Now It Hurts Kings To Lose

Now that they are close to their first playoff berth in nine years, the losses are hurting the Sacramento Kings even more than they did in the seasons when defeat was regularly anticipated.

Saddled with a season-high sevengame losing streak - and an identical skid on the road - the Kings have an opportunity to steady their ship with a three-game homestand that begins tonight.

Friday night’s double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers left Sacramento one game over .500. And it won’t get any easier with Central Division-leading Charlotte, Midwestleading Utah and Indiana coming to town with a combined 112-59 record through Friday’s games.

“We’ve got to figure out how to get things on track and start winning again before we start thinking playoffs,” said rookie star Brian Grant.

Sacramento currently holds down the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot, leading Denver by 3-1/2 games.

Stamina

A.C. Green of Phoenix played in his 707th straight game Friday night to claim sole possession of the third-longest streak in league history.