Lawson’s speedy attack enough to give defenders a headache
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After four seasons coaching Ty Lawson in Denver, Kings coach George Karl believes Lawson can be even more effective playing next to James Harden.
Teams can rarely put their best defender on the ball on Lawson when the Rockets also put Harden on the floor, potentially making Lawson’s quickness even more of an issue.
“It’s a double-edged sword,” Karl said. “You have two guys who are tremendous attackers.
“Ty’s as fast in the open court as I’ve ever coached. I think he’s faster with the ball than he is without the ball. You have to keep him out of the paint, keep him away from getting a big assist night. And hopefully, he’s not making shots because you have to back off him a little bit.”
Hayes laments arena’s closing
When the Rockets’ team bus made its way past the construction site of the Kings’ future home, forward/center Chuck Hayes could not help but feel sadness.
The Rockets’ game Friday brought one of their final appearances in Sleep Train Arena with the Kings scheduled to move into Golden 1 Center next season.
But Hayes did not think about the new arena down the block from the team hotel or even his seasons with the Kings, instead happily recalling the glory days of the Kings, and of his high school team, Modesto Christian.
“When you think of this place, you think of (Chris) Webber, (Vlade) Divac, (Rick) Adelman, the excitement,” Hayes said. “When I was younger, I couldn’t afford to come to the games so I watched on TV. It was unbelievable to be here. It’s definitely sad. To me, it’s still Arco. To the people around this area, it’s still Arco Arena.
“I think of the very first game I ever played here as a rookie. That game gave me goose bumps. And I think of playing here in high school. Now, I’m kind of over it. It was in the playoffs. If you make it here in the playoffs, it’s deep in the playoffs. I was a freshman. We came here again as a sophomore. We won all of them, but I lost state here my senior year (to Santa Ana Mater Dei). I don’t bring that one up.
“It’s sad to see this place go.”
McHale shuffling lineup deck
Rockets center Dwight Howard was held out of Friday’s game against the Kings as the Rockets continue with their plan to limit how often he plays on consecutive nights. He is expected to play Saturday against the Clippers in Los Angeles.
Forward Terrence Jones, out since playing the season’s first two games because of a cut eyelid, and Pat Beverley, who suffered a concussion Wednesday, did not make the trip. Forward Donatas Motiejunas has not been cleared to practice since last season’s back surgery.
Second-year center Clint Capela started with Trevor Ariza playing power forward, as he has for the past three games. Capela finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks in the 116-110 victory over the Kings, shooting 6-of-8 from the field.
The Rockets have had the same lineup in consecutive games only once, against Oklahoma City and Orlando, both wins.
“Any time you change lineups, other guys will have an opportunity to play,” coach Kevin McHale said. “I would say there are very few teams hitting stride right now. The start of the season is always a bit of a scramble. We’re still trying to figure out our substitution patterns.
“It’s all kind of life in the NBA early in the season.”
The Kings played without star DeMarcus Cousins for a third consecutive game, with coach George Karl changing his lineup after consecutive losses to start Kosta Koufos at center and Marco Belinelli at shooting guard.