2007 Kings versus Sonics

I went to the Sacramento Kings versus Seattle Supersonics basketball game. Over the last few years, I have made it a habit to try and go to the first and last home games of the Sacramento Kings season. When we did our season ticket draw, I did not end up with the first game so I bought a single ticket. The ticket was in section 113, row AA, seat 16. Located right behind the visitor's bench, this is as close as I have ever sat. The Kings won the game by a score of 104 to 98.

The Kings looked pretty good in the first quarter. Unlike last year under Musselman, it actually looked like they were running an offense; they were moving without the ball and passing. The Kings were ahead 26 to 25 at the end of the first quarter.

The roof fell in on the Kings in the second quarter. Wally Szczerbiak replaced Kevin Durant. Szczerbiak scored 18 points in the second quarter. He was 9 for 11 and the Sonics opened up a 20 point lead. With a mishmash of substitutions, it looked like the Kings stopped running their offense during most of the second quarter. The Kings were able to claw back and cut the deficit to 13 points at halftime.

The Kings started the second half with a 7-0 run and made the game competitive. They tied the score towards the end of the third period and then keep it close the rest of the way. Garcia hit a three with 29 second left in the game to seal the victory for the Kings. My seat was close to the baseline and I was looking straight at Garcia on the other side of the court when he took the shot. I was sure that it was not going to go in. The real difference at the end of the game was Brad Miller getting a number of rebounds.

In spite of my comments a month ago, I have to admit that I was impressed with Durant. He ended up with 27 points on 11 for 22 shooting and 3 for 9 from three point range. Durant also had 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Durant has a very, very smooth shot. Nevertheless, I would love to see Artest cover him for a game. It seemed like the Kings could have been more physical with him.

Szczerbiak ended up with 32 points on 12 for 16 shooting and 5 for 8 from three point range. He was just unconscious. I think that the Sonics made a mistake in the second half by not feeding him the ball every time down the court.

Kevin Martin had 31 points on 11 for 21 shooting and 1 for 6 from three point range. Martin added 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

All in all, it was a very entertaining game...

In an odd note, the 104 to 98 score was the same score that the Kings beat the Sonics by a month ago in preseason?!?