Salmons leads Kings past Hornets (AP)

For three quarters, Bobby Jackson did nothing to make the New Orleans Hornets pay for trading him last February. Then he showed them exactly what they were missing in the fourth. John Salmons scored 29 points, and Jackson had all eight of his points in the final 5:10 to help the injury-depleted Sacramento Kings surprise the New Orleans Hornets 105-96 on Wednesday night.

Suicide lines: Dr. Gortat, McGrady’s knee, a CP3 milestone … (Yahoo! Sports)
Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your Crispix .

8 is enough: Iverson, Pistons stop Cavs’ streak
NBA/~4/459094448″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Without Yao, Rockets fall meekly to Terry, Mavs
NBA/~4/459140544″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

NBA Today (AP)

Pistons are less physical, but more slick
The Bad Boys are long gone. These Pistons have their own personality with Allen Iverson — and it ain’t bad, Charley Rosen says.NBA/~4/459184172″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings preview

Grizzlies YAHOO! Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings preview By Ronald Tillery , Memphis Commercial Appeal Tuesday, November 18, 2008 GRIZZLIES vs Sacramento FedExForum, 7 p.m. TV, radio: Fox …

Kings Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

The Kings were getting torched defensively. And that was before

Tuesday’s 109-94 loss at Memphis.

Having entered as the 27th-ranked team in points allowed (103.1

per game), 27th in opponents’ field-goal percentage (46.7) and

three-point percentage (.410), the Kings sank to a new low against one

of the league’s lowliest teams. They allowed the Grizzlies to shoot

54.2 percent from the field and hit 10-of-16 from three-point range

(62.5 percent), astounding numbers considering Memphis entered

shooting just 42.77 percent (25th) and 30.0 percent from beyond the

arc (27th).

After an 0-4 trip in which the Kings‘ horrific defensive efforts

(111.7 points per game allowed) had reportedly threatened the job

security of…

Gay scores 22 as Grizzlies shoot past Kings (AP)

A three-day layoff was just what the Memphis Grizzlies needed to rejuvenate their struggling offense. Rudy Gay scored 22 points and Memphis shot a season-high 54 percent to help the Grizzlies snap a four-game losing streak with a 109-94 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. “We had a lot of time to practice, whereas other games we’ve been on the road or playing back-to-back-to-back,”…

NBA Power Poll: Ranking teams, sizing up rookies (SportingNews.com)
After Anthony Morrow put up 37 points in his first start for the Warriors, it only seemed right to take a closer look at the rookies in this week’s Power Poll.

Suicide lines: Dr. Gortat, McGrady’s knee, a CP3 milestone … (Yahoo! Sports)
Each weekday morning, BDL serves up a handful of NBA-related stories to digest with your Crispix .

Game Day Conversation: Kings vs Suns

Ball movement … is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy.

Kings’ defense sags; so does their record

Quincy Douby hung his head. He was at a loss for words when asked about his shooting troubles in the Kings‘ 109-94 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night at FedExForum.

Kings Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Reggie Theus knew he was on the hot seat. He didn’t however, know it would be this hot this early.

The Kings coach entered his second season well aware that the powers-that-be in the organization weren’t going to pick up the option on his third season. But after just nine games, Kings co-owner Joe Maloof aired his grievances publicly via radio and newspaper on Friday.

Speaking to the “Rise Guys” show on Sacramento sports station, KHTK, Maloof ended the interview with a comment that sparked much speculation about Theus’ job security at the moment.

“He’s got to get a system,” Maloof said. “And if he gets that system and we have confidence in him and he’s got a bright future with us.

Spurs beat Kings for 2nd straight win

Michael Finley scored 21 points and Tim Duncan had 20, including two key baskets in the final minute, in the San Antonio Spurs‘ 90-88 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.

Duncan’s short jumper tied it with 49 seconds left and his bank shot off a drive put San Antonio ahead for good at 90-88 with 15.5 seconds remaining.

But Duncan missed two free throws with 2.3 seconds left, but Quincy Douby threw up an airball on a 3-point attempt. On the Kings‘ previous possession, Brad Miller shot an airball on a wide-open baseline jumper with 5 seconds left.

Opening tip: The Kings are attempting what the Pistons pulled off

News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA. Pistons at Kings Scoring: Kings seventh , Pistons 13th .

Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings preview

Grizzlies YAHOO! Memphis Grizzlies Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings preview By Ronald Tillery , Memphis Commercial Appeal Tuesday, November 18, 2008 GRIZZLIES vs Sacramento FedExForum, 7 p.m. TV, radio: Fox …

BDL NBA Power Rankings: Shattered dreams, broken promises (Yahoo! Sports)
The BDL NBA Power Rankings combine two parts Chivas Regal with one part flippant observation to create the most…

Kings Blog: Injury updates

It’s never a good thing for a team when a reporter starts a media session with “Another one bites the dust, huh?” and the coach isn’t quite sure which exact situation is being referenced.

Spurs beat Kings for 2nd straight win (AP)

Even without Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, the San Antonio Spurs are still using the same formula to win games. Michael Finley scored 21 points and Tim Duncan had 20, including two key baskets in the final minute, in the Spurs‘ 90-88 victory over Sacramento on Sunday night. Defense and reliable clutch shooting from Duncan have been a staple for the Spurs over the past 11 years when they have won…

Dirk goes wild as Mavs end 5-game skid in OT
NBA/~4/455478533″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Baron finding life not so Golden with Clips (Yahoo! Sports)
Free-wheeling Baron Davis came to L.A. to build a contender. The process could be slower than he envisioned.

Grizzlies ragged now but they have a future
O.J. Mayo and the Grizzlies are frustrating to watch at times, but more experience will solve many problems, Charley Rosen says.NBA/~4/454023694″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Lopez looking like a keeper so far
Brook Lopez’s first start caught Peter Vecsey’s eye. And the GMs who passed up on the Stanford star probably noticed too.NBA/~4/455032780″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Kings Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Reggie Theus knew he was on the hot seat. He didn’t however, know it would be this hot this early.

The Kings coach entered his second season well aware that the powers-that-be in the organization weren’t going to pick up the option on his third season. But after just nine games, Kings co-owner Joe Maloof aired his grievances publicly via radio and newspaper on Friday.

Speaking to the “Rise Guys” show on Sacramento sports station, KHTK, Maloof ended the interview with a comment that sparked much speculation about Theus’ job security at the moment.

“He’s got to get a system,” Maloof said. “And if he gets that system and we have confidence in him and he’s got a bright future with us.

Suns hammer Pistons without Shaq
NBA/~4/455533688″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Baron finding life not so Golden with Clips (Yahoo! Sports)
Free-wheeling Baron Davis came to L.A. to build a contender. The process could be slower than he envisioned.

Warriors top Baron, Clips behind rookie Morrow
NBA/~4/454416908″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Marbury: Being in limbo is ‘humbling’
Stephon Marbury confirmed Friday’s New York Post report that he and Knicks president Donnie Walsh met on Thursday, but that doesn’t mean anything has been rectified.NBA/~4/453993779″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Shaq scores 29 as short-handed Suns beat Kings 97-95 in overtime

Shaquille O’Neal tied a season high with 29 points and had 13 rebounds and six assists Friday night to help the short-handed Phoenix Suns beat the Sacramento Kings 97-95 in overtime Friday night.

Grizzlies ragged now but they have a future
O.J. Mayo and the Grizzlies are frustrating to watch at times, but more experience will solve many problems, Charley Rosen says.NBA/~4/454023694″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Kings Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Jason Thompson wanted to start. But despite averaging 11.3 points on 58.8 percent shooting and grabbing 6.8 rebounds and 24 minutes in his first five games, the Kings‘ rookie forward remained a reserve.

Ordinarily, the decision by coach Reggie Theus to stay with starter Mikki Moore would have been expected. But Thompson’s play came with the backdrop of Moore playing some of the worst basketball of his 11-year career. Thompson, however, would eventually get his chance.

Inserted into the starting lineup as a small forward because of the recent ankle injury to Kevin Martin (John Salmons moved to shooting guard), Thompson has made the most of his opportunity. Entering Friday’s game against Phoenix, he had hit 13 of 20 shots in two games while averaging 15.5 points and 10…

Kings: Tonight’s game

Kings vs. San Antonio Tipoff: 6 p.m. Where: Arco Arena TV: CSN Radio: KHTK Outlook: This officially counts as domination now, as the Spurs have won 13 of the last 16 meetings with the Kings and have won seven …

Power Poll: Point guard play makes big difference (SportingNews.com)
Mo Williams has upgraded the Cavaliers‘ offense and moved the team into the top 5 of this week’s poll.

Quietly dominant, Howard will make noise
Dwight Howard might be mild-mannered, but the young Magic center is poised to break into superstardom, Mike Kahn says.NBA/~4/453175231″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Kings coach Theus fined $25,000 (PA SportsTicker)
Sacramento Kings coach Reggie Theus was handed a $25,000 fine by the NBA on Thursday for critical comments toward officials.

Daily Notes for Sunday: Expect a Warriors-Kings shootout

By Joshua Whitling Special to ESPN.com November 8, 2008, 3:58 PM Matchups for Sunday Nov.

Kings: Tonight’s game

Golden State at Kings TV: Ch. 10. Radio: KHTK ; KNBR Head to head: The Kings were 1-3 against the Warriors last season, but this Golden State squad is hardly the same team.

Kings Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Kings rookie small forward Donte’ Greene entered play late in the first quarter against the Clippers, and there was no reaction from the fans inside the Staples Center. Yet back in Sacramento, Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie may well have let out a cheer at the sight of the youngster getting a chance to show his skills.

Greene’s early playing time was among the less obvious progressions in the Kings youth movement, but it was progress nonetheless. He hit two shots for five points and grabbed two rebounds in eight minutes, which was nothing compared to the latest outburst from rookie forward Jason Thompson.

Like Greene, Thompson—who had 16 points and 11 rebounds in 33 minutes—is part of the organization’s new core of young talent that they wanted to…

Game #8: Pistons at Kings

The long-rumored THREE CENTER LINEUP … has arrived. FACT: Average height of the Kings frontcourt: 6 feet, 11.6666666666666667 inches.

Udrih leads Kings past Clippers (AP)

With Kevin Martin sidelined, Beno Udrih knew he had to look to score more than usual. He wound up scoring more than ever in an NBA game. Udrih had a career-high 30 points, five rebounds and seven assists, and the short-handed Sacramento Kings never trailed in beating the Los Angeles Clippers 103-98 on Wednesday night for their first road victory of the season.

Iverson beats Kings for first win with Pistons

Allen Iverson had 30 points and nine assists to win for the first time with his new team, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 100-92 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night.

Tayshaun Prince added 26 points and 11 rebounds for the Pistons, who had lost their first two games since acquiring Iverson from Denver last week for All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups, key reserve Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb.

After falling behind by 15 points early in the opener of a four-game West Coast road trip, the Pistons fought back and beat the short-handed Kings for their first win with the former league MVP.

NBA Pacific: Bynum Hopes To Help Lakers Take The Next Step

Obviously if you reach the NBA Finals and take the eventual champs to six games you have to be considered a legitimate NBA title contender.

Kings Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

When the Kings were finished with their off-season moves, basketball president Geoff Petrie was far from hesitant to share his opinion about his team’s potential. He wanted to compete for a playoff spot.

While his projection came far short of being an edict, it was enough to make the Kings‘ coaching staff realize that they must remain in contention for much of the season. Yet two weeks in, the task continues to get harder.

Swingman Francisco Garcia (strained right calf) has yet to play this season, center Brad Miller missed the first five games because of suspension, point guard Beno Udrih (left hip flexor) started slowly after missing the final two preseason games, and guard Quincy Douby (sore right ankle) has missed the last three games.

Court Awareness: Monday’s action
Paul Pierce ended his shooting slump in a big way. He was one of many stars catching fire Monday night, Thomas Halzack says.NBA/~4/449961766″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Kings have coveted Magic’s Turkoglu ever since trading him

Nov. 11–It wouldn’t surprise the Magic to hear from the Sacramento Kings at the February trade deadline.

NBA | Nuggets cut McDyess

The Nuggets waived Antonio McDyess on Monday one week after obtaining him from Detroit along with Chauncey Billups and Cheikh Samb for Allen Iverson.

Returning to Sacramento is comfortable leap for Jackson

Former Gophers star Bobby Jackson has been traded five times in an NBA career that now has lasted 12 seasons.

Fantasy leagues don’t measure players’ true values
Statistically, Shaq is one of the NBA’s best shooters. This is one reason, Charley Rosen says, not to fall in love with numbers.NBA/~4/449809842″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

BDL NBA Power Rankings: From sea to shining sea (Yahoo! Sports)
The BDL NBA Power Rankings combine two parts Crown Royal with one part flippant observation to create the most…

Kings Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

When the Kings began their exhibition season at Portland on Oct. 7, Spencer Hawes had no idea that one performance would cause so much concern.

But the second-year center struggled so mightily against Blazers center Greg Oden that questions immediately arose. Could Hawes survive against some of the league’s beastly big men? Could his finesse game emerge in the face of so much physicality? Could the Kings‘ center of the future be the player they thought he could be?

Seven games into the regular season, Hawes has gone a long way toward answering the questions that surrounded him. He produced in five games as a starter while Brad Miller was out with a suspension, averaging 12.6 points and eight rebounds before making a smooth transition to the bench.

In two games as a…

Martin sprains ankle in Kings’ win
Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Martin will miss at least a week after spraining his left ankle in a victory over Golden State on Sunday night. Martin is the NBA’s 11th-leading scorer at 22.4 points per game. He had 27 points against the Warriors when he injured his ankle when he fouled on a drive. The Kings said Monday that Martin will be sidelined 7-10 days. The fifth-year pro averages 3.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds.NBA/~4/449064329″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Court Awareness: Sunday review
Sunday was a day of tests in the NBA. The Lakers passed, the Jazz failed, but they weren’t alone. Erick Blasco reveals the rest.NBA/~4/448693852″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Kings G Martin sprains ankle (AP)
Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Martin will miss at least a week after spraining his left ankle in a victory over Golden State on Sunday night. Martin is the NBA’s 11th-leading scorer at 22.4 points per game. He had 27 points against the Warriors when he injured his ankle when he fouled on a drive. The Kings said Monday that Martin will be sidelined 7-10 days.

Down 16, Pierce keys huge comeback for Celts
NBA/~4/449076367″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Nuggets waive McDyess week after Billups trade
The Nuggets have waived Antonio McDyess, one week after they obtained him from Detroit along with Chauncey Billups and Cheikh Samb in a swap for Allen Iverson. McDyess hasn’t played any games for the Nuggets since the trade.NBA/~4/448782988″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

10 star players who might get moved
After last week’s blockbuster deal, Mike Kahn says 10 other star players might be changing their addresses sooner rather later.NBA/~4/448639788″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Kings G Martin out 7-10 days (PA SportsTicker)
Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Martin will miss seven to 10 days with a sprained ankle, the team announced on Monday.