Kings guard Tyreke Evans made a bit of history on Monday night. By pouring in 24 points during an otherwise forgettable loss to the Rockets, Evans guaranteed that he will average 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists for the season, joining Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and Lebron James as the only others to do so during their rookie campaigns. Heady company.
Adelman Shrugs: Kings’ Tyreke Evans Joins 20-5-5 Club, Makes History
↵And Kings fans were certainly geeked up to watch their newest star etch a place alongside some of the game’s greats.
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↵While the Arco-faithful were obviously impressed, Rockets coach Rick Adelman was decidedly less so, telling reporters:
↵↵I didn’t even know what was going on. Finally, they put the 20, 5, 5 up there (on the scoreboard.) I’m more than happy to let him take that. We’ll take the win and go home.
↵↵Whether this is Adelman’s way of taking a dig at the franchise that let him walk four years ago or not, it loses sight of what matters at this point in the season. Yes, you play to win the game...but when you have a shot at some measure of hoops immortality, well, doesn’t that take precedence? Will anyone remember whether the Kings won 25 rather than 26 games even a few weeks from now?
↵Besides, having the team defer so the star can chase individual accolades is a time-worn tradition unlike any other in pro hoops. The NBA -- it’s fannnnnnn-tastic!
↵(H/T Sactown Royalty)
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