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Why do the upstart Kings not get any respect in this league? I watched this team play back to back games against the “Golden Lakers“. The first game they went to double overtime and just couldn’t finish. But the second game they were jobbed. I’m tired of watching the refs give preferential treatment to “the golden teams.” I accept that the elite get special treatment (Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, etc). I cannot TOLERATE when the Lakers are given the benefit of the doubt. Especially because they are at home!

The drive in which Shannon Brown was out of control WAS ridiculous (last 2 minutes). They called a foul against the Kings and it was a joke. The worst call I have seen ALL year. That foul not only changed the complexion of the game but caused Donte Green to foul out. With Green out of the game Kobe was given the edge. Granted Kobe still had to hit the 3 pointer at the end of regulation. His job was made easier by the ref’s ineptness.

I predicted the Blazers and Nuggets on the rise two years ago. Now they are among the NBA elite. Next year at this time I know the refs will be giving the calls to the Kings. Next year the refs will be aware of Donte Green’s defensive ability. He will be known around the league as the next Raja Bell or Bruce Bowen.

Until then we must tolerate the misconception that the “Kings are not worthy.” This team is loaded with talent. Geoff Petrie deserved his extension. Not only is he responsible for bringing in this talent he also brought in a fabulous coach in Westphal.

My man crush on Omri Casspi has reached a fever pitch. He has constant movement without the ball and an amazing ability to cut to the basket. His hustle and grit adds another dimension to this team. Once Kevin Martin returns to this team on January 12,  they will become an even more athletic team. Spencer Hawes is playing with finesse making good decisions with the ball while shooting well from the outside.

Jason Thompson is rebounding well and learning at an amazing clip. The wild-card here is Donte Green. Can he continue to play defense at this level? He reminds me of a George Lynch with more athleticism and shooting ability. It is well known that during training camp Green was Westphal’s whipping boy. Now I know why he was not playing to his potential on the defense side of the ball. The tough love approach is paying dividends at the halfway point of this season.

This team is only 5 games out of the playoff hunt. As long as Evans stays healthy and Kevin Martin comes back to form by the end of January this team has an outside chance at snagging the number eight seed in the playoffs. We will know their chances after the next 10 games in which they are playing tough competition. If they come through this stretch at 5-5 we may be in for a treat. It may be a bit much to expect this year but this nucleus will be in the mix for years to come. Let’s just hope that the NBA or better yet David Stern clues in the refs that Sacramento is for real.