The Sports Informant

By Scott Levin
Sports Informant Contributing Writer

It was a very competitive game for three quarters. The Kings led by two points heading into the fourth, and then Sacramento completely fell apart. With Tyreke Evans and Omri Casspi on the bench to start the frame, Orlando clamped down on defense. When all was said and done, the Magic had allowed just four Kings field goals, as they outscored Sacramento 33-10 in the final period. The Kings finished the game with an ugly 34.9% field goal percentage.

1 – With Orlando, the focus on both ends of the court is Dwight Howard, and Howard was at his best on Tuesday. Offensively, his low-post game has improved quite a bit from last season. He also punished the Kings by distributing the basketball while being double, triple and even quadruple teamed. On defense, his presence alone altered countless Kings shots, and he was clearly on the mind of any Kings player looking to drive the lane. Howard finished the night with 30 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks.

2 – Tuesday’s game may have been the final one the Kings will play without Kevin Martin. Martin was cleared to play by doctors earlier in the day and depending how his practices go, he could be activated for Friday’s game in Philadelphia. Martin’s offense will be a much needed addition. Against Orlando, like many of the games of the past two weeks, the Kings lacked the weapons to compete for the full 48 minutes.

3 – Three Magic players with Sacramento ties made solid contributions to their team’s victory. Jason Williams, the Kings flashy former point guard, had 12 points and 6 assists off the bench. Matt Barnes, a Del Campo High School product, started and scored 10 points to go with 7 rebounds. Ryan Anderson of Oak Ridge High School hit four of his five shots for 12 points. All three were greeted by applause from the Sacramento crowd.

Quick hits – Tyreke Evans did not play poorly but could not get a roll. After going 1-10 in the first half, Evans recovered to score 18 points on 5-16 FG … Donte Greene started at his third different position against Orlando. Greene, who shot just 3-12 from the field, lined up at the power forward to match up with Rashard Lewis … Omri Casspi had his fourth career double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds … Newly acquired Hilton Armstrong did not play but was in attendance and signed autographs before the game.