Game Preview #3: Sacramento Kings @ San Antonio Spurs - Scare Tactics

by silverandblack_davis on Oct 31, 2009 7:15 AM CDT in Game Previews & Recaps Comment 50 comments

The team needs to be scared stiff to play their best basketball and quickly bury this win-hungry Kings team six feet under. I think I have just the right idea. Close your eyes when you make the jump.

It's Halloween. You know what I want Gregg Popovich to do to scare the shizzats out of his team tonight to force them to play well? One guy named Alfred Hitchcock might know:

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If Pop asks me what costume he should wear for tonight's game, I'd say Norman Bates. He's already got the suit rocking and I have every goddam reason to believe he's also mentally-ill--what with all the different lineups he threw out there during the last game. So Pop, before you leave the locker room, tell your guys you've been starring in this classic horror-flick remake and show them these post-production photos:

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"Hate the smell of losing, don't you? It's such a, I don't know, creepy smell."

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Pop: "She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you?"
Marion Crane: "Yes. Sometimes just one time can be enough."

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"Oh Georgie... I brought you my favorite wine..."

Hitchcock scare rating of this remake: he gives it five out of five screaming Marions.

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Happy Halloween, folks! I hope Pop won't come after me with that upside-down wine bottle. On to the real preview then.

Sacramento Kings @ San Antonio Spurs
Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX
When: October 31, 2009, 7:30 PM Spurs time
Watch: KRRT 35(SA); Comcast Sports(Sacramento)

How They Stack Up


1-0	Home	0-0
0-1	Road	0-2
99.0	Offense	90.5
94.0	Defense	99.5
47.6	FG%	38.9
28.9	3-pt%	25.0
67.4	FT%	72.9
43.0	Rebounds	44.0
11.5	TOs	11.0
1-1	Last 10	0-2
Lost 1	Streak	Lost 2


Country/Time Zone	Game Time
Argentina	9:30 PM
West Coast	5:30 PM
Philippines	8:30 AM
Central Europe	2:30 AM
Palestine/Egypt	2:30 AM
Least Coast	8:30 PM
Libertarian Time	6:30 PM
Perth, AUS	8:30 AM
Tokyo, JP	9:30 AM
Sydney, AUS	11:30 AM

Spurs (1-1)	Matchups	Kings (0-2)
Tony Parker Chucky	Point Guard Like Chucky in Child's Play, Tony will be one tough nut to take down, especially after a bad game. On the other side of the floor, Parker's going up against ROY candidate Tyreke Evans. Evans has talent and size, which could give us fits at the defensive end, but Tony will give Tyreke hell if his lateral movement isn't up to speed. Advantage: Spurs	Tyreke Evans Chucky's Bride

Manu Ginobili The Exorcist	Shooting Guard Kevin Martin is baby-faced but he has mad game suited for more adult-looking people. Like Manu, Martin was also injured for long stretches last season and he's looking to bounce back and wreak havoc on the unsuspecting teams, so I'll give the Kings the slightest of advantages on this one. Yes, I'll be a little skeptical and patient with Manu's form for the next few games. Advantage: Kings	Kevin Martin Casper

Richard Jefferson Alice in Wonderland	Small Forward As we saw last night, integrating into the Spurs' system isn't easy and RJ seemed lost in Wonderland out there. The Spurs coaching staff need to set him up to score some easy baskets to get him going. The Kings might opt to start Desmond Mason or rookie Omri Casspi here, but I'm going with Andres Nocioni, whose aggressive, attacking game I admire. He might lead our little Princess to places he might not want to go tonight, but we all know Alice prevails in the end. Advantage: Spurs	Andres Nocioni The Mad Hatter

Tim Duncan The Wizard of Oz	Power Forward Yet another athletic freak for the Spurs to deal with tonight. Jason Thompson acquitted himself well last season and will look to improve in his sophomore year. Still, look for Mr. Merlin himself, Tim Duncan, to put the youngster under his spell that we call Fundamentals. Advantage: Spurs	Jason Thompson Jason Voorhees

Antonio McDyess Winston Zeddemore	Center Spencer Hawes is one of the better, if not also one of the most underrated, big men in the league. He rebounds, blocks shots, can shoot from the outside and work in the low block, and best of all, he's still young and improving. Hopefully McDyess and Bonner (yes, he was not too shabby after all the last time out so I'm mentioning him here) can outsmart Hawes defensively and limit his impact in the game. However, I expect Spencer to do a Noah or Tyrus Thomas on us, especially if he stays active. Advantage: Kings	Spencer Hawes The Poltergeist

Roger Mason Jr. Hawkeye	Bench & Role Players When our shooters can't do the thing that their most counted on to do, the Bulls game is what happens. No driving lanes, long rebounds from the opposite end leading to giving up fastbreak points, yadda yadda yadda. Mase, Finley, George and Matt need to make the long ball and keep the defense honest. I'm also expecting a bounce-back game from Blair, so I hope Pop gives him the chance. As for the Kings, Francisco Garcia is out for 5 months but they still got Beno, Sean May in FatMan Returns, the ghost of Kenny Thomas and former Blazer Sergio Rodriguez. I still like our B.A.M.'s chances. Advantage: Spurs	Beno Udrih Harry Potter

Gregg Popovich Norman Bates	Coach I didn't know that Paul Westphal has taken over the Kings coaching job until now. His best work was coaching that Barkley-led Phoenix Suns team to the Finals where they lost to Chicago. But we have Barkley 2.3 now in DeJuan Blair, so I expect Pop to murder him, hopefully not in the literal sense. Advantage: Spurs	Paul Westphal Bates Motel Tenant
	images via yahoo.com

	Other Factors
Intangibles
Despite the 2nd unit stinking in Chicago, we still have the better team top-to-bottom, and our stars are miles better than the Queens.
Mojo
We're back home. The Spurs got beat in almost every department by a young and active Bulls squad, and we're going to go up against another young and hungry team. I'm sure Pop ripped his team in the locker room after that loss, and lit a fire under their asses for this one. I am absolutely scared for Sacramento. Advantage: Spurs Advantage: Spurs
Winner
There is simply no excuse to lose this game to an expected Western Conference bottom feeder. I think I'll prepare that After Party Loser Thread in a bit.

Keys To The Game

Make Threes - That's just it. It's part of what we do, and we're at home where our shooters historically fare better with the long ball.
Jump the Gun Early - As most of the members have noted, even though Duncan dominating is a thing of beauty, we can't let him do too much this early. A blowout victory against a weak team is in order.
Defensive Strategy - Are we going to let K-Mart go off for 30 and just concentrate on limiting everyone else, a-la CP3 in the opener? Or is the coaching staff convinced that we have the personnel to shut down Martin and the entire Kings team, including their water boys, as well? Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Last Time They Met

The Spurs last played the Kings on April 12th in a game that ended well for us, but probably shouldn't have ended when it did. Why do I say that? Apparently FinPerro can alter the shot clock rule anytime he feels the need. We must keep this power secret, lest Joey Crawford find out.

H/T to SpursTalk for uploading the clip.

My Team is Better Than Yours

I think the Kings were also the first team that BlaseE covered with his awesome My Team Is Better Than Yours series. And I quote:

Spurs will absolutely feast on the Kings this season. They have some young players I like and Nocioni is a good player who fell into the trap of getting a big salary. Now he is worth more as a trading token than he is on the court to most teams which is pretty sad. Anyways, the Spurs are too loaded to be slowed down by Sacramento's developing talent. Salmons, who was consistent against us last season, is gone.

Some Other Reading

Kings

Sactown Royalty - The Kings SBN blog. They also have members who actively comment during games. Go visit them and drop a friendly line or two, olf-style

Cowbell Kingdom - This is the TrueHoop network blog for the Sacramento. I hate the sound of cowbells, but these guys do a great job covering the ~~Maloofs~~ Kings.

Spurs

48 Minutes of Hell: Speaking of THN blogs, we're extremely lucky that the best one is dedicated to the Spurs. Tim and Graydon always do an excellent job of breaking down everything that's happening in the Spurs' organization.
Project Spurs: Good independent blog with lots of good content. Spurs fans are lucky to have so many good blogs out there.

The (sort of) Daily Twitter

MoneyMase I just read inserts from Tim Donaghy's book, Blowing The Whistle.It's hard to believe a man who did the things he did. He has no credibility

DeJuan45 Good morning we gonna Bounce back we r ok it's only the second game we r fine 80 more to go lol go spurs go!!!!!

The Magic That Happened

Shoutout to jrw for spotting the magic:

poor RJ. Pop obviously told him to look for his shot (but didn’t know the shot he’d find would be Udoka’s)
by alamobro

these are still the replacement refs, yes?
by Hamer_SpursFan

ha, no. but didn’t stop me from screaming, ‘DONT QUIT YOUR DAY JOB’ 123 times last night
by Fred Silva

Sweet pass by Rose. They’ve got the momentum.
by LatinD

But we have the Manu.
by SgtinManusArmy

That we do, my friend. We out Manu the entire league.
by LatinD

Perfect. Insightful. "Sprint. Sprint. We have speed." Really Vinny? No play? No advice on how to use your speed. Just sprint?

Vinny trying to order at a restaurant. "Food! Food! I want FOOD!"
by Fred Silva

About Noah

Question, what could he do to make his appearance more grotesque?
by Fred Silva

Wear an Ed Hardy t-shirt.
by Hipuks

Topped, wear a shirt with his face on it.
by Fred Silva

Only if it’s airbrushed into the shirt.
by Hipuks

{hidden Mic in Del Negro's timeout}

Ok, guys, when the whistle blows, the out-of-bounds guy is gonna pass it to one of the in-bounds guys, and then that guys gonna put it in the basket or pass. In the basket or pass. Got that guys? Ok, go get ’em! And use your speed!
by vespaguy

Some Other Viewing

Just because I don't want to post the highlights of a loss:

Other things of possible interest

The Best Office Pranks of All-Time - These pranks are so badass, I think I'm going to adopt one for my nosy office-mate.
New Business Email - Just another case of internet pwning.
Halloween Fatality - Mr. Pumpkin wins.

Where to Tune In

(Note: The League Pass free preview is available until Nov. 3 for both broadband and television.)

TV

This game is not on national TV, so for those of you staying at home, you might want to read on below...

Online

As always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. This one should also be on ESPN 360, if your ISP provides access to it.

Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to dmenendez@gmail.com for more assistance.

Spurs League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out.

Radio

If you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM).

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Comments

Good preview!

by jalberto on Oct 31, 2009 7:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I smell trap game

Evey- "Are you a crazy person?"
V- "I'm quite sure they'll say so."
V for Vendetta, blowing your mind away since 2005.

by KA1Z3R on Oct 31, 2009 8:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t. The Spurs are pissed about losing in Chicago… and did you see the Kings’ shooting percentages? They’ve played OKC and the NOOCH so far, not exactly the best defensive teams.

9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco

by Tim C. on Oct 31, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn’t league pass free until the month end or so.

by LionZion on Oct 31, 2009 9:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Until Nov. 3

WWTD?

by Lauri on Oct 31, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh. I thought that was the special price until that date. Looks like I gotta decide about the 7 team thing soon.

by LionZion on Oct 31, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice preview silver. Nice Halloween-style take !

The boogie man checks his closet for DeJuan Blair before he goes to sleep !

by alamobro on Oct 31, 2009 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

2-1

The boogie man checks his closet for DeJuan Blair before he goes to sleep !

by alamobro on Oct 31, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spurs have no reason to lose tonite…..they have the firepower to put his game away early….if they lose tonite i may need to relocate to a different city lol

"There are two things in life that should never go together.....those two things are cheese and herpes..." - Santa Claus

by Cello the great on Oct 31, 2009 11:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Welcome, Cello, great to have you with us.

Har.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 31, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Token "Blair needs more minutes" post:

Who’s that guy at #5?

9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco

by Tim C. on Oct 31, 2009 11:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We win by 25, easily. The Spurs are going to be upset and the Kings will fold after the first stomach punch. That’s my analysis.

"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles

by Fred Silva on Oct 31, 2009 11:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

SiMA, where are you?

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Oct 31, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone know if the game is on tv in the ATX tonight? I thought it would be a Saturday night KXAN game, but they’re showing Note Dame.

Neither he nor Gob were prepared for the challenges of using cats to catch a seal.

by Cedarpark on Oct 31, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It is suppose to be on ATHDE.NET today hopefully it will show.

GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2010 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)

by Manu-20 on Oct 31, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, there’s really no need for that. Broadband League Pass is still free today.

9.20.21.24.34
ACLs are like crutches. They’re only for the weaklings who can’t get along without them. -jollyrogerwilco

by Tim C. on Oct 31, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously, just buy broadband. The quality is excellent and it will satisfy your addiction. Plus, the archive addition is sweet. Watching the bobcats, knicks double OT game right now.

"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles

by Fred Silva on Oct 31, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goooooo kittycats!

WWTD?

by Lauri on Oct 31, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can someone post a link to the spurs game when it starts.

GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2010 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)

by Manu-20 on Oct 31, 2009 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NVM I got it.

GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2010 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)

by Manu-20 on Oct 31, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Got a link for that?

Yes, I’m being lazy.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 31, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Should be

here.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Oct 31, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What you will get is a wrong link

Go to where it says league pass, and broadband. If you don’t have an account, sign up for one. Then you’ll be able to get the free preview.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Oct 31, 2009 6:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks, pg.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 31, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anytime mayne

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Oct 31, 2009 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re so good at this, Davis, it makes me feel ashamed.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Oct 31, 2009 1:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Breaking NEWS

Acordding to a newspaper L’Equipe the spurs will not take Ian option for 10-11

GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2010 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)

by Manu-20 on Oct 31, 2009 2:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It’s been in the front page for a while, M20.

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Oct 31, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

WOW I fell like a dumb_ _ _ right now. Didnt realize it sucks to because I made a fan post. well just found it must of scrolled right past it.

GO SPURS GO
SPURS 2010 NBA Champions (if team is healty LoL)

by Manu-20 on Oct 31, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great preview. We better get this one out of the way tonight.
Obviously I’m about umpteen hours late in saying this, but just because I like to… The Lakers Lose!!! I dunno what’s scarier, they lost at home, or to the Mavs! Happy Halloween all, be safe. I’ll catch everyone later. I’ll be at a party with the ladyfriend, but would rather be watching this game! Go Spurs!

by Ed (dfjmed) on Oct 31, 2009 2:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Halloween? Hell no it’s SPURS GAME DAY! Halloween is ok and all but i’d rather watch the Spurs play. But i will say one thing though……..PLEASE POP………..DO NOT….I REPEAT DO NOT START BONNER! PLEASE…LISTEN TO ME!!!!!

"There are two things in life that should never go together.....those two things are cheese and herpes..." - Santa Claus

by Cello the great on Oct 31, 2009 3:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think the organization wants it to be just “Spursday”….

by BlaseE on Oct 31, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

While “Spursday” is clearly better than last years “in us, beside us, part of us” (sexual undertones included,) the “Spursday” thing is already getting old and we’ve only played two games.

"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles

by Fred Silva on Oct 31, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed. SPURSDAY is pretty corny. However if they made the day “SUPER HAPPY FUN TIME OF AWESOMENESS” then i would be all for it

"There are two things in life that should never go together.....those two things are cheese and herpes..." - Santa Claus

by Cello the great on Oct 31, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great preview, davis. I love how the forgotten time zone keeps changing. And nice job with the Psycho chops.

My people call it "sarcasm." - Lauri

by CapHill on Oct 31, 2009 3:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

psychopops would have approved

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 31, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good preview!!!!

Loved the Halloween style to this one. Great job! I feel we will be coming out on fire tonight.

Go Spurs Go!!!!!!!

by mikesatx on Oct 31, 2009 4:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This one’s just for you, Cap:

KevinDurant35:

Jus got home…goin down to Stillwater to watch my horns smack OSU a lil lata

WWTD?

by Lauri on Oct 31, 2009 5:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s admirable how Kevin Durant went straight from middle school to the NBA.

If you haven't lived with a squirrel, you haven't lived. - Bob Ross

by Hipuks on Oct 31, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which was more or less his plan until he was forced by the NBA age-limit change to alter his plans.

What should he have done, played D-League for a year? Signed for millions in Europe?

WWTD?

by Lauri on Oct 31, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A couple things

Nocioni isn’t going to start. Desmond Mason will. And Spencer Hawes isn’t starting either. Sean May is.

Good luck tonight, although I have a feeling that it won’t make a ton of difference as the Kings are playing the back end of a b2b, and this will be what it is.

I’m hoping for a close competitive game,and Easy Reke can run over TP a few times.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Oct 31, 2009 6:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh

And nice preview Davis.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Oct 31, 2009 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

pookeyguru, long time no see — how you been?

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 31, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Samo shit diff day

U Jolly? (I read this place from time to time, but commenting? Don’t have all day to do it. Hehe.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Oct 31, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m quite well, thanks.

Yeah, I see you’re too busy to comment on everything. See ya around.

Consider the gun jumped
5 in 10

by jollyrogerwilco on Oct 31, 2009 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Today, a Real Madrid player did this:

Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
Dunkin' Cheerleaders

by LatinD on Oct 31, 2009 6:48 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

LOL @ that

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Oct 31, 2009 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs