The Kings had 32 assists on their 35 baskets. Unbelievable. And Vlade's assist numbers have been out of this world recently. Honestly, of the top 5 west teams, I really hope these guys win b/c they play so much more of a traditional basketball game than most teams these days.
This may sound Bill Walton-esque but Vlade Divac is one the best big man passers in the history of the NBA.
I don't know. I tend to find myself resenting the "darling" teams of the NBA. I get sick of hearing from everyone about how great this team is and that this is their year. I've been hearing that about Sac for several years now. I take pleasure out of seeing them fail year after year. NOthing would be sweeter in my mind to see the Rockets upset them in the first round. I doubt that will happen but one can dream.
SAC is really fun to watch. Divac has fantastic passing skill. And I really think they are a contender this year.
I wouldn't really say that Sac has a reputation as the NBA darling. Everyone admits that Sac's playing great, but I've always felt there was the underlying assumption that the title was still either the Lakers' or the Spurs'.
I agree with JV. People with "conventional wisdom" always say that you need a dominant big man or a megastar like Jordan to win it all. Teams like Sacramental and Dallas, according to these people, are fun to watch in the regular season, but can't win in the playoffs. I have the tendency of wanting the conventional wisdom wrong. So I'm rooting for these non-conventional teams. Besides, good passing and good shooting is just good basketball. What's wrong with it?
I hate the Kings and I hope Christie and Peja hoist up some more airballs in critical stages of an elimination game.