The Sports Informant

By Scott Levin
Sports Informant Contributing Writer

A meager 35.8 percent field goals, 72.7 percent free throws, 15 turnovers. What else needs to be known? Stats like those will not beat even the worst of teams, as evidenced by the Sacramento Kings’ ugly loss Wednesday to the New Jersey Nets, 93-79. The Kings never showed any semblance of a productive offense, with terrible shooting compounded by sloppy ball control. The Nets improved to 8-63 in their quest to avoid being the worst team in NBA history.

1 - The play of Ime Udoka and Andres Nocioni has become frustrating. On a rebuilding team such as Sacramento, the veterans need to provide stability. Udoka is unreliable on offense, demonstrated by his 27 percent shooting for March. Nocioni is a shoot-first (and shoot second and shoot third…) player who only makes 40 percent of his shots and seems to have an aversion to moving the ball. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Dominic McGuire, acquired from Washington at the deadline, continues to ride the pine. It could not hurt to give him a few more minutes at the expense of the others.

2 - Donte Greene played 35 minutes, his highest total since February. The sophomore should continue to see extended time on the court. He responded with 14 points and 10 rebounds and was one of the few Kings with energy.

Donte Greene was a bright spot Wednesday for the Kings, who looked anything but impressive against the lowly Nets. (Photo courtesy Greg Ashman)

3 - Aside from the four turnovers, Beno Udrih turned in yet another strong performance. He posted 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. He was also much more vocal on the court, directing his teammates on positioning and spacing. In the past three games without Tyreke Evans, Udrih has averaged 19 points, and over 10 assists and six rebounds a game.

Quick hits – Carl Landry struggled to get going, scoring just 11 points on 4-for-13 shooting. He also attempted his first three-pointer of the season late in the game (unsuccessful) … Omri Casspi was again the center of attention, as a strong contingent from the New Jersey Jewish community was in attendance. Unlike in New York, Casspi struggled Wednesday, connecting on just 1-for-8 from the field … Brook Lopez of the Nets is one of four players to be leading his team in points, rebounds and blocks (Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Chris Kaman).