Martin leads Kings past Grizzlies 127-116 in OT

By JOSH DUBOW, AP Sports Writer Nov 3, 2:11 am EST

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)—Paul Westphal has been involved in hundreds of wins in the NBA as a coach and a player. That didn’t take away from his excitement after his first with the Sacramento Kings.

Kevin Martin(notes) scored 48 points and Beno Udrih(notes) hit a game-tying layup in the closing seconds of regulation to give the Kings a 127-116 overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in their home opener Monday night.

“That was a special experience for our team,” Westphal said. “It’s a night I’ll never forget.”

As ecstatic as Westphal was with his first win with the Kings, Allen Iverson(notes) was as upset after his first game with the Grizzlies. After missing the first three games while recovering from a partial right hamstring tear, Iverson played only briefly as a reserve, scoring 11 points in less than 18 minutes.

He said he had no problems with his hamstring, but had a big problem with the playing time he got from coach Lionel Hollins.

“Go look at my resume and that will show you that I’m not a sixth man,” Iverson said. “I don’t think it has anything to do with me being selfish. It’s just who I am. I don’t want to change what gave me all the success that I’ve had since I’ve been in this league.”

After starting the season with three straight losses on the road, the Kings came through late to delight a rare sellout crowd in Sacramento. It was a back-and-forth game down the stretch with both teams delivering big shots on a night little defense was played.

The two biggest for the Kings were Udrih’s layup with 1.6 seconds left in regulation and Martin’s career-high tying seventh 3-pointer, that gave Sacramento a 116-112 lead with 1:45 remaining in overtime.

After Rudy Gay(notes) missed two free throws and Andres Nocioni(notes) blocked a driving attempt from Mike Conley(notes), Omri Casspi(notes) dunked in transition to put the Kings up six. Nocioni’s 3-pointer with 48 seconds left gave Sacramento a 121-112 lead, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

“It wasn’t a must win, but it was a much needed win,” Martin said. “We had great fan support tonight. You always want to show what kind of team you have on opening night.”

Spencer Hawes(notes) added 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Udrih scored 16 for the Kings, who struggled who gave new coach Paul Westphal his first win with the team.

Zach Randolph(notes) had 30 points and 16 rebounds before fouling out in overtime. Gay added 21 points and 12 rebounds and O.J. Mayo(notes) scored 22 for the Grizzlies, who fell to 2-26 all-time in Sacramento.

“Defensively we just broke down tonight and Kevin had a hot night shooting the ball,” Mayo said. “That happens sometimes. That’s why this is the NBA.”

Randolph had given Memphis the lead with a fallaway jumper over Kenny Thomas(notes) with 6.1 seconds left for the ninth lead change in the final 4 minutes of regulation. But Udrih answered for the Kings off a nice pass from Hawes.

Udrih did not play at all in the season opener but got the key minutes in this game ahead of rookie Tyreke Evans(notes). He scored nine points in the fourth quarter, delivering key passes and running the offense efficiently. Evans had three points, missing all four shots from the field, as he struggled with a sprained right ankle.

“He made great decisions down the stretch,” Martin said. “He’s a traditional point guard. He’s going to make the right plays and find the open players and take a shot when he needs to.”

The Kings gave the fans little to cheer about early, falling behind 17-4 on a dunk by Gay midway through the first quarter as they were outhustled for rebounds and loose balls.

Martin quickly got the Kings back into the game, hitting a 3-pointer just before the first-quarter buzzer that was part of a 17-2 run that gave Sacramento a one-point lead early in the second.

NOTES: Memphis was not called for its first foul until 1:31 remained in the opening quarter, prompting Westphal to exclaim, “Finally!”. … Memphis C Marc Gasol(notes) tied a career high with 16 rebounds. … The Kings got 67 points from their reserves, while getting only 10 from the four starters other than Martin. … A few fans waved Israeli flags after each basket by Casspi, the first player from that country to play in the NBA. He scored 15 points.

Updated Nov 3, 2:11 am EST
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83 Comments

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  1. allan
    83. Posted by allan Wed Nov 4 6:45pm EST

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    to wuzzup, you really dont know what you are talking about, im sorry we could discuss here over and over again but i will still can't understand you, your Kobe is very lucky compared to AI, team wise and AI wants to play with team but no talents in the team he's going, so he's forced to talk and hmm im tired..
  2. Eric L
    82. Posted by Eric L Wed Nov 4 1:12pm EST

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    K mart will get his love.....when he puts up those #'s on a team that DOESN'T win 20-25 games a year.
  3. First L
    81. Posted by First L Tue Nov 3 7:19pm EST

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    kevin martin 48 pts on 14-27 shooting... over 50% for a guard...wow. yet so little of you know about him.. i was disgusted to see that they hardly mentioned him on sportcenter. yet the other day kobe scores 35 on 11-28 shooting and they damn near dedicate the full hour to him... lebron will score 30 and hes on every channel...wtf?? Im tired of kevin being snubbed. for those who dnt know Kmart averaged 24 pts 2 seasons ago and lost the most improved player award to monta ellis' 16 or 18 ppg. wtf? no one can guard this guy! believe me not even kobe or D WAde.. i seen them both try in person... Show KMART SOME LOVE!
  4. <i>p_vashi10</i>
    80. Posted by p_vashi10 Tue Nov 3 6:12pm EST

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    It's hilarious how you guys can't get off AI's jock. The real story of the night was Kevin Martin going off for 48 pts. This guy is gonna be a star and is entering the prime of his career, but all you fans talk about is your favorite players from yester-year. Get over it, he's near the end of his career. He had some great seasons, but those are behind him. The only reason the Pistons traded for him was to get his salary relief this offseason, and the only reason the Grizz wanted him is for his name. Gotta admire his competitive spirit, but that's about all he's got going for him.
  5. GoodOleBoyCo
    79. Posted by GoodOleBoyCo Tue Nov 3 5:24pm EST

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    No doubt AI can still shoot a jumper...but that is about it. You can look at him and see he spent his off season sitting at the blackjack table instead of the gym and conditioning. No wonder he started the season hurt. This whole AI cancer issue will again be an afterthought (like AI career) because he will sit the bench hurt again all season. The Grizz didn't sign him to play, they signed him to sell team jerseys, season tickets, and create some PR for the franchise. Fact is, 11 minutes is about all his out of shape shell of his glory days lazy a$$ can handle right now.
  6. wuzzup
    78. Posted by wuzzup Tue Nov 3 5:18pm EST

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    Allan and Equille...I believe Allen Iverson is one of the most gifted scorers to ever play in the NBA. He and Tiny prove that no matter the size, you can't stop speed. Allen is also one of the most courageous and will give up his body to get to the hole. He plays hurt. That's why he was so loved in Philly.
    The problem with Allen is he plays "independent" of his teammates and Kobe plays "interdependent" of his. What's the difference? Rings.
    When you get a chance, listen carefully to Kobe's interviews, now. It's all about "team". You don't see him sulking in the corner or biting his lip with his head in his locker. It's speaks of "confidence" and "optimism". "Improving" and "meeting challenges". He yells at his team to "lock down" and "make stops"...because defense can only be played as a team!
    With KG, it's the same thing. Lebron, same thing. Melo, now that he's worked and played with Kobe, is ready, now, to win.
    You guys are right, Pao, Lamar, Trevor, DFish are all great players. The only question you need to ask: "Are they great because they're great players or could they be great because they play with the greatest team player in the NBA?"
  7. <i>lukilla</i>
    77. Posted by lukilla Tue Nov 3 4:52pm EST

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    AI is my hero in all my life since i watched him playing for Georgetown and Philly. He was best fitted when he was 76ers. He still good for Nuggets. Hamilton blamed Curry and he commented about him how he break up pistons team. Dont blame on Iverson. He is legend and will be in Hall of Fame. Tell me who can score over 25 avg like AI 6.0 feet. No one!. AI can only player can score and his career avg is 26 pts. He will be fine with grizzles and starter again. Give him maybe 30 minutes every game starter.
  8. Equille W
    76. Posted by Equille W Tue Nov 3 4:37pm EST

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    so much hate on A.I. i've watched that man play my whole life. yeah, he has an attitude issue and has done some dumb stuff in the past. he's way more mature than that now. u can't blame the man for wanting to play. he still has some game left in him and he wants to ball. the man is NOT a cancer, yall just hate on him. THAT MAN HAS MORE HEART THAN ANY PLAYER IN THE GAME!!! period. he's been slammed, knocked around, and criticized more than any player ballin right now. u can knock him down all u want, but i promise u he'll get up and fight harder. he's a scorer, and a definite hall of famer. he has to be, one of the most proficient scorers of all time and he's grown into a nice assist man too. remember when he was the steals king a few years back. he has so much heart and fight in him. that man is a LEGEND, forget CANCER, he's a LEGEND and sure bet hall of famer. all the proof is there, championship or not.
  9. allan
    75. Posted by allan Tue Nov 3 4:11pm EST

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    i dont know the answers about whose player will play for both coz we dont have statistics for that right? But if you ask a player which team they will play and not with player, of course they will play for Lakers not for Kobe but the traditions of winning, Memphis is still a new organization, still learning how to win games. Every player wants to win NBA championship including AI ask him, thats a stupid question ha?
    but to win championship you have to have a good supporting cast who knows how to win, and i dont think Memphis has that, only AI has the heart to win there, let him play on crucial minutes or secs he is a proven scorer and it did not happened last night. Hollins put him back with only a minute and 10 point lead, crazy coach..
  10. wuzzup
    74. Posted by wuzzup Tue Nov 3 3:07pm EST

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    Allan (post 78), you make a valid argument. OK...let's rephrase the question: How many players want to come to LA to play with Kobe and how many do you think want to play with Allen Iverson (whereever the hell he's playing)? Or, I'll make it even simpler for you...How many players want rings vs. how many players want to watch Allen pad his statistics? You say Kobe's "lucky". As Gary Player once said, "Isn't it funny how the more I practice, the 'luckier' I get!" (Allan, you're just going to have to google Gary).
  11. Kcks
    73. Posted by Kcks Tue Nov 3 2:42pm EST

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    Ball hog? If i made 3 shots in a row doing the same move, Im going to try the fourth time
  12. allan
    72. Posted by allan Tue Nov 3 2:39pm EST

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    the difference between AI and Kobe is, your Kobe is lucky to be surrounded by great Superstars like O Neal and now Odom, Gasol, Bynum, with AI no one in his career, with Melo before in Nuggets, with hes just learning basketball at that time, now with Memphis who do you think it is? is it Randolph? who just wasted a big possession last night. Rudy Gay? who missed a crucial free throw last night, and in his 2nd yr, OJ Mayo small guard who's still learning the game, so really dont expect Grizzlies to win a lot of games, even if you put Kobe or Lebron in this team they will still lose.
  13. wuzzup
    71. Posted by wuzzup Tue Nov 3 2:25pm EST

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    Thank god for Mitch Kupchak and Jerry Buss! I'm not saying the Lakers have not drafted their share of duds and free agents that didn't work out. What the Jerrys never did was swallow a poison pill...ie., bring in a guy like Allen Iverson. Question: What's the difference between Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson? Kobe "sharpens the saw" and Allen runs his mouth..."We talkin' bout practice, man!" To put it bluntly, it's the difference between having character and being one!
  14. emoac1
    70. Posted by emoac1 Tue Nov 3 2:21pm EST

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    As usual, AI is being a selfish, megalomaniacal prima donna who will do nothing except poison the Grizzlies' chemistry; that's what they get for abandoning Vancouver, Canada !
  15. allan
    69. Posted by allan Tue Nov 3 2:21pm EST

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    i guarantee you AI is not a cancer to every team, if he plays with contender team like Lakers or Celtics, he will choose to come from the bench with less minutes on the court coz that team wins a lot, but if you put him in Grizzles team, who does'nt know how to finish the game then expects him to talk a lot..
  16. allan
    68. Posted by allan Tue Nov 3 2:16pm EST

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    AI is not selfish last night if you watched, nd its ok not to give him long minutes but when he's on a roll put him there, the substitution is wrong, he should be there in the last 2 mins, Randolph did not think of the time wisely, it is still 1.4 sec and thats still a lot of time to get a decent shot, why will throw and waste it crazy, AI is wide open and big man is guarding him mismatch, if only Randolf passed it to him then its ball game. AI does not want to lose and lots of opportunities that Memphis should have win this like in Nuggets game, he's a winner and competitor so i dont blame him talking after the game could not blame him, AI said he does'nt mind playing 10 mins if the team wins but if it lose then let him talk. he is superstar and a future hall of famer.
  17. MIKES
    67. Posted by MIKES Tue Nov 3 2:02pm EST

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    that guy talkin but allen will destroy the team .u aint know what u talkin..iverson is a winner..everywhere he goes, the number are there...the grizzlies never was a good team anyway,, so what you talkin hater....
  18. MIKES
    66. Posted by MIKES Tue Nov 3 1:57pm EST

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    allan iverson..one of the greatest of all time...is on the bench..what is this league comein to...i dont care who is myo or conley..you dont put proven talent on the bench..this guy could still work..at a high standard...
  19. <i>ashantikl</i>
    65. Posted by ashantikl Tue Nov 3 1:50pm EST

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    Idiots. Had they played AI longer, they would've won. He scored 11 points in less than 18 minutes. Hang in there AI. Your true fans love and support you and always will!!
  20. paa
    64. Posted by paa Tue Nov 3 1:15pm EST

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    Everyone blame Allen Iverson for his ranting, but thats him as a competitor. He lets everyone knows that he is there to compete & win games. The young Grizzlies should learn a lot from him, look at his bright side & not most of the bad sides. The coaching staff should work together with the players & specially the veteran players to help improve the teams performance. I put the game on the line on Iverson's hands than Zach Randolph. Randolph has been brilliant but make bad decisions on close games.
  21. Randy M
    63. Posted by Randy M Tue Nov 3 12:41pm EST

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    Good luck Memphis you will need it.Iverson will destory that team and anybody who plays with him.Complain,complain,complain.I. Verson right name for the right person I-Verson!
  22. Kermit
    62. Posted by Kermit Tue Nov 3 12:37pm EST

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    tony s i can tell you cant ball cus if u could you would know A.I. is a great player no doubt about it...Their hate bcus they still cant believe he's the ANSWER....STUPID..
  23. Kermit
    61. Posted by Kermit Tue Nov 3 12:34pm EST

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    to hell with all yall haters--yall kill me like A.I. has lost it or something stupid haters--ok every star in the league has a ring or they great leaders...remember A.I. NEVER had a real contending team--Detroit fell apart becuse punk ass RASHEED didnt ball worth a lick, T gay like Prince.dissapeared. and stuckey is trash for real so blame A.I. FOR THEM PUNKS...Denver wasnt him either its your fault (GM'S) that want him to run their point-not a good move.. I dont blame a contender not to get him if you cant start him... I KNOW ONE THING K.G. needed Pually and Jesus Shuttlworth--KOBE needed gasol bynum and lamar-Even Tim had players not good players great players around them... STUPID Hall of Fame...@#$%s
  24. Dale Klein
    60. Posted by Dale Klein Tue Nov 3 12:15pm EST

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    Careful what you wish for Grizzlies fans, AI will hog the ball and stale the development of your young talent, Mayo, Gay, Gasol, etc. AI is a terrible offensive teammate and even worse on defense. He will play hard every night but he plays for himself and his stats and says it is because he just wants to win. If he just wants to win then he would make his teammates better instead of dribbling out the shot clock.
    Melo and JR have come along great since AI left.
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Top Performers

 Top Performers
 Memphis
Z. Randolph Zach Randolph
12-21,  30 Pts
16 Rebs, 1 Assists
 Sacramento
K. Martin Kevin Martin
14-27,  48 Pts
5 Rebs, 4 Assists

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