| The Return Of The Webber Man Authored by Bob Souza - March 29, 2005 - 2:51 am
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So, just who was it that was out to prove something? How about Brian Skinner and Kenny Thomas.
Talk about raining on your homecoming parade. Jeez.
We’ll get back to that in a moment; first the setup.
The Kings are still smarting from that horrid second-half meltdown in Denver March 27th. Perhaps they were busy peeking ahead to the home-style reunion with Chris Webber.
If you watched that game against the Nuggets, you had to wonder if the Kings’ equipment manager switched their shoes at halftime for laughs. An early April Fools’ joke. Replaced them with his brand new customized lead-loaded Reeboks.
He probably thought the boys would just blame everything on Colorado’s thin air.
What a hoot. If you didn’t know better, you’d have sworn the teams exchanged uniforms during the break. Eduardo Najera? Who is that guy?
Now, everyone knows George Karl has the Nuggets standing as tall as the mile-high city lately, but if you switched the channel at the halfway-point, there was probably a smile of victory on your lips. Too bad. That’s where the frowning began.
Najera’s 3rd quarter entry and subsequent scrappy play made it clear his intent was to out-hustle every player, official, coach, mascot and fan on the floor -- which he did, of course. And the Kings were so fascinated that they sprinkled in some sloppy shooting, lazy passing, and porous defense just to help him out. Such swell guys.
The beauty of the NBA though, is that any particular game will always have exactly zero bearing on the next one. Take the game against Philly, for instance.
Webber received his anticipated raucous ovation from the Sacramento fans, and he seemed genuinely touched – even somewhat embarrassed. His happiness at being back in Arco Arena was evident. It must have been quite the rush when he drilled his first jumper.
But then, darn… the adrenaline wore off. After a 4 for 5 first quarter, he landed with a thud in the second, going just 1 for 9. His final numbers were a respectable 20 points and 10 rebounds, but he made just 8 of 26 -- a rather unremarkable return.
C-Webb has had to adjust to getting “waved off” by Allen Iverson, something that will undoubtedly happen frequently. However, his comfort level is improving, and the Sixers had won 9 of 14 with Chris.
But… “not in OUR house”! No way.
Those former 76ers made sure of it. Skinner grabbed 19 rebounds, scored 14 points and blocked a few shots. Thomas had 20 points and 15 boards. Both had 4 assists in the 118-109 win.
They heard about the parade, and assumed it was in their honor. Corliss Williamson missed it because of some headaches. Oh well.
Cuttino Mobley and Peja Stojakovic fell in step with 30 and 26, respectively. Stojakovic seems to have discovered his sweet stroke the last 3 games, averaging just under thirty, while shooting about 60%. This is a really, really good thing. Can he continue?
On the other hand, Mike Bibby has suddenly hit the dregs the past nine games, shooting only about 35%. He managed some clutch baskets in the 4th quarter, however. All those minutes may be having an effect.
Any win is a good win, but this one has to feel especially delightful. Getting strong production from the new guys is further validation about the big trade, and also contributes heavily to the optimism.
Now it’s off to the Motor City. Let’s hope the only threat of bombs come from the Kings’ 3-point shooters. |
