Winning Hard Games

I totally agree with what my mom said. And I think all she said is true, but there are a few things she missed. Like when she said injuries are hurting the Kings, that's true. But our young guys are really coming out to play, especially Donte Greene coming in as a rookie starter. We couldn't do it without Bobbie Brown either when he's filling in for Beno. And Jason Thompson has really helped us with those three-point plays from the free throw line.

If you get what I'm saying, you feel how hard it is when you see all of these losses. But they can pull out a win with this four game home stand that they're on. Even though they lost the first game to the Mavs, they played their hearts out, and I admire that.

If you don't get what I'm saying, leave me a comment. Oh, and by the way, GO KINGS!

Guest Blogger: Thoughts from My Mom

My son's a little down (okay, devastated might be a more accurate description) about the recent string of losses by our Kings. In my nine-year-old's mind, drafting any posts about his beloved team is like pouring salt into a growing wound. So, I've called a time out, and asked him if I could post as a "guest blogger." So, here it goes.

We saw a license plate frame from a few weeks ago that read "I know true heartache -- I'm a Kings fan." My first reaction was one of empathy -- after all, I lived through the devastating play-off loss to the Lakers way back when. But recent team injuries and losses, coupled with general fan malaise has me thinking quite the opposite. In fact, if I were to create a license plate frame, it would read: "I know true joy -- I'm a Kings fan."

Some might think I'm crazy. (I know my son often thinks I'm a bit addled when I tell him to think more positively.) But here's my rationale:

• We've been sorely affected by injuries to key players, BUT they're on the mend. Cisco's back, and Kevin will likely play Tuesday.
• We've had to pull from our bench and play rookies in the starting line up. BUT, hey, our rookies are gaining experience that other teams' rookies aren't. And we've seen some moments of brillance. And where there are moments, there are the seeds of an entire game.
• We've endured a physically exhausting 17 games in November -- more than any other team except one. BUT, November is history. Let's look forward.

Are you getting my drift here?

Sacramento is known for its amazing fan base, but you'd never know it by looking in the stands, reading the paper, or listening to the radio. Everyone's an armchair coach (yes, even my kid) but we need to start focusing not only on improvements, but what the Kings are doing well. Again, there are moments of true brilliance. We need to focus on the unbelieveable play we're seeing in the first half of games, the fact that we're going toe-to-toe with teams (that aren't affected by injuries) -- and we're nearly winning.

In this season of miracles, let's focus on the glass being half-full: Let's recognize that we have a talented team that plays with extraordinary heart, that never gives up; that we have players who are beating themselves up far more than we are; that we have a team that wants to win, needs to win and will win. And when they win, we'll be watching. We'll never stop watching or whooping it up or experiencing the pure joy that comes from watching our hometown NBA basketball team.

As I always remind my son, it boils down to faith. If you have it, dreams will follow.

We need to have faith in our Kings. We need them to KNOW we have faith in them. That's when amazing happens.

Making It to 500

Day and night I've been thinking about the Kings and how they've got a hard game against the Suns tonight. The Suns are 6-3, and I think the Kings can turn that into 6-4 tonight. I'm not saying it won't be tough -- I mean, they've got Shaq and Steve Nash. But I bet Beno Udrih, Brad Miller, Mikki Moore and Bobby Jackson will guide all the new guys on the team. The Kings will win because I know the veteran players and the younger players are starting to gel.

My guess for the starting lineup: Beno Udrih, John Salmons, Jason Thompson, Mikki Moore, and Brad Miller. GOOOOOOOO KINGS!

A True Kings Fan

Today, from the minute I woke up and got out of bed I started thinking about the Kings. The first thing I thought was, "There's a game tonight -- go Kings!" Even when I'm not going to the game, I get as excited as a season ticket holder. I could cheer them on just by myself. I believe in them.

Tonight they play the Pistons. Here's the way I see it: They need to start strong. I think the starting lineup will include Kevin Martin. I saw in yesterday's Sac Bee that his ankle is not broken. I think John Salmons, Mikki Moore, Beno Udrih and Brad Miller will also start.

With that said, the games about to begin, so go Kings!

Fairweather Fans

I went to the Sac State soccer game yesterday. The Hornets played New Mexico. I love watching the Hornets play -- they rock! The ref was totally unfair in this game, so the Hornets really should have won even though they lost in double overtime with 3 minutes and 42 seconds left on the clock. They played their hearts out, even though the ref was making bad calls. I still loved watching that game because they're my team, and I'm not just a fairweather fan.