is just one piece when it comes to addressing interior toughness. The Kings could still use another physical big man to complement Spencer Hawes and Jason Thompson.

*Kings president Geoff Petrie said he preferred not to trade Martin, but the opportunity to upgrade the frontcourt with Landry was a chance to "augment" and "fill some holes" up front. He added shedding salary for more financial flexibility in the deal was a bonus.

*Petrie said he hoped to have Landry in town tomorrow for a physical. He expects the paperwork on the Kings' end to be completed to have Landry, Dorsey and McGuire eligible to play by Saturday at the Los Angeles Clippers.

Their debuts would still be held up until the NBA signs off on all the paperwork for all involved.

*Landry is averaging 16.1 points as a reserve. Petrie said it would be up to Westphal to decide if Landry would start.

*Hughes has a fractured finger and will stay on the East Coast to rehab. He won't join the Kings anytime soon. I'd be shocked if he ever plays for the Kings.

*Petrie said in his talks with Houston the team had no intention of Tracy McGrady every playing for Sacramento.

McGrady should be happy in New York for the rest of the season. Playing in their system he will have plenty of chances to show he's healthy and can still score with the hope landing another big contract in the offseason.

That would have been the wrong kind of player to add to the Kings' locker room.

*More from Petrie moving Martin:

"I think we have a lot of wing players on our team. I think we can fill a lot of the void there. It was more the opportunity to get a player as productive and consistent as Landry. We really need to fill some holes up front."

"The team's played better this year. We're going to win more games than last year. But we still need to continue to try to add to what we have, obviously. That's now going to come in the form of the draft again and on into free agency. We'll have a significant amount of real (salary cap) room but so will a lot of other teams."

Be sure to check back for more updates and tomorrow's chat at 1 p.m.

--Jason Jones

I just got off the phone with Kings co-owner Joe Maloof, who revealed that rookie Tyreke Evans is among the 30 or so invitees who will dine with President Barack Obama in a few hours at George Maloof's house in Las Vegas. For those who might have forgotten, prior to the NBA Draft, Obama urged the Kings to select the 6-foot-6 freshman out of Memphis. Understandably - and the he nation's ongoing economic problems notwithstanding - the Maloofs remain staunch Obama supporters. "If he (Obama) gets tired of his day job," quipped Joe Maloof, "he can come to work for us as a scout." The owner said the invitation to his star rookie was an impulsive, last-minute decision. "I thought, 'geez, the president told us to pick him. The least we can do is invite him to fly in and join us for the dinner.' "

According to a source close to the Wizards, the Kings will acquire Washington forward Dominic McGuire and cash considerations for a future second round pick. The third-year player is in the final season of a contract that pays him approximately $825,000 this season. - Sam Amick

The online reporting has changed drastically even from last trading deadline to this one, so be sure to follow the Kings news on www.twitter.com/sam_amick to see it all.

***

Reaction to the trade...

"On the basketball side, I'm ecstatic. I couldn't be any happier with the move that Geoff and the Maloofs made to put me in a great situation. I made a name for myself here, they took a chance on me, and who knows where I'd be now if they didn't make sense.
"But it's just like anything, with these relationships you build up for so long, that's the sad part. I'm sad to be leaving Sac. Just as Corliss referred to me as the Golden Child as far as the perception around here, how the older guys took me under their wing, taught me how to do professional job. I learned a lot from guys like Bobby (Jackson) and Corliss (Williamson), with how they did stuff in the community and how they were professional. I watched a lot of that my first couple years, and then once I got out there in the (lime) light I did a lot of that myself and took pride in it. The Maloofs set an example too - that's the hard part of that deal when it comes to the community part."

On the building negativity that surrounded him the last few seasons and grew to a crescendo locally of late..

"I never paid attention to it, but you can always feel a vibe and honestly I saw firsthand with Webb (Chris Webber), Mike (Bibby), and Peja (Stojakovic), and at the end, it always happens like that. No hard feelings on my end for anybody or anything. I had too many great moments to really look at the last six months or whatever timeline you want to put on it. I had an incredible journey. You go from the 17th man your first year to the first man, I just enjoyed my time here. You're always going to have your highs and low, but it's time to move on and I'm ecstatic about that part."

On his experience this season...

I enjoyed this season. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the injury. You just never know what could've happened if I never would've broke my wrist. I agree with everything you said except that I wasn't distant with my teammates. I was distant last year (when he was injured), but this year I stayed around (the team). You might have seen it this year because a lot of this trade stuff was affecting the whole team, and it was time (laughs). That's why I want to thank Geoff and the Maloofs for putting me in a good situation.

On why he thought it was time considering he's a 27-year-old player in his prime that is in just the second season of his five-year, $55 million deal...

When I was hurt, you look at how guys started to develop. There was a new energy and stuff like that, and now you start to build a system toward their strengths because your main player was out so long. When I say it's time, I was in my prime, I say it's time because the 20-point seasons every year didn't really mean as much to me as they did the first time, the second time, and it was just time for opportunity to showcase it somewhere else.
With a guy like me, I'm going to playing 35 or 40 minutes a night, and that takes a hit on the younger guys who they're so high on. That's why when I came back I was expecting to let people go do what they do and I was just trying to fit in. The only way you're going to let them develop and see what they can hold for the future of the Kings is to make a move with a guy like me. They're just out there trying to make a name for themselves and I'm on the opposite side of the pool.

On whether that created tension between him and his teammates...

I don't think there was any tension, I just think everything was new. Everythign was new, and then I got back out there and some nights I was utilized and some I wasn't. That's just the stuff that tells you it's time. But still, I couldn't ask for a better story as far as where I came into the league and where I'm at, how Sac treated me and how much they have given me. It was all good, and that's why I can walk out of here with my head high and very happy.

How much of you thinking your time was up here was connected to doubts about how long it would take this organization to be competitive again?

Those are things you think about, but the person I am I'm just going to try to come to work and get better every day. Because I know everything usually works out at the end. All I can control is me getting better and then all the other pieces fall into place. If they keep on developing, they're going to have a bright future.

On the fourth-quarter situation against Boston Tuesday and whether his decision not to enter play held any deeper meaning...

Sam, I'd do the same exact thing if it was my first year, sixth-year, or year (No. 15). The guys were rolling, got us a lead. It's like when you're down 10 and then the team's rolling, and sometimes the coaches decide to keep their second unit out there. That was just me with what I call my good nature. Those guys just deserved to be out there. You could look at it how you want, but me and coach (Paul Westphal) were 100 percent on the same page with each other.

On how he sees the fit with the Rockets...

Well the way this trades looking, I really don't think everyone's going to be as excited as me to get to the next stop so they might use all 48 hours (until they have to appear with the new team for physicals). But I think I'll fit in very well. I know that GM (Daryl Morey) has been wanting me for a while; I'm familiar with that coaching staff. They know what I can do, they know my strengths. It's just a team on the rise. They know how to play. You try to make a playoff push this year, and then you look at the bigger picture and getting a healty Yao (Ming) and, 'Wow.' That's all I have to say about that one.

On how exciting it is to reunite with former Kings coach Rick Adelman and his staff...

It's very exciting. You've always got to feel good going to a place that really, really wants you in a trade. You could be on the bad end of a trade and not be excited, but I'm very excited to take on this new opportunity and see what it brings.

That's why I'm so ecstatic about this thing. Rick didn't necessarily make it easy for me. We all know that. I still, to this day, see him as my No. 1 coach - and that staff - because they took the time and effort. Coach Carril took time after every practice, Elston Turner, T.R. Dunn and Bubba (Burrage) in the summer time made it mandatory for me to be in Sacramento to put the work in to make the player I am today. A deal like this, the GM and coach definitely talk and I'm glad Adelman spoke highly of me in that regard. - Sam Amick

The online reporting has changed drastically even from last trading deadline to this one, so be sure to follow the Kings news on www.twitter.com/sam_amick to see it all.

***

BLOG CORRECTION: Hilton Armstrong is headed to Houston after all.

BLOG UPDATE (3:12 p.m.): According to a source close to Kings forward Kenny Thomas, he has been waived after the Kings didn't trade his expiring contract worth $8.5 million this season. That leaves the Kings with 15 players after acquiring Dominic McGuire.

***

By Sam Amick
samick@sacbee.com

A morning later, one thing was certain about the Kings and their unexpected roster shakeup that unfolded Wednesday night: Kevin Martin was gone.
As for everything else, it was uncertain.
But clarity finally came this morning, as a source close to the situation said a three-way trade with Houston and New York was agreed upon. Houston will receive Martin, former Knicks Jordan Hill and Jared Jeffries, as well as New York's first-round picks in 2011 and 2012. New York receives Tracy McGrady from the Kings, along with former Kings point guard Sergio Rodriguez. The Kings get Larry Hughes (expiring contract worth $13.6 million) from New York and forward Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey from Houston.
For the Kings, the boon is in the fact that they fortified their frontcourt without taking on Jeffries' contract ($6.8 million expiring after next season). Kings forwards Kenny Thomas or Hilton Armstrong weren't in the trade, after all, as had been originally reported by numerous outlets.

KEVIN MARTIN TRADED TO HOUSTON - Chapter Two

9:42 a.m. - Jumping off from last night's events, sources continues to say it's likely Tracy McGrady is heading for New York. That being the case, the only certainties at this point - and with the trade deadline looming at noon Pacific - are that Kevin Martin will be a Rocket and Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey will be Kings.

Landry is obviously the centerpiece, with the Kings adding to their frontcourt with the third-year player who is having a career year. As for outgoing Kings Kenny Thomas, Sergio Rodriguez, and Hilton Armstrong, they appear to be headed for Houston while the ultimate destination of McGrady remains unknown.

New York and Houston have been working on the McGrady deal for quite some time, and it certainly feels as if the Kings are willing participants to make that deal go down. As one source close to the Knicks told me, "(The Knicks) have been working on this too long to have it not go down." What's more, McGrady is represented by agent Arn Tellem, who just so happens to represent Tyreke Evans as well.

That situation is tailor-made for power play, as Evans is suddenly the most influential King by a longshot and Tellem could - and certainly would - use that leverage to his advantage in these dealings. The Knicks had been offering a package of Larry Hughes (expiring $13.6 million deal), rookie forward Jordan Hill, forward Jared Jeffries ($6.5 million next season) and a draft pick, and that would certainly be the starting point in negotiations with the Kings.

If McGrady comes to Sacramento, I'm told he would immediately pursue a buyout and be looking to sign with Cleveland or the Lakers.

10:34 a.m. - According to a source close to the situation, Tracy McGrady will go to the Knicks, along with former Kings point guard Sergio Rodriguez. The Kings get former Rockets forward Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey and Larry Hughes. Houston gets Kevin Martin, and former Knicks Jared Jeffries and Jordan Hill along with the right to swap first-round picks with New York in 2011 and as well as New York's 2012 first-round pick. The 2012 pick, according to a source, is protected to No. 10.

And Kenny Thomas, who was reportedly in the deal all along, gets to stay in his favorite locale of Sacramento (yes, that was sarcasm). Sam Amick

By Sam Amick
samick@sacbee.com

OAKLAND - When Kevin Martin didn't play in the second half of Wednesday's game against Golden State, it appeared to be the continuation of a bizarre set of circumstances surrounding the team's longest-tenured player.
As it turned out, it was likely the end of his Kings career.
The Kings shooting guard was told at halftime that he looks to be headed for Houston, with coach Paul Westphal relaying word from team basketball president Geoff Petrie that there was an agreement in principle. Sources say the trade also involves Rockets small forward Tracy McGrady, although it is unclear whether he will make it to Sacramento or perhaps be moved again to New York.
The trade was first reported by ESPN.com's Marc Stein, with Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that the Kings will receive forwards Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey while the Rockets will receive Kings forward Kenny Thomas, Hilton Armstrong and Sergio Rodriguez. The NBA's trade deadline is today at noon. Petrie could not be reached for comment.
"It's a sad day for me in sense that Sac was first team that took chance for me late in first round of draft," Martin said from the team bus. "They showed so much loyalty to me through out the years. They gave me the big contract to show that you loved me...(But) I just think it was time for us to go in a different direction. I was the young guy before, and now I'm the oldest starter. I think it's good."
For more Kings coverage, go to www.sacbee.com/kings .

THIRD QUARTER (Warriors 107, Kings 76)

OAKLAND - C.J. Watson is up to 38 points in what has the makings of the worst loss of the season.

Kevin Martin didn't play the entire third quarter. There was no word of an injury so one has to assume Paul Westphal is just trying something different. The score shows it didn't workout too well.

About the only intrigue left in this game is if Watson might score 50 or if Stephen Curry can record a triple double. He has 19 points, 13 assists and six rebounds.

--Jason Jones

SECOND QUARTER (Warriors 72, Kings 45)

OAKLAND - Wireless was acting up here at Oracle Arena, so we're late with the in-game blog.

Quick ugly update: Golden State - sans leading scorer Monta Ellis - outscored the Kings 42-16 in a second quarter in which Ellis' replacement, CJ Watson, looked every bit as potent as the incumbent en route to 23 points for the half. Stephen Curry has the locals wondering if he continues to catch up in the Rookie of the Year race, scoring 15 points and tallying 10 assists. The Kings are shooting 37.8 percent

As for trade deadline action, there is very little to speak of. The aforementioned Sergio Rodriguez-to-Memphis possibility looks to be cooled unless the Kings take expiring contracts back, in which case they'd simply be doing Rodriguez a favor. As for Yahoo's report of the Kings being recruited in a potential Houston-Chicago deal, four sources close to the teams and players involved could not confirm that scenario that is now impossible since John Salmons is reportedly being traded from the Bulls to Milwaukee. - Sam Amick

There is a bigger story going on here as it pertains to Kings shooting guard Kevin Martin, but this is not the time nor the place to go into every last detail.

So the morning after he strangely played just 15 seconds of the fourth quarter in the loss to Boston at Arco Arena, we will focus on how and why that went down as well as why it matters. As for the latter, it matters because it looks as if he'll be on this team beyond the Thursday trade deadline - even if the Celtics and their most well-known fan wish that wasn't the case. And when a player who is working on a five-year, $55 million deal doesn't play when it matters most, that's just not normal. It's not new, either, as there have been a number of odd instances relating to Martin since he returned.

Again, however, we're in hyperfocus mode in this blog post so let's stay there. In the interest of accuracy, I tracked Martin down today to explain how it all went down. He bolted very quickly after last night's game, leaving Kings coach Paul Westphal to discuss the situation (story here and transcript of postgame quotes here). Let the opinion forming begin...

"At the six minute mark, coach said 'Go in,'" Martin informed me. "I walk up to the scorer's table and then head back because (there) was a timeout coming up. On the way back, I said to coach, 'Hey they're playing well. (Do) you want to let them play it out? He said, 'I want you in.' I said, 'OK.' So I was ready to go in at the timeout, then the timeout happened at 3:37 and he looked at me and said, 'Let's just let them play it out.' And I said, 'OK, that's fine.'"

From The Bee

'Free throw woes costly in loss to Celtics,' By Sam Amick

'Garcia finally makes his season debut,' By Jason Jones

From The Contra Costa Times

'Stephen Curry goes cold as Warriors fall to short-handed Lakers,' By Marcus Thompson II

'For Warriors, trade deadline will probably come and go,' By Marcus Thompson II

From The San Francisco Chronicle

'Curry has 'nightmare,' even with solid stats,' By Rusty Simmons

'Will (Corey) Maggette be dealt?' By Rusty Simmons

TONIGHT'S GAME

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Oracle Arena, Oakland.

TV: CSNCA.

Radio: KHTK (1140 AM); KNBR (680 AM).

Kings update: Last month's game in Oakland showcased all that can go right and wrong with Sacramento. Thanks to crisp and efficient execution, the Kings built an 18-point lead midway through the third quarter. Then their offense and defense tanked, and the Warriors rallied for a 108-101 win. The Kings have won their past two road games, and another win would give them their first three-game road winning streak this season.

Warriors update: As Thursday's trade deadline looms, rumors abound as to which Warrior might be made available. One player that won't be dealt is Stephen Curry. The rookie is emerging as a candidate for Rookie of the Year, and has more freedom lately with Monta Ellis missing time with a knee injury. The Warriors have relied on NBA Development League call-ups lately because of all of their injuries.

Probable starters

No. Player Pos.

13 Tyreke Evans PG

23 Kevin Martin SG

18 Omri Casspi SF

20 Donté Greene PF

31 Spencer Hawes C

WARRIORS

No. Player Pos.

30 Stephen Curry PG

22 Anthony Morrow SG

50 Corey Maggette SF

44 Anthony Tolliver PF

15 Andris Biedrins C

- Jason Jones

There was no Kevin Martin in the locker room after tonight's game, which cynics would say was fitting.

When this game was close, and his coach called on him, Martin deferred to the group that gained so much confidence when he missed 32 games.

There was 5:52 left in the game and the Kings trailed the Boston Celtics 82-80. It's the kind of victory the Kings have searched for all season - a win over a title contender at full strength (remember Denver was shorthanded in both trips to Arco Arena).

And Martin didn't want any part of that?

Needless to say, that's not a good look.

"I sent him in to the scorer's table and he said 'things are going pretty good,'" said Kings coach Paul Westphal. "And I said 'I know but I want you in.'"

Westphal said after a long stretch before a mandatory timeout, he and Martin agreed to let the group of Tyreke Evans, Beno Udrih, Omri Casspi, Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes continue playing.

Before that, Martin had already returned to the bench before the timeout was called.

Considering the Kings missed eight of 10 free throws in the fourth, having Martin and his 83.3 percent rate from the foul line would have helped.

But if he was content to watch until coming in with 15.4 seconds left with the Kings needing to make threes and foul to win, that's another issue.

You could give Martin credit for not wanting to disrupt what was working on the floor. That might even be called leadership.

But when the game is on the line, that's when it's time for the best players to be in the game.

Paul Pierce and Ray Allen both shot 5 of 15 for the game. But they were in the game late, making clutch shots and free throws.

It would have been nice if Martin had joined the party. Instead he played just 15.4 seconds of a tough fourth quarter.

*Westphal said tonight's game might have been the Kings' best defensive effort of the season. Boston shot just 37.5 percent and the Kings outrebounded the Celtics, 48-45.

*Jason Thompson's two missed free throws late shouldn't overshadow his effort against a physical front line. He finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and tied his career high with four blocked shots. The same goes for Spencer Hawes who grabbed eight rebounds and blocked two shoots.

--Jason Jones

FOURTH QUARTER (Celtics 95, Kings 92)

Oh, those free throws.

The Kings couldn't make them in the fourth quarter. And with that, so much for that winning streak reaching three games.

Sacramento (18-35) could have tied the game at 89 twice, but two missed free throws each by Omri Casspi and Jason Thompson prevented that.

The Kings made 17 of 20 free throws through three quarters but were missed eight of their 10 free throws in the fourth.

Meanwhile, the Celtics (33-18) made all seven of their free throws in the fouth.

Casspi led the Kings with 19 points. Tyreke Evans had 17 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

Rasheed Wallace and Paul Pierce each had 17 points for the Celtics.

THIRD QUARTER (Celtics 76, Kings 69)

The Kings still can't make shots against the Celtics defense, which looks better with each quarter. It's covering up for the fact that Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen are a combined 8 for 28.

The Kings are now shooting 37.1 percent. But Sacramento's defense hasn't been horrible.

Boston is shooting just 40.3 percent and the Kings have blocked seven shots. The Celtics also have seven blocked shots.

--Jason Jones

SECOND QUARTER (Celtics 57, Kings 52)

The shooting wasn't nearly as good in the second quarter, unless you were a bench player for the Celtics.

Rasheed Wallace has 10 points off the bench to lead the Celtics. Eddie House added nine as Boston reserves have accounted for 34 points.

The Kings are now shooting 41.9 percent. Boston is down to 45.5 percent.

The highlight of the second quarter was the ovation for Francisco Garcia. He checked in at the 9:54 mark and picked up two fouls before sitting down again with 8:31 left in the half.

--Jason Jones

FIRST QUARTER (Kings 30, Celtics 30)

The Kings clearly got their rest during the All-Star break, as they came out strong against the Eastern Conference heavyweight.

Omri Casspi has 10 points on four of seven shooting for the Kings as they shot 55 percent. The Celtics hit 52.2 percent, with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett scoring six apiece. Kings turnovers already at five. Good energy from crowd, and Donnie Wahlberg - Celtics super fan - says hello from courtside. - Sam Amick

The Kings remain among the most quiet teams in the league on the trade front right now, according to my sources, but there is a small situation to report.

I'm told they are considering sending point guard Sergio Rodriguez to Memphis. Rodriguez, who is making $1.8 million in this the final season of his contract, would back up Mike Conley. Because the Griz are under the salary cap, they could simply take Sergio on while the Kings would save the remaining money from this season.

The Kings may elect to hold onto Rodriguez simply for the backcourt versatility. New York and New Jersey have also inquired about Rodriguez, but nothing with any of the teams is believed to be imminent. Newsday's Alan Hahn informed me via Twitter that the Knicks also have a trade exception they could use. New Jersey also has a trade exception. - Sam Amick

The Kings will have their defense tested by someone who can be a one-man fast break.

Rajon Rondo, the first-time All Star, has made Boston's "Big Three" a formidable foursome this season with career-high averages in points (14.3), assists (9.7) and steals (2.5).

Yes, we know Rondo's jump shot leaves much to be desired.

No one is afraid of his 25.5 percent shooting from behind the three-point line. And yes, his free throw shooting is bad (59.1 percent).

Rondo's ability to push the tempo, however, trumps his shortcomings. It's tough to force Rondo to shoot from the perimeter because he can get around most defenders whenever he wants.

The Kings hope to slow Rondo by making him defend Tyreke Evans with the hope Evans' size advantage can wear down Rondo.

If not, Rondo could put the Kings already thin frontline in foul trouble if they are unable to contain him on the perimeter.

"He's a quick guard," Evans said. "Runs around and gets to the basket like me. He knows how to play with that team. You look up and he might have 10 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds."

No one from the Kings wants to look up and see that.

From The Bee

Kings take guarded optimism into second half By Jason Jones

From The Boston Globe

Celtics better have better half By Gary Washburn

From The Boston Herald

Celtics point and shoot By Mark Murphy

TODAY'S GAME
Kings (18-34) vs. Boston (32-18)
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Arco Arena.
TV: CSNCA.
Radio: KHTK (1140 AM).

Kings update: Kings victories against winning teams haven't happened often this season. Only seven of their wins have come against teams above .500. The two-game winning streak before the All-Star break came against struggling squads for New York and Detroit, but this game won't be against one of the league's worst. Sacramento has to hope things don't go as badly as they did in Boston's lone visit last season. The Celtics romped to a 108-63 win, Dec. 28, 2008.

Celtics update: Nearly every pundit pointed to health as the key as to whether Boston could return to the NBA Finals. Health has been a issue and the Celtics come to Sacramento having lost two straight and just 5-5 in their last 10 games. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce took it in easy in the All-Star Game, so they might be ready to begin their push toward the playoffs with fresh legs. Boston is fourth in the Eastern Conference but believes health, not seeding, is most important for the postseason.

Probable starters
KINGS
No. / Player / Pos.
13 / Tyreke Evans / PG
23 / Kevin Martin / SG
18 / Omri Casspi / SF
20 / Donte Greene / PF
31 / Spencer Hawes / C

CELTICS
No. / Player / Pos.
9 / Rajon Rondo / PG
20 / Ray Allen / SG
34 / Paul Pierce / SF
5 / Kevin Garnett / PF
43 / Kendrick Perkins / C

--Jason Jones

The Kings practiced today without coach Paul Westphal, who was in Southern California with his wife, Cindy.

"Paul had a medical issue with his wife in L.A.," said assistant coach Jim Eyen. "Nothing serious but just a little bit disabling for her. It was a last minute thing. He'll be here tomorrow though."

Eyen said the practice was used to get the rust off after a few days off for the All-Star break. The Kings won two consecutive road games before the break.

"We did basic stuff today," Eyen said. "Nothing complicated."

The Kings host the Boston Celtics tomorrow night at Arco Arena.

--Jason Jones

It's t-minus nine days until the NBA's Feb. 18 trade deadline, and we'll keep this conversation going because the fan appetite for information is certainly strong this time of year.

That being said, it's admittedly quite the challenge to separate truth from fiction when it comes to the rumor mill. As one Eastern Conference executive told me today, "half of what I read today (on hoopshype.com) is total bull****." It's not just the media folks trying to sift through it all, though, as front office types often fight the same struggle from a different vantage point.

Now as for the latest that I'm hearing from sources around the league...

TROY MURPHY A KING? POSSIBLY

As of my last trade blog post, I hadn't been told that the notion of Indiana-forward-Troy Murphy-to-the-Kings was legit. That has changed, however, as sources close to the Pacers say there is significant Kings interest in the 29-year-old forward.

And while I had alluded to a possible three-team deal sending Kevin Martin to Dallas, Josh Howard and his $10.8 million expiring contract to Indiana and Murphy to Sacramento, I've been told that the Kings are pursuing a straight up deal centered around the expiring contract of Kenny Thomas ($8.5 million).

The Pacers reportedly want to shed themselves of Murphy's salary, and Thomas would almost do it on his own. He makes $11 million this season and nearly $12 million next season (the final one on his deal). Indiana would surely push to include at least one of the Kings' young prospects (Donte' Greene?) but the Kings may ask that they take on point guard Beno Udrih and his contract that runs through 2013 (player option in final season) and has a combined $21.7 million remaining after this season.

If the Kings could get Murphy without giving up Martin, they would obviously push their payroll to a much higher number but would have a chance to look at that mix for a while. If it doesn't work, you still having the ability to make big changes in the summer. Intriguing idea, to be sure.

THOMAS A KING? DON'T THINK SO

I haven't been able to confirm the fact that the Kings indeed inquired about Chicago's Tyrus Thomas, recently but they'd certainly be doing their due diligence by doing so. I was privy to talks from a few months ago, but this may be a cold trail.

Thomas is a young, athletic, talented big who could help their frontcourt in ways the current crop doesn't (defending the rim, finishing with authority on a consistent basis). But he's also an unpredictable young player with a few character questions who will be a free agent this summer (qualifying offer of $6.2 million for next season). And considering the Bulls aren't looking to take on any additional money, there's no added incentive of them taking back an Andres Nocioni (of whom they think highly as a person, but I'm told don't want that contract back after he was traded to Sacramento last February) type.

I'll keep sharing what I'm hearing, but I'd better run off to the airport lest I miss my flight to Dallas for All-Star weekend. - Sam Amick

NEW YORK - As I mentioned last night, for the first time in my sports journalism career, I was unable to reach an event because of travel-related issues. That East Coast snow storm forced cancellation of flights out of New York earlier today, precluding me from reaching Detroit for Wednesday's Kings-Pistons game at the Palace of Auburn Hills. And this is why teams travel by charter these days: the Kings flew out of New York shortly after defeating the Knicks Tuesday night, departing a few hours before snow blasted the city. I, on the other hand, walked right into the wet white stuff when I left Madison Square Garden after filing my stories around midnight.

There are worse things, of course, than being stuck an extra night in my native New York: Manhattan has an abundance of sports bars, and after calling around, I found a place near my Midtown hotel that was showing the Kings-Pistons game. So, thanks to the folks at the Stags Head tavern on 51st and Second Avenue. The place was mobbed - what were all these people doing out in a snowstorm anyway? - but the manager found me a spot on the second floor and switched the television from UConn-Syracuse to Kings-Pistons upon my request.

Though there was no volume, I read Paul Westphal's postgame quotes, and couldn't agree more. Although rookies Tyreke Evans and Omri Casspi admittedly are exhausted and eager for a few days off, post the Rookie Challenge, coaches hate when positive momentum is disrupted. Two wins in three road games. I think that qualifies as a great trip ...

Sorry for the late notice folks, but there is unfortunately no Bee presence at tonight's Kings win over Detroit. (Although we do have quotes at the bottom of this post)

Ailene Voisin was scheduled to finish the trip, but the East Coast snowstorms trapped her in New York City. Nonetheless, my from-the-recliner observation is that this was the sort of all-for-one-one-for-all win this team so often put together in the early season.

Kevin Martin's 26 points were obviously key, but the bench production from Beno Udrih (22 points, 8 of 10 shooting) and Andres Nocioni (13 points on 6 of 9) was huge in helping the Kings keep pace offensively when their defensive gusto was mediocre early on.

Tyreke Evans got past a few unforced turnovers early and eventually looked like a poised and professional point guard, distributing with willingness and confidence during the first half before turning on his offensive game in the fourth (three crucial fourth-quarter buckets en route to 13 points to go with six assists five rebounds and four of team's 18 turnovers). The Kings' ability to limit turnovers after the first quarter (in which they had six, I believe) was big, as was their ability to get stops late (18 fourth-quarter points from Pistons).

What's more, Spencer Hawes and Jason Thompson helped make up for their lack of scoring (11 points combined) by doing other things. Both big men hit the boards (20 rebounds combined), while Hawes facilitated the offense from the high post quite well (four assists).

Martin won his position scoring-wise 26 to 18, as Rip Hamilton was just 5 of 18 from the floor. He was aggressive and on-target, hitting 9 of 15 shots to mark just the third time in the 15 games since he returned from injury on Jan. 15 that he has hit 50-plus percent from the field. The good news for coach Paul Westphal as he looks ahead to the post-All-Star break stretch (assuming Martin isn't traded by then)? Two of those games were his team's last two, which Martin was a combined 16 of 28.

Speaking of the All-Star break, I will be doing no such thing. I'm heading for Dallas tomorrow to be on the Evans-Omri Casspi beat at the league's annual hoops gala, so check back for letters from the road in the coming days.

P.S. Fun fact of of the day, via Kings stat guru Daryl Arata - The last time the Kings won back-to-back road games leading to the All-Star weekend was in 2003-04, with wins at Milwaukee and Detroit.

Speaking of Arata, he just e-mailed me postgame quotes fresh off the Kings' fifth road win this season in 27 tries.

DETROIT PISTONS HEAD COACH JOHN KUESTER: (On the game) "I know our thought process going into this thing was in the right way. In the beginning, we just kept trading baskets back and fourth in the first and second quarter and we couldn't come up with stops. As good as we were defensively at times last night, we weren't as good tonight. Going into the fourth quarter, you're tied up - our execution wasn't as crisp as it was the night before."

(On Nocioni and Udrih): "Well, Udrih lit us up. He goes from five minutes versus New York and then comes in and lights us up. That hurt and Nocioni came in and hurt us. You have to go into this thing knowing that these guys are in the NBA for a reason and you have to play them straight up."

(On gaining some momentum before the All-Star break): "Going into it, we really had that mindset, looking forward to that next game and recognizing that, 'Hey, listen, we're headed in the right direction.' We took one step forward and two steps backwards. This game can be very unkind to you at times especially if you don't do things the right way and we didn't do things the right way defensively or offensively."

(On the team's consistency): "It seemed like we weren't as poised as we were the night before. We go from being so poised to not being as in control as we had been. It seemed like we were rushing things. These guys wanted to win so badly tonight but sometimes when you want something so badly you end up rushing as opposed to doing things like you did the night before."

DETROIT PISTONS FORWARD CHARLIE VILLANUEVA: (On the disappointing loss) "It's very disappointing. We let that that one slip away. We gave them this game. We will spend a couple days off, get away from basketball and be focused on Monday."

(On the game) "I think we were playing well, and then they made a run. We kind of got away from what we were doing at the first half. I think that during first half we were playing very well."

(On the All-Star break) "A lot of things change during an All-Star break when guys come back. Hopefully, we will be one of those teams that can make a push."

SACRAMENTO KINGS HEAD COACH PAUL WESTPHAL: (On back-to-back road wins before the break) "I'm very happy, our team is getting better and one of our problems has been that we let go of leads and two nights in a row we did just the opposite. Tonight our defense really stiffened up and we actually got some stops which is what we needed to do if you want to win road games in this league. So, we are learning and we are getting good performances from different people and we hate to have this break happen right now. However, it's a good time for it and it is good to take two road wins into the break."

(On bench stepping up) "We were having a hard time playing with any energy at the beginning of the ball game and then Nocioni and Beno (Udrih) came into the game and were just very aggressive and changed the tone of the game for us. Jason Thompson then came in and did a good job on the boards as well. Then when the starters came back in there later, they took the cue from Beno and Andres. It was definitely a group effort in all ways tonight."

SACRAMENTO KINGS GUARD KEVIN MARTIN: (On back-to-back wins on road) "It was huge, especially for our confidence since we were struggling with that coming in to this road trip and we just wanted to get a couple of wins and we did. We just knew what we were up against tonight with the All-Star break here. Sometimes guys mentality is to pack it in early, but we didn't do that tonight."

(On finishing strong) "We did, we just wanted to execute better down the stretch because when you have guys out there like Rip and Tayshaun who has been through everything in this league, they know how to execute down the stretch and we just wanted to do the same. We hit shots and they didn't down the stretch."

(On bench help) "Beno (Udrih) and Nocioni came in and gave us a spark and that is what we needed. Sometimes, especially on back-to-backs, with the game that we had in overtime last night in New York, guys played a lot of minutes. So, tonight Beno and Nocioni came in and gave us a big lift and they got everyone else going."

- Sam Amick

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***

First of all, be sure to read yesterday's debut of 'Trade chatter from home,' as it includes all the relevant context to fully comprehend this post.

Now as an addendum to that one, I wanted to address three reports regarding the Kings today.

TROY MURPHY A KING?

Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports the Kings have inquired about the Indiana forward Troy Murphy, and that wouldn't be surprising.

I've been told that's not the case, but that doesn't mean it's not worth discussing. The Kings obviously want a big, and Murphy - who is a very productive one with a good inside-out game- is one of the few so widely known to be available. If this were to happen, look for it to be the aforementioned three-team deal in which Kevin Martin goes to Dallas. And consider this as well: Murphy is represented by agent Dan Fegan, who also represents Martin and most of the Mavericks team.

THE STOUDEMIRE SCENARIO - AGAIN?

Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Kings have discussed sending Martin to Phoenix for Suns forward Amare Stoudemire.

I began discussing in late January why the Kings would steer clear of this kind of scenario - read here - and I have been told that remains true. The only qualifier is this: the Maloofs are big Stoudemire fans.

They have privately raved about his talents for quite some time and have a relationship with him. That coupled with their eternal confidence in their own powers of persuasion means they just might think Stoudemire could be convinced he belongs in Sacramento. If there was a call made, I wouldn't be shocked if it was George Maloof on the Kings' end (I'm half-kidding, or maybe 90 percent kidding). Yet while that may sound like a means to getting a deal done, remember this: those same factors were in place relating to Drew Gooden, and he couldn't get out of Sacramento quickly enough when he was traded here last season.

HOW SERIOUS IS BOSTON?

We had extensive Celtics material in the last post, but I've seen conflicting reports about the team's willingness to deal veteran shooting guard Ray Allen and his expiring contract worth $18.7 million.

As I understand it, the most accurate representation of reality is this story from CBSSportsline's Ken Berger in which this is what we call the "nut graph"...

The bottom line is that Ainge, who saved his job by pulling off the perfect storm of trades that yielded Allen and Garnett three years ago, has made it clear in private conversations that he's "not going back to the abyss," according to one person familiar with the discussions.

SPEAKING OF MARTIN...

I did an interview with Whiznews.com - Southeastern Ohio's News leader and serious Martin mania country - yesterday in which we discussed his situation and the continuing chaos around it. That chat can be found by clicking here, but be warned that it took me about 10 minutes to get it loaded up.- Sam Amick

OVERTIME: Kings 118, Knicks 114

NEW YORK - With strong efforts from several of the Kings, including Kevin Martin in overtime, and Tyreke Evans in a spectacular closing stretch of the fourth period, the streak ends - finally.

The Kings leave for Detroit in a few minutes, no longer burdened by a six-game losing streak.

After finishing regulation with two nifty assists to Jason Thompson, in the extra period, Evans was again a playmaker. After Martin stroked three consecutive jumpers, including a three from the top of the circle, the rookie point guard penetrated and passed out to Martin, all alone in the left corner.

Before Martin even launched the ball, Paul Westphal was raising his arm on the sideline, ready to punch the air. The Kings reserves were on the feet, willing the ball into the net. When it did, the question became the familiar - but could they hold on?

FOURTH QUARTER: Knicks 105, Kings 105

While Jewish groups purchased at least 1,000 fans to see Kings rookie Omri Casspi, the first Israeli to play in the NBA, the Madison Square Garden crowd was mesmerized by another rookie - Tyreke Evans - during a spectacular closing sequence of regulation.

In a five-minute span that forced overtime, the 6-foot-6 Evans drove for two layups, twice found Jason Thompson for dunks, and grabbed the rebound that set up the tying field goal.

For the second time in as many nights, the Kings were competitive despite their usual issues perimeter defense, interior defense, and turnovers. Turnovers by Evans, Sergio Rodriguez, Kevin Martin and Andres Nocioni during one particularly sloppy stretch at the end of the third period precluded the Kings from gaining on the Knicks - hardly one of the league's more intimidating defensive squads.

Nocioni, who had a miserable night, throwing away balls, getting stripped of rebounds, committing senseless fouls, lost the ball again, giving the Knicks another fastbreak opportunity for a 98-83 lead.

THIRD QUARTER: Knicks 84, Kings 76

Paul Westphal apparently didn't like Spencer Hawes' defensive effort in the opening minutes of the game. Hawes was benched six minutes into the game and spent the duration of the evening on the sidelines. The Kings opened the second half with Jon Brockman and Ime Udoka on the floor, with Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi and Jason Thompson.

The game was close until David Lee got on a roll. The Knicks center and free agent to be scored on a rebound, hit free throws, converted another jumper, and blocked a shot. The Kings also became sloppy in the closing minutes, committing three silly turnovers before the period ended.

At one point, with Casspi at the line, a few sections of the Madison Square Garden crowd chanted, "Om-ri CASS-Pi." Several of the Kings players on the bench cracked up.

FIRST QUARTER (Knicks 22, Kings 26)

NEW YORK - Omri Casspi appeared to shake any pregame jitters and led the Kings in the opening period with nine points and two rebounds. But the struggles at the foul line continue. Donte Greene failed on both his attempts and Kevin Martin, who came off the bench after missing shooting with a migraine, missed a pair as well. The defense was, um, again, but the good news for the Kings? The Knicks aren't defensive wizards, either.

NEW YORK - Kevin Martin will be coming off the bench tonight because he skipped shootaround with a migraine headache. (No shootaround, no start). He felt much better by the time he arrived at Madison Square Garden and expected to play. Despite his earlier discomfort, he was joking around, and grinned while watching the throng of media members crowding around Omri Casspi.

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***

Ailene Voisin is on this East Coast trip, although it sounds as if she's stuck in New York and potentially unable to get to tomorrow's game in Detroit.

Back at home, I've been banging the phones on the trade front and have to a couple of iron-clad conclusions regarding the hot topic of Kings shooting guard Kevin Martin and whether he'll be moved.

* The Kings remain quiet, at least as it pertains to Martin. There is no reason to think basketball president Geoff Petrie is motivated in the slightest bit to move him before the Feb. 18 deadline. Translation: "Dead as Chelsea's nuts."

That's how Petrie answered my question about Martin and potential trade talks in late January, when I knew the gist of what he meant but had to chuckle at how he so consistently finds confusing ways to say simple things.

His chosen form of expressing the fact that it was a non-existent topic in his mind was odd enough and off-color enough that it was edited out of this story. Depending on a number of factors - the four games remaining before the deadline, the patience level and state of mind of the Maloofs and the quality of any potential offers - I'd still say there's a slim chance this part of the equation changes.

* Boston is legitimately interested in Martin, but that scenario doesn't look likely to go anywhere at the moment. A source close to the Celtics said they have not spoken to the Kings, but the two teams will likely talk soon.

If the Kings were to accept a deal giving them Ray Allen and sending the Celtics Martin and Andres Nocioni, the deal could very well get done. I don't see Petrie doing that, however. That move would free up approximately $17 million off the Kings' cap this summer and free up Martin's money that runs through 2013 and Nocioni's through 2012. It doesn't bring back talent beyond this season, obviously, as Allen's contract is expiring.

Despite the Kings' hopes of landing an impact big man, don't expect Celtics GM Danny Ainge to give up center Kendrick Perkins (or point guard Rajon Rondo, for that matter, if I even needed to verbalize that part).

* After a recent strong statement from Minnesota GM David Kahn that he won't be doing any big moves, I inquired once again as to the state of affairs out that way.

My discoveries are sure to crush those of you online and in the radio realm who have been clamoring for a Martin-for-Al Jefferson deal or even a Martin-for Kevin Love deal. But don't hold your breath. Despite sources close to the T-Wolves recently saying they had discussed adding Martin, those discussions apparently didn't wind up with the conclusion that he is destined to be a T-Wolf. There is no interest in him.

* Dallas remains the leader in this pack as far as interest, but owner Mark Cuban is reportedly pursuing Washington's Caron Butler and surely looking at Sacramento thinking, "It takes two to tango." No dancing yet, but who knows as the deadline nears. The Mavs don't have enough desirable pieces from a talent/contract standpoint to get it done on their own, though, meaning a third team remains necessary.

* To review, Houston didn't get far in its talks with the Kings about Martin that would have involved the expiring contract of Tracy McGrady coming to Sacramento for Martin and the expiring contract of Kenny Thomas. That shows quite clearly that ridding themselves of Martin's money alone after this season isn't enough to do a deal.

In conclusion, we surmise that it's going to take some serious offers to pry Martin out of Sacramento before the deadline. - Sam Amick

RAPTORS 115, KINGS 104

TORONTO -The early wakeup call wasn't the problem. Although the Kings were still on Pacific Standard Time, having arrived here early Saturday evening, their effort during Sunday's noon tipoff wasn't the issue. They received balanced scoring, amassed 36 points on the break, and held a seven-point lead early in the final period.

But Chris Bosh had 36 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, and besides committing untimely turnovers in the final period, the Kings succeeded only only 25 of 36 free throw attempts.

Kevin Martin led six Kings in double-figures with 24 points and seven rebounds.

The Kings, who dropped their sixth straight, squandered opportunities to give themselves a decent cushion entering the final period, but Donte Greene, who had hit three consecutive treys in the third period, missed two of three free throws. Beno Udrih couldn't convert on a technical called against Raptors point guard Jarrett Jack, and then missed two more attempts, followed by a Kevin Martin miss. The Raps capitalized on consecutive turnovers by Greene (ballhandling error) and Nocioni (bad pass), exploited Bosh's explosiveness around the basket, took advantage another failed free throw attempt by Greene ....

Defensively, the Kings just had no answer for Bosh. The left-hander, who will be among the most coveted free agents this summer, torched the visitors with mid-range jumpers, spin moves underneath, follow shots, dunks, blocks, and a terrific pass to Andrea Bargnani that stretched the lead to double-digits with just over three minutes remaining. The Raptors' ball movement is sensational. They get easy shots because they are such willing passers. Not a great defensive squad, though, by any means.

THIRD QUARTER (Kings 87, Raptors 84)

Coach Paul Westphal changed his lineup yet again. After starting Omri Casspi and Donte Greene at forward, he went with Andres Nocioni and Jason Thompson after intermission. He clearly approved of Nocioni's physical defense on Hedo Turkoglu. I also just noticed an interesting stat from the halftime box: the Kings had 26 fastbreak points.

Thompson just picked up his fourth foul. Again, he started to argue with the official, but Tyreke Evans wisely pulled him away. Too bad. Thompson was playing well offensively and going to the boards. And just like that, Turkoglu gets out in the open court and hurts his old team with a layup and a three from the top. This is a critical stretch here, with the Raps pulling ahead by six.

Westphal's latest substitution - Greene for Nocioni - worked perfectly. Donte drilled three consecutive three's to give the Kings their first lead of the afternoon, with two from the right elbow, one from the right corner, on nice setups by Evans. The Kings had chances to pad their lead, but Evans lost the ball and, after being fouled on his fourth three-point attempt, Greene missed two of three foul shots. For change, the Kings caught at break at the end of the period when Ime Udoka tipped in a miss just before the buzzer and the Raps were assessed a technical for arguing that the shot should not have counted.

SECOND QUARTER ( Raptors 62, Kings 59)

Jason Thompson, who missed the previous games to spend time with relatives following the death of his cousin in Philadelphia, gave the Kings a lift before getting tagged with his third foul. Coming off the bench for Donte Greene, he scored on a layup in the opening period, then added another layup, a follow shot and two free throws early in the second quarter. He didn't rush his shots. In contrast to some of the Kings recent games, the ball movement was excellent. Rookie point guard Tyreke Evans penetrated and found open teammates for jumpers and layups.

Kevin Martin seemed pretty lively. His pullup jumper on the break pulled the Kings to 52-49, and after another Raptors turnover, he attacked the basket against Hedo Turkoglu and earned free throws. (Have to admit - those protective facemasks are not very flattering, though it didn't affect Hedo's performance). Martin's steal and breakout layup tied the game at 59-59 with 10 seconds to go. Once again, though, an interior defense lapse - Spencer Hawes failing to block on the second of Turkoglu's free throws - enabled Bosh to score a putback at the buzzer.

FIRST QUARTER (Raptors 31, Kings 24)

The noon tipoff - that's 9 a.m. for you folks back home - wasn't kind to the visitors from the West. I counted four airballs in the first five minutes, including a pair by rookie Omri Casspi underneath. For the Raptors, former King Hedo Turkoglu struck for nine quick points on a variety of shots, including a three, a beautiful drive off the glass, and a pair of jumpers. Paul Westphal replaced Casspi with the more physical Andres Nocioni with about three minutes remaining. The Kings seemed a little more awake as the game progressed, and they had trimmed a 13-point lead to 31-24 when the buzzer sounded. They also went to the line for 11 free throws, though Kevin Martin missed two of his freebies.

FOURTH QUARTER (Suns 114, Kings 102)

There was no comeback to keep the fans interested tonight. Instead the final buzzer on this game was greeted by a spattering of boos.

The Kings (16-33) lost for the 19th time in their last 22 games. This one was never close with the Suns (31-21) jumping out to 39-24 lead after the first quarter and never having to worry from there.

The Suns two All Stars looked the part tonight. Amar'e Stoudemire sparked the second-half surge and finished with 30 points and nine rebounds.

Steve Nash had 23 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.

In the midst of the rout, Donte' Greene scored a career-high 31 points for the Kings. Omri Casspi had 17 points and Tyreke Evans added 13 points.

But it was another off night for Kevin Martin. He missed seven of his nine shots to finish with five points. It's the fourth time in Martin's 12 games back from injury that he's scored only five points.

THIRD QUARTER (Suns 96, Kings 71)

One statistic that shows just how bad this game is going is Steve Nash has eight rebounds to go with 23 points and 10 assists.

Nash has more rebounds than any other Kings thus far.

That's just one example of how bad this game has been for the Kings.

Amar'e Stoudemire who scored 13 of his 24 points in the third dominated the quarter. After the Kings pulled within 10 points at 70-60, Stoudemire helped create space with two highlight-reel dunks.

Nash might not get his triple double because at this rate he won't be needed in the fourth quarter.

--Jason Jones

TORONTO - I'm filling in for Kings beat writer Sam Amick on the Kings upcoming three-game road trip against the Raptors, Knicks and Pistons, and just my luck, I arrived at the downtown hotel early this evening only to learn that ESPN's Canadian affiliate, TSN, is showing a curling event on the main cable channel instead of the NBA double-header. All I can figure is that I am being punished for all those years of ridiculing women who treat their pets like children, until of course, I became one of those women who treat their pets like children. Thus, I was forced to choose between watching one of the silliest of sports (curling) and a movie. I opted for "Amelia," though I did catch the Kings first-half score on the TSN ticker. Even from afar, it looked like another pathetic effort, especially defensively. I also finalized arrangements to meet with Hedo Turkoglu after Raptors practice in the morning. The popular one-time King has hit hard times here, and I'm sure I'll hear all about it. You'll read about it in The Bee on Sunday.

Join the Kings Corner Facebook page here.

Follow Sam and fellow hoops scribe Jason Jones on Twitter - sam_amick and jejones_sacbee.

***

We are equal-opportunity pleasers here at The Bee, meaning we want to give you the real dish about what's going on with the Kings while not offering doom-and-gloom insights every single day.

What that in mind, we present the latest update to the ongoing Spencer Hawes story: he's playing pretty well.

After Hawes talked recently about his mindset, he has gone on to make his presence felt against Denver and San Antonio - 23 points (10 of 18 shooting), seven rebounds, three assists and one block against the Nuggets on Monday; 18 points (9 of 14 shooting), six rebounds, three assists, three blocks against Spurs on Wednesday.

Both teams have formidable frontlines, so no one can take anything away from what Hawes was able to do. And in light of coach Paul Wespthal's comments made Thursday, Hawes' next goal should be to eventually be known as the team's best post player.

"Tyreke (Evans) is our best post player," Westphal said when asked by former Bee scribe and current Sacramento Press writer Marty McNeal about the post play. "Haven't you watched the games?

"We don't have a big guy in the low post that you can throw into and make everything calm down and better. I think that's obvious. At the same time, we have plays and sets that I think we're doing a better job of executing. I think for the most part, we can expect to get a pretty good shot when we need to."

I asked Westphal about Hawes' comments in the story I linked above, when the third-year center was candid about the fact that he has no desire to play like teammate/resident bruiser Jon Brockman. For the most part, Westphal agreed with his player but clarified that he could add elements of that kind of game.

"He's not going to intimidate anybody with his body," Westphal said. "He's more of a finesse type player. But that doesn't mean he doesn't have to use leverage and make contact first. He has a totally different style than Brockman, but he's as entitled to loose balls as Brockman and he's entitled to carving out his position and learning how to best utilize the body that he has. No, everybody can't have the same style, they have to find a way to get the job done. I think he's learning how to mix it up.
"For example, (against San Antonio) he was going to try to box out (Tim) Duncan, and Duncan being the wily veteran that he is grabbed Spencer's wrist right as he was trying to box him out and use the leverage point to move Spencer away from the step he's supposed to make...It's a nice trick...Duncan outwilyed him (yes, I realize that's not a word, but you get the point)."

The Kings are down one post player for tonight's game in Jason Thompson, as he will miss his second game because of a death in the family and meet the team in Toronto. Small forward Omri Casspi will play in spite of dealing with a stomach virus that caused him to miss practice on Thursday.

Kings shooting guard Kevin Martin said he has been impressed with Hawes lately.

"With Spencer, a lot of things revolve around him, but confidence-wise it was (case of) him reading a little too much (when he referenced his D-plus grade in the above story)," Martin said. "But in this last week, he has really grown up a little, shown he can handle what comes with this business."

From The Bee

'Team isn't fully in top gear,' By Sam Amick

'Udrih, Westphal differ over playing time,' By Sam Amick

From The Arizona Republic

'Suns' Robin Lopez-Channing Frye combination working at center,' By Paul Coro

'Amare Stoudemire favoring opting in with Suns,' By Paul Coro

TONIGHT'S GAME
PHOENIX (30-21) AT KINGS (16-32)
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Arco Arena
TV: CSNCA.
Radio: KHTK (1140 AM).

Kings update: The downside of progress continues for the Kings. Before they started the season with a surprising 13-14 record, the idea of remaining competitive with a team like the run-and-gun Suns qualified as success. So when they fell twice to Phoenix by reasonable margins on Dec. 5 and Jan. 5 (115-107 and 113-109, respectively), it was hailed as such. Now, though, coming close is no longer enough. In what is their fifth attempt to match last season's franchise-low win total of 17, this team simply needs a victory.

Suns update: Trade rumors aren't bothering Suns forward Amare Stoudemire, who has led his team in scoring throughout its four-game winning streak. It's the high-point of the season for Phoenix, which is not only winning but taking out high level foes in Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and Denver. It's the sort of potential playoff preview that could inspire the front office to hold onto Stoudemire until the summer at least. He as an early termination option on his contract for next season but has yet to decide if he'll become a free agent.

Probable starters

No. Player Pos.
13 Tyreke Evans PG
23 Kevin Martin SG
18 Omri Casspi SF
20 Donte' Greene SF
31 Spencer Hawes C

SUNS

No. Player Pos.
13 Steve Nash PG
23 Jason Richardson SG
33 Grant Hill SF
1 Amare Stoudemire PF
15 Robin Lopez C - Sam Amick

Join the Kings Corner Facebook page here.

Follow Sam and fellow hoops scribe Jason Jones on Twitter - sam_amick and jejones_sacbee.

***

Truth be told, I never took the Kings' late rally seriously. As discussed in the game story from their 115-113 loss to San Antonio on Wednesday night, Kings co-owner Joe Maloof never looked enthused and it's safe to say I took his lead.

Upon retrospect, however, it was still a ridiculous run led by rookie Tyreke Evans that's worth revisiting. They were down 13 points with 2:23 remaining after a Keith Bogans three, followed by missed jumpers from Donte' Greene and Spencer Hawes and the subsequent decision from Evans to take matters into his own hands in the eight straight scoring possessions that followed...

1:41 - Evans pickpockets George Hill much like he did in a win over Washington back in this team's glory days, then finishes with a dunk on the break. Down 11.

1:07 - After a Manu Ginobili travel, Spencer Hawes hits a 20-footer after taking the pass from Evans. Down nine.

:46.6 - Evans pulls off yet another sensational steal, this time getting Roger Mason. He finds Greene for the alley-oop dunk on the break. Down seven.

The necessary foul game begins from here, with the Spurs hitting eight of their final 10 to eventually seal it. Nonetheless, the Evans show continues.

:28.5 - A classic Evans drive and layup cut the lead to six.

:18.7 - Evans - who is shooting just 27 percent from beyond the arc for the season - continued his three of five outing from three-point range with a rainbow attempt that cuts the lead to five.

:06.9 - Evans hits yet another three to cut the lead to four.

:04.1 - Andres Nocioni buries a three to cut the lead to three.

:01 - Evans hit a three that was not only a bank shot but I believe it circled the rim a bit before falling in. As Jason Jones commented, Evans will probably never look so disappointed to hit a three as he was shrugging and walking off the floor before it fell through. Kings lose...again.

"You can't really say enough about Tyreke," Kings coach Paul Westphal said. "He's 20 years old and he's gotten respect throughout the league because of the kind of competitor he is plus the kind of talent and voice that he is. He's an unbelievable player."

Other notes from the game that didn't make the paper...

BLAIR WITCH (DOCTOR) PROJECT

DeJuan Blair's story is simply incredible, especially considering he has no ACLs in either leg. He has had a productive rookie season and destroyed the Kings front court for 20 points on 9 of 11 shooting, including a second-quarter stretch in which he scored 13 straight points for the Spurs.

The Kings - like so many other teams - passed up on Blair in the June draft because of the huge red flags being waved by the medical community. They were obviously on the hunt for a backup big (eventually taking Jon Brockman at No. 38 via the Sergio Rodriguez trade with Portland), but Blair - who was once seen as a lottery pick - fell to No. 37 because of the red flags being waived so vehemently by the medical community.

"Every team in the league wants to disbar or whatever you do to doctors who said that guy and his knees weren't OK to draft," Westphal said. "He's making them look like they should have flunked out of medical school and gone to drive a cab. That guy is unbelievable. He was a legendary rebounder in college (at Pittsburgh) and there's no reason to think he won't lead this league in rebounding if he ever gets enough minutes."

BENO A NO-SHOW

Beno Udrih had his second DNP-CD (Did not play, coach's decision) of the season just one day after Westphal and his point guard revealed he has been dealing with foot soreness related to plantar fasciitis. Sergio Rodriguez was effective in his 16 minutes off the bench, hitting five of seven shots for 10 points and posting three assists against no turnovers.

"Beno has had that plantar fasciitis and looked a little slower than he ordinarily is," Westphal said. "It was just a decision to go with Sergio before Beno...I told him I'd probably use Sergio as the backup point and I'd probably use (Udrih) behind Kevin (Martin), but I really didn't want him to go out there and guard Ginobili when they subbed Ginobili in at (shooting guard). So when it was time for Kevin to take a rest, I put Ime (Udoka) in. And in the second half, we used Donte' to guard Ginobili because of the way matchups were. I didn't see (the point in) playing Beno two or three minutes in each half so we just went a different direction."

Udrih had played 32 minutes just two nights before in Denver and had played at least 13 minutes in every game he had played in this season. But he has long since has slowed in more ways than foot speed.

He finished January shooting just 43.8 percent overall and 27 percent from three-point range for the month, this after he shot 51.5 percent overall and 42.9 percent from three-point range in November and December. Aside from his 24-point outing against Golden State on Jan. 26, he has scored a combined 27 points in the last six games in which he has played.

MARTIN - AND NAPEAR - OFF-TARGET AGAIN

The boos were a new experience for Kings shooting guard Kevin Martin, who drew the fans' ire when his reverse layup off an Evans pass through the lane sailed over the rim and barely glanced the backboard.

Martin - who did not address the media afterward - hit just 6 of 17 shots overall, bringing his totals since coming back from wrist surgery on Jan. 15 to 36.4 percent shooting overall and 34.5 percent from three-point range in 11 games while averaging 17.2 points.

On a side note, I did catch wind of Grant Napear's concocted controversy regarding Martin's final attempt in Denver. The KHTK and Kings' company man who so clearly has a beef with Martin ripped me for not asking the shooting guard about the miscommunication Westphal had alluded to in Tuesday's editions.

Had he asked me - which he curiously never does, leading me to this current Donovan McNabb-Terrell Owens-esque state of 'Keep my name out of your mouth' - I would have informed him that all involved said the miscommunication was simply a case of poor timing and nothing more. Martin took too long to get into the play, as it began with 18 seconds left and he drove some 10 seconds later. He shot it with 2.7 seconds left, meaning the Kings would hardly have had enough for a last-ditch attempt had they grabbed the offensive rebound, not to mention the possibility of a drive and kick to shooters on the perimeter if Martin's path was blocked. Not ideal by any means.

And while it was certainly a botched attempt at a game-tying or winning play, the more relevant part of the possession was Martin thinking he'd get that call (which we all knew he wouldn't) and speaking on that topic (which he did). While Napear explained that he doesn't do postgame interviews with players because his TV platform doesn't have that postgame element anymore, he's certainly free to present his various theories to the players in person for material he could later use on his radio show. Especially since he supposedly doesn't read the paper, right? How else are you going to speak in an educated manner on the topic unless you do your own homework? Even the bloggers do that these days.

For what it's worth, Napear's voice was heard the one and only time I questioned his work. Apparently professional courtesy doesn't go both ways.

ON A MORE POSITIVE NOTE, THE GOLDEN HILLS KIDS DO THEIR COUNTRY PROUD

The flag didn't touch the ground, and that's all that really matters right?

Kudos to the kids from Golden Hills School in El Dorado Hills for that. The energetic bunch who was escorted by athletics director Geoff Kaupinnen took part in a game on the Arco Arena floor by day, then held the American flag by night during the pregame national anthem.

In the interest of full disclosure, my father-in-law is a middle-school science teacher at the fine establishment. And as I learned in the brief time spent together with the students, there are about a dozen kids convinced that they - and no one else - are Mr. Blum's favorite pupil. - Sam Amick

FOURTH QUARTER (Spurs 115, Kings 113)

As seems to be the case a lot in Kings losses lately, they made it close in the end, but the comeback didn't come soon enough.

The Kings fell behind by 13 in the fourth quarter before Tyreke Evans did all he could to bring them back. He had 17 points in the fourth quarter, including a three that rattled in at the buzzer.

The Kings missed 12 of their first 16 shots in the fourth to fall behind. Evans' efforts insured the game wouldn't be a blowout, but Sacramento would have needed a miracle to pull out this one.

Evans finished with 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Kevin Martin made just six of his 17 shots in scoring 15 points. Spencer Hawes added 18 points for the Kings.

George Hill filed in for the injured Tony Parker with 23 points and nine assists. Tim Duncan added 22 points and 13 rebounds.

Manu Ginobili and DeJuan Blair each had 20 points off the bench for the Spurs.

--Jason Jones

THIRD QUARTER (Spurs 88, Kings 83)

The Kings still haven't figured out how to slow down Tim Duncan or DeJuan Blair, but they're still close enough to possibly pull out a win.

Four of the five starters for the Kings are in double figures. Spencer Hawes is up to 14 points and Donte' Greene now has 10.

Duncan has 19 points and 12 rebounds. Blair has 20 points, as the frontcourt of the Spurs has been dominant enough to overcome 15 points apiece from Tyreke Evans and Kevin Martin.

--Jason Jones

SECOND QUARTER (San Antonio 61, Kings 60)

DeJuan Blair's 16 first-half points and Tim Duncan's 15 may have led the Spurs, but Manu Ginobili's dunk energized them.

The supposedly-old-and-not-as-athletic-as-he-used-to-be guard drove left and ripped a left-handed dunk over Spencer Hawes late in the second quarter to pull the Spurs within one. It's been nearly even across the board other wise, with the Kings shooting 56.1 percent and San Antonio hitting at a 52.2 percent clip.

The test will come in the third quarter, of course, as Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is sure to make the sort of defensive adjustments he always makes and the Kings will be hard-pressed to score 50 in the second half, let alone 60.

FIRST QUARTER (San Antonio 31, Kings 29)

A solid opening quarter for the Kings, who could stand to defend with a little more gusto but whose 50 percent shooting has them in fine position.

Tyreke Evans has seven points and Donte' Greene has six, while the Spurs are led by Tim Duncan and George Hill (eight points apiece). Spurs point guard Tony Parker is out with a left ankle injury. - Sam Amick

Kings forward Jason Thompson will miss tonight's game against the San Antonio Spurs and Friday's game against the Phoenix Suns to attend a family funeral on the East Coast.

The Kings leave Saturday for Toronto, so Thompson would likely meet up with the team for the game against the Raptors on Sunday.

Thompson averages 13.1 points and a team-leading 8.7 rebounds. He was the only Kings player to start every game this season.

No word on who will start in Thompson's place. Jon Brockman would be the likely replacement but I've learned not to predict Paul Westphal's lineup.

--Jason Jones

The Kings have dropped 17 of their last 20 games. But somehow coach Paul Westphal still smiles and proclaims not all is lost in the rash of defeats.

"We're so close to breaking through," Westphal said. "And it sounds like a broken record because we had a bad month. We could hardly win a game in January. Had a chance to get a road win against one of the top teams in the league and couldn't break through (Monday in Denver)."

The fact is the Kings are still relying on a group of largely inexperienced players and it showed last month and in the loss in Denver.

Sure, it can be said the Kings young players can't be dismissed as inexperienced since they're nearly 50 games into this season.

But then you remember a player like Tim Duncan has played in more playoff games than a few Kings have played in their entire games.

What does that mean? There's still a lot of learning to do.

"We're picking up what it takes to win," Westphal said. "We're in the process of growing as a young team and I think that we're seeing progress when we watch the film in breaking it down. The way we're helping each other. Our defense is getting better - it has a long way to go. And our offensively we're being more consistent even though the turnovers are something that we need to improve. I think we're at least having a better quality of turnover if there is such a thing."

The problem for the Kings remains focus for a whole game.

It's why the Kings can fall behind by a lot of points and then suddenly rally in the second half. It's also why the Kings can build a big lead only to see it disappear like it did in Denver.

"We had a very cohesive offense most of the game then we got into some periods of time where we for whatever reason started dribbling the clock out," Westphal said of the Denver loss. "You have to execute for 48 minutes...for whatever reason it seems like we're up to about 32 to 36 minutes."

That leaves the Kings 12 to 16 minutes away from breaking through.

From The Bee

Injuries sideline Kings' three-guard scheme By Jason Jones

From The San Antonio Express-News

Best may be yet to come for Spurs, McDyess
By Mike Monroe

Spurs' shooters won't grow passive
By Jeff McDonald

TONIGHT'S GAME

Kings (16-31) vs. San Antonio (27-19)
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Arco Arena.
TV: CSNCA.
Radio: KHTK (1140 AM).

Kings update: Sacramento has dropped seven consecutive games to the Spurs, including both games in San Antonio earlier this season. And after going 2-13 in January, the Kings are hoping their shooters start making shots again and their defense picks up. After ending December with 14 wins, the assumption was the Kings would have surpassed last season's total of 17 wins by now. Instead the Kings find themselves a win short of 17 and several players trying to work their ways out of slumps.

Spurs update: It seems as if San Antonio battles injuries every season. But in the end, the Spurs end up near the top of the Western Conference. The Spurs will be without Tony Parker (sprained left ankle) but have confidence in backup guard George Hill. And San Antonio will have All-Star forward Tim Duncan. He's the only player in the NBA to rank in the top 20 in points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage.

Probable starting lineups

KINGS

No. Player Pos.
13 Tyreke Evans PG
23 Kevin Martin SG
20 Donté Greene SF
34 Jason Thompson PF
31 Spencer Hawes C

SPURS

No. Player Pos.
3 George Hill PG
8 Roger Mason Jr. SG
24 Richard Jefferson SF
21 Tim Duncan PF
34 Antonio McDyess C

- Jason Jones

OVERTIME QUARTER (Denver 112, Kings 109)

DENVER - Arron Afflalo's 20-footer with 18 seconds left in overtime lifted the Nuggets over the Kings at the Pepsi Center on Monday night.

The shot came after a jumpball was won by Denver's Kenyon Martin with five seconds on the shot block, but Afflalo corralled the loose ball and buried the open look over Kings shooting guard Kevin Martin.

It was a rough finish for Martin, who handled the ball in the Kings' final two possessions and could only muster a turnover (driving on Afflalo) and missed runner when he drove left against the other K-Mart and didn't get the call he was looking for.

Spencer Hawes had a team-high 23 points for the Kings and Martin had 22, while the Nuggets had six players score in double figures and were led by 24 points from Kenyon Martin and 23 from Chauncey Billups (who was just 6 of 25 from the field).

FOURTH QUARTER (Kings 99, Denver 99)

After giving up the lead that was once as large as 16 points and even trailing by six in the fourth quarter, the Kings have survived to go to overtime.

Chauncey Billups hit a driving layup over Beno Udrih to put Denver up 99-95 with 55 seconds left, but Omri Casspi hit a driving floater in the lane to cut the lead to two. Then a Nene inbounds pass was mishandled by Billups and lost out of bounds.

With 27 seconds left, Spencer Hawes' tip-in of a Casspi miss tied it 99-99. Billups missed a three attempt with 2.7 seconds left and Hawes missed a jumper at the buzzer.

THIRD QUARTER (Kings 78, Denver 73)

Of course the Kings' offense stalled.

Ten third-quarter turnovers later, and they put up a 14-point period that was so bad it's a wonder they're not trailing. Kevin Martin went scoreless in the third, missing all three of his shots. Denver's Chauncey Billups finally awoke from his superstar slumber, hitting two key threes.

The Kings are 14-8 in games in which they led after three quarters, so we'll see what happens here.

SECOND QUARTER (Kings 64, Denver 50)

Spencer Hawes just shot two free throws in the second quarter, which is as good a sign as any that things are going well for the Kings.

After all, the third-year center averages just 1.6 free throw attempts per game. He made those, just as Jon Brockman made five of six shots during a 10-point second quarter in which he repeatedly blew by Nene and avoided the likes of Chris "Birdman" Anderson and Kenyon Martin.

The Kings trailed 38-37 before taking off on a 12-2 run in which Andres Nocioni hit two three-pointers and Omri Casspi scored four points (much to the delight of Section 108 at The Pepsi Center, which is populated entirely with Casspi fans).

The Kings are shooting 54.5 percent and have 17 assists, with their offense looking fully capable of surpassing the 100-point mark for just the second time in the last 11 games. Denver, meanwhile, hardly looks ready for revenge after already falling to the Kings twice this season. They said all the right things for this story coming in, but have been flat while allowing the Kings to outrebound them 22-15.

FIRST QUARTER (Kings 26, Denver 26)

No Tyreke Evans tonight for the Kings, but they're doing fine so far.

The Kings rookie is out with a sore right ankle (read blog below), but Kevin Martin and Spencer Hawes have picked up the scoring load by combining for 15 points. The Kings started by hitting nine of their first 15 shots, but missed their final five while the Nuggets finished the quarter on a 13-3 run.

Kenyon Martin and Chauncey Billups have five points apiece for Denver, which is playing without Carmelo Anthony (left ankle sprain). - Sam Amick

Join the Kings Corner Facebook page here.

Follow Sam and fellow hoops scribe Jason Jones on Twitter - sam_amick and jejones_sacbee.

***

Quick update on tonight's game: Tyreke Evans will not play, as the Kings rookie is now dealing with a sore right ankle that is related to his previously-bruised left hip. He overcompensated while dealing with the hip and is now experiencing discomfort in the ankle. He said at this morning's shoot-a-round that he expects to be ready for Wednesday's game.

Beno Udrih will start, followed by the usual suspects (Kevin Martin, Donte' Greene, Jason Thompson, Spencer Hawes). Denver's Carmelo Anthony - as mentioned in story links below - will play. As for how the Kings handle this challenge that was daunting even before losing Evans, we present coach Paul Westphal.

From The Bee

'Jason Thompson has King-size growing pains,' By Ailene Voisin

From The Denver Post

'Nuggets' Martin scores 27 in Melo's absence to lead 103-89 road win against the Spurs,' By Chris Dempsey

'Nuggets coach Karl says Anthony will try to play tonight,' By Chris Dempsey

GAMEPLAN

Kings (16-30) at Nuggets (32-15)

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Pepsi Center, Denver.

TV: CSNCA.

Radio: KHTK (1140 AM), KAHI (950 AM).

Kings update: The trip to Denver comes at the most inopportune time. The Kings, who have lost eight of the past 10, continue to labor offensively. They have failed to score 100 points in 11 of the previous 12 games. The Kings have defeated the Nuggets twice at Arco Arena this season, but a win on the road will be much more difficult. Tyreke Evans sat out most of the second half of Saturday's loss with a sore left hip but is expected to play.

Nuggets update: George Karl may not have obtained that desired new contract, but his club is on a roll. Even with Carmelo Anthony sitting out the previous four games, the Nuggets were 12-3 in January, won nine of their past 10, and are coming off a road rout of San Antonio. J.R. Smith averaged 17.5 points during Anthony's absence. Unfortunately for the Kings, 'Melo is due back tonight.

Probable starters

No. Player Pos.

13 Tyreke Evans PG

23 Kevin Martin SG

34 Donté Greene SF

34 Jason Thompson PF

31 Spencer Hawes C

NUGGETS

1 Chauncey Billups PG

6 Arron Afflalo SG

4 Kenyon Martin PF

15 Carmelo Anthony SF

31 Nene C - Ailene Voisin