Action Jackson could be key to series

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Through the first half of the season, Bobby Jackson was arguably the Sacramento Kings' most valuable player.

With Mike Bibby starting the season on the injured list with a stress fracture and missing the first 27 games, Jackson filled in better than anyone had a right to expect.

Prior to breaking his hand in a Christmas victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Jackson was averaging just under 20 points per game. There was even talk of an All-Star selection.

Jackson missed 20 games, coming back to the team Feb. 14. With Bibby running the Kings again, Jackson was back to coming off the bench. His effectiveness did not compare to his impact as a starter. He finished the season with 15.2 points a game.

The Kings are hoping Jackson's late-season shooting slump does not carry into the playoffs. Although in double figures in five of the final 10 games, Jackson was shooting poorly, making just 37 percent of his shots and averaging 8.6 points.

``This has been no mystery, everyone goes through it,'' Jackson said. ``I can't get down on myself for the way I have been shooting. I will continue putting up shots before and after practice and will step it up for the playoffs.

^ =

^TRIED AND TESTED: A year ago it was a tentative Andrei Kirilenko who entered his first playoff game against the Sacramento Kings.

A starter throughout much of the second half of the regular season, Kirilenko made a strong impression, especially in Game 2 of the series.

In Utah's surprising 93-86 victory at Arco Arena, Utah's small forward had 15 points, six rebounds and five blocks.

``I was a little nervous, a little worried for that first playoff game,'' Kirilenko said. ``The second game I came out a little more confident. It was nice to have a game like that.''

This has been a different season for Kirilenko. The Jazz acquired Matt Harpring in the offseason, and Kirilenko moved to the bench.

Yet the move has made Utah stronger. Kirilenko is easily the most productive bench player for the Jazz, averaging 12 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, both improvements over his rookie season.

Although a reserve for this series, Kirilenko expects similar minutes and knows what the playoffs entail.

``The experience from last year is big,'' Kirilenko said. ``It's the playoffs. You need to get more physical, play better defense. I will try to bring freshness and energy off the bench. That's what this team needs.''

^ =

^OSCAR FOR STOCK?: Vlade Divac began his career near Hollywood, and the likable Yugoslavian quickly found a few parts in the movies and television.

In fact, players, coaches and fans around the league would say Divac is a very good actor. The Kings' veteran center has quite the reputation for flopping in an effort to draw fouls.

The Divac flop is well-known among players and referees. No one acts out a charge any better but according to Divac, he's not the only one in this first round playoff series who deserves an award.

``John Stockton is one of the best,'' Divac said. ``They tell me I'm an Oscar winner, but so is John.''

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)