Season Game #16
@
---(8-8)-------------(8-8)---
Box Scores
Sacramento Kings 112 - New Orleans Hornets 102
Bryant, Webber and Miller celebrating after a comeback win
against the Hornets. Kobe Bryant scored 41 points and dished
out seven assists.
Kings Rally to Sting New Orleans
December 1
By Zoilo Resurreccion
NEW ORLEANS, Dec. 1 (AP)-- From bringing Kobe Bryant from the Lakers to giving Eric Musselman a second chance, the Sacramento Kings management is making all the right moves.
Sacramento, after undergoing a huge shakeup they improved to 3-0 as the suddenly resurgent Kings rallied to beat the New Orleans Hornets 112-102 on Friday night.
Bryant (41 points) had his second straight strong game since becoming a King, and Brad Miller and Chris Webber had 12 points apiece. But it was Musselman's decision to go with a 1-2-2 full court press in the third that sparked the Kings' comeback from an 11-point first half deficit.
Kobe Bryant scored 41 points and dished out 7 assists while playing the entire fourth quarter, displaying the energy that made the flamboyant guard a basketball superstar while helping the Lakers to three consecutive NBA titles.
"Sometimes you go the way the game is going,'' Musselman said about his decision to pressure the ball to counter New Orlean's slowed down offense. "If things are going well for you, then your enthusiasm and your concentration and our focus is really sharp. Tonight (Kobe) was very focused, his energy was infectious to our guys and it really gave us a lift.''
It hasn't been that way most of the season. Bryant, the former Laker, came in averaging just 22 points and under five assists in 16 games with Los Angeles. He also had a huge scoring night last Tuesday with a season-high 56 points against his former team.
And Friday was no different. Bryant torched the Hornets scoring 15 and 12 points in the second and fourth period, respectively. Kobe has now scored a total of 97 points in his two games with Sacramento.
"We just wanted to take it to them and be the aggressor,'' said Bryant, who shot 16-for-29 and had five steals. "I think that's what we did.''
Tyson Chandler scored 18 points and Peja Stojakovic added 15 points, 12 rebounds and two steals for the Hornets, who has now dropped three games in a row.
"We've got to mix and match and keep trying to plug and see what works,'' Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.''
With Chandler and Stojakovic combining for 23 first-half points, Charlotte built an 14-point lead on Peja's three-pointer with 55 seconds left.
Bryant hit a jumper with 4 seconds left in the first half to cut the deficit to 61-50.
At the start of the third, Musselman started to take advantage of Scott's lineup and surprised New Orleans with a 1-2-2 full court press. The King forced turnovers which got them to as close as three points, 63-60, after a lay-up by Bryant.
The Hornets got in control again in the middle of the quarter as the Kings fumbled the ball a couple of times. The quarter ended with New Orleans up by six, 87-81.
In the fourth the Kings took over. The game was tied at 87 and after that it was back-and-forth between the two teams. Kobe's two assists to his teammates put them ahead 99-97 with 3:05 left, including a look away pass to a cutting Jordan Farmar.
It then became a free throw shooting contest as the Hornets started to foul every time down the floor. Sacramento split their charities several times but was able to clamp down on defense.
Bryant scored on a soaring dunk to put the icing on the cake, giving them the ten-point win, 112-102.
"I feel great, I have never felt like this since my championship years in L.A.,'' Bryant said. "I am really enjoying my stay here in Sacramento, it’s like a new life for me.''
The Kings, who improved to 2-1 against New Orleans this season, held a 29-12 assists advantage. Hornet's best offensive weapon, Chris Paul, was held to 15 points and three assists on 6-of-13 shooting.
Notes: Musselman said he's been focusing on defense more in practice since taking over, convinced his team's offense is solid. ... With Scott frustrated, he made a questionable move by benching G Chris Paul in the fourth period. ... Kings F Kenny Thomas injured his leg after landing awkwardly during a lay-up. Hornets out rebounded Sacramento, 52-40, with Chandler and Stojakovic both grabbing 12.
Photo Gallery
Around the NBA
MIN 87 @ DAL 103 Josh Howard 19 pts, 8 reb
IND 101 @ NY 105 Eddy Curry 34 pts, 17 reb, 3 blk
MIL 93 @ NJ 107 Jason Kidd 16 pts, 10 ast, 4 reb
CHA 77 @ TOR 92 Chris Bosh 27 pts, 16 reb, 4 blk
ORL 100 @ DET 113 Chauncey Billups 26 pts, 10 ast
WSH 103 @ CLE 101 Caron Butler 23 pts, 7 reb
NBA Rumors: Friday, Nov. 31
Welcome to the rumors page! There are several rumors going around the league right now so be
sure to check it out.
Knicks looking to trade away a point guard?
Sources are saying that the New York Knicks are trying to move a point guard. It is undetermined
at the moment who they are trying to move. The Knicks have a bunch of point guards in their roster
which includes Stephon Marbury and Nate Robinson.
Marbury has not been on good terms with coach Isaiah Thomas and things are just getting worse while
Nate Robinson is not playing well as he has just been averaging about four points a night.
Gary Payton still wants to play
Veteran point guard Gary Payton have announced that he still wants to play in the NBA. Payton said
that he would love to play for teams that can go deep in the playoffs. Sources are saying that he is
considering teams that lacks point guard depth and experience.
“I know I can still play at a competitive level,” Payton said in a recent phone interview. “There are
teams out there that I would really like to help and I would love to get another ring before I retire.”
Wolves looking for a new point guard?
Insiders are saying that the Minnesota Timberwolves are seeking help at the point guard position. It is
believed that they are willing to part ways with a shooting guard in order to get one.
This might no see the light of day since the Wolves currently have a nice young group in Randy Foye,
Sebastian Telfair and Marko Jaric. The three are playing well running the team’s offense.
That’s it for today, check back next time for more news and rumors from around the NBA.