Kings Still Improving

Last night, I was typing my saint report which is due Friday, so I missed the first quarter and part of the second quarter of the game vs. Phoenix. (My mom forced me to finish my report, and I was really annoyed by that since I wanted to watch the whole game!)

I got really into the game the second I turned it on because the Kings were down by a lot. I kept thinking, Let's break down Phoenix's lead by stopping them at one end and scoring on the other. And what I wanted came true. They cut down Phoenix's lead to 14 by the end of the half.

At half-time, I saw the funniest Kings commercial ever! I thought it was so funny that it should be on "America's Funniest Videos." Donte Greene, Jason Thompson and Jon Brockman dressed up as famous singers and sang a bunch of songs, pretending the songs were going to be on a CD collection. My favorite song was when the three of them sang "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black-eyed Peas. I was sort of wishing it wasn't a joke because I wanted to buy it!

In the second half, the Kings rallied and it was so exciting. They answered the Suns with a serious scorefest. I loved it when Omri Casspi hit big threes, and when Tyreke drove hard to the basket. Jon Brockman's skills were so good when he didn't let Amar'e Stoudemire score once in the third quarter. The game was so close in the 4th. I think the only reason the Suns won in the end was the late fouls that sent Steve Nash to the line. And, of course, he made all of his free throws.

The final heartbreaking score was 113-109. The Kings' record is now 14-20, and they're in 4th place in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.

Even though the Kings lost and they're 14-20, they're still much improved from last year. The difference I think is they have more depth and versatility on their bench. Coach Westphal is rockin' it on the sidelines with all of his great plays and inspiring words to get his players back in the game. And then there's the rookie factor with Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi and Jon Brockman. Really, everyone on the team is playing well. The one thing we still have to learn is how to close out ball games.

Goooo Kings!

Kings Media Day, Part 1

Yesterday was Kings Media Day, and I got to interveiw all the Kings players for http://www.sacbee.com/! The video of my interviews will run on Sunday, October 4, so check it out. All of the players were so nice. I was pretty nervous at first and was actually sweating! But then it got to be really fun because after I'd done a few interviews, I realized the players would be really nice.

Over the next week, I will be doing seperate posts containing a few players interviews every post. Since I was interviewing the guys in front of a video camera and not taking notes, the answers below are from memory and not exactly how the players said it.

Francisco Garcia

Q:What did you do this summer?

A: I played for the Dominican team and relaxed.

Q:What do you think about the new guys on the team?

A: They've been working really hard.

Q: What do you like to drink during the games -- water or sports drinks?

A: Water

Q: What is your typical pre-game meal?

A: Chicken

Q: What do you like to do on your off days?

A: Relax and swim in his pool.

Q: Will you be hosting a kids basketball camp this summer?

A: Yes

Q: I'm a big St. Louis Cardinals fan, and I know that both you and Albert Pujols are from the Dominican Republic. Do you know him?

A: I do know Albert. I talked with him over the summer; he's humble and hardworking.

Donte Green

Q: What are you mist excited about for the upcoming season?

A: I'm excited to play basketball.

Q: What do you have planned for the Donte Green Show?

A: I'm going to maybe show up on a farm with Kevin.

Q: What did you do in the off-season?

A: I worked out pretty hard to get ready for the season.

Then I told Donte that I follow him on Twitter, and he laughed. He told me to send him a message, but I follow him through my mom's twitter account.

So, these are the first two interviews I'm posting. I'll post the rest of the interviews over the next week, so keep visiting. And before I sign off, I want to do a shout-out to Sam Amick, the Sacramento Bee's Kings reporter for making it possible for me to go to the Kings Media Day. Thanks, Sam!

I'm really excited for the new season. After interviewing the players, I think we're going to do really well! Goooooo Kings!

The Donte and Kenny Show

Last night, I went to a meet and greet event with two Kings players -- Donte Greene and Kenny Thomas. My parents gave me a six-game-pack of Kings tickets for Christmas, and it came with this meet and greet.

It was a cool experience! First, we got to make a tunnel for Donte and Kenny to walk through, and they gave us high-fives as they were coming through. Then we sat back down, and we got to ask them questions for about 30 minutes or so. I asked two questions. One was, "What is it like being on a show like 'The Donte Greene Show'"? I can't remember the second question I asked because I was so nervous!

I also interviewed Donte after the event, and here are his answers to my questions:

Q: What or who inspired you to be an NBA player?

A: My mom and Dominique Wilkins.

Q: What's your pre-game routine?

A: I like to get to the gym three hours early, listen to music and shoot the ball around.

Q: What is the best part of being an NBA player?

A: The traveling. I like seeing different places.

Q: What's on your playlist? (My mom asked this question, but I gave her the idea.)

A: Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy.

I really enjoyed learning more about both of these players. For example, I learned that Donte loves kids and thinks education is really important. In fact, he's still taking some college classes. Some things I learned about Kenny Thomas is that he has a nine-year-old boy just like me, as well as a baby. Kenny's favorite show is "The Unit," just like my mom and dad. He also said how important your education is, and I learned that he is helping kids in New Mexico who are less fortunate.

Those aren't the only great things that happened last night. My mom and dad got tickets to see the Kings game tonight where Chris Webber's jersey will be retired. With these tickets, we get to meet Chris Webber before the game!! I'm so excited that I'm twitching!

I can't wait to post tomorrow about tonight's game -- and it's going to be a win.

Goooooooo KKIINNGGSS!!!!!!!!!!!