| Kings Flounder Into All-Star Break Authored by Bob Souza - February 18, 2005 - 3:16 pm
Like polluted, drunken sailors staggering silly out of a bar, the Kings now tumble mercifully into a severely needed vacation. It couldn’t come too soon.
Following a stretch where they had won 9 of 11, and seemingly headed in the right direction, it has now turned disgustingly ugly. They’ve lost 6 of 7, and seven of their last ten. They have been out-rebounded 91-69 in the last two. Not pretty.
And it could get worse. A lot worse.
After a single home game against the Hawks, it’s back to the heartless road for the next six, including stops at Dallas, Orlando, Washington, and Philly - a brutal period that may very well define this team for the duration. The ability to win away from home, and the confidence it begets, can emerge as a major force in the playoffs.
The ride so far has been anything but boring. You’ve got one major trade, plenty of tirades to help lighten the fat wallets, and the continuing disputes about how to get a new arena to keep the team in town. Oh, and where exactly Joe and Gavin might want to move them (as if that matters).
Then there’s the trade deadline looming - that could prove terribly exciting. Anybody have a monster healthy rebounder for sale? Cheap?
This break gives the Kings a chance to blow off some of the recent stink. Besides being victimized on several occasions by extremely questionable officiating, the injury bug has slapped almost everyone now. Darius Songaila suffered a bruised knee against Boston, the same game Peja Stojakovic strained a hammy. Then Mike Bibby rolled an ankle against the Nets. What’s going on?
At least there will be no worry of anyone getting hurt on all-star weekend – unless somebody slices their finger while opening a can of tuna fish. Maybe some rest will be the precise antidote, the magic potion. This team could sure use something.
“We have to take these four days off and get energized,” Rick Adelman said. He also expressed a desire for some practice time with Cuttino Mobley, to learn plays he would like to call.
With a chance to clear up some injuries, the Kings plight could improve. Chris Webber said that he, along with teammates Mobley, Bibby, and Stojakovic must get healthy.
“Those are not excuses,” he stated. “We just need everyone to take a rest and come back mentally and physically ready.”
But he also deadpanned, “If I’m saying these same things Tuesday, then we’re in trouble.”
We’ll all know soon enough. |
