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It looks like 2011 might be better then 2010. Tonight’s loss is a moral victory. Tyreke Evan’s New Years resolution to show up is coming true. How do you argue with this stat line – 29 points, 4 boards, 8 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks? Welcome back to the Kingdom! Your presence was sorely missed. Reke did everything he could but we could not overcome a playoff bound Hawks roster. Hawks won 108-102. The score doesn’t do the game justice. We were down 20 points in the fourth. The Kings at least made a game of it in the 4th outscoring the Hawks by 8. We nearly made another miraculous comeback. Dare I say this squad might finally be gelling? Is Evans, DMAC, and Casspi our new young nucleus?

Evans and Cousins played well. Especially in the 4th when it truly mattered. Evans scored 15 and Cousins had 16 in this fourth. Cousins performed well for his second straight game – 24 points, 7 boards, and a token block! Now that Evans and Cousins are FINALLY on the floor together we are starting to see this teams potential! A quiet-sleeper in this game was Garcia – 12 points (2 treys) and a block. His numbers aren’t stellar but starting him at the 3 is the smartest thing Westy has done all year. It has stabilized this team.

The “man of the moment” Omar Casspi had a rough night. Only 1 for 5 at 3-land. Those things happen. Shooters are streaky. Lets just hope the foe “trade rumors” haven’t started to get in his head. He did have 11 assists so at least he is still hustling and involved with the offense. Omri trust me – you aren’t going anywhere! Relax and embrace your increased minutes.

This wasn’t a victory but I have confidence that “Motel 6″aka the Kings should keep the light on. We now have a prime-time game on TNT against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. Lets put together a better showing then we did earlier in Denver this week. Lets parlay this new confidence and make a game of it. Especially, because I don’t feel like hearing Barkley bitch about my beloved Kings!