Jason Thompson: Sacramento Kings Power Forward Has Been Lighting It Up Lately

Jason Thompson has been unremarkable for most of the 2011-2012 NBA season. He's been a solid contributor for the Kings, but really hasn't been a standout until recently.

Thompson started the season as a rotational player. Midway through January he became a starter for the Kings, starting 26 of Sacramento's next 28 games. Despite the promotion, there wasn't a dramatic increase in Thompson's game.

But over the last two games, Thompson has seen increased playing time, and it's really translated into increased production for the four-year veteran.

Through the Kings' first 42 games, Thompson averaged 20.3 minutes per game and put up 7.7 points per game, 6.1 rebounds per game and shot 49.5 percent from the field.

But in the last two games, he's really gone off. He's averaged 37 minutes per game and scored 21 points per game and brought in 15 rebounds per game. He's also shot a sizzling 82.6 percent from the field (19-of-23).

Thompson attributes his increased production to a realization that the only way he can guarantee regular playing time is by forcing the issue. Forcing head coach Keith Smart to play him consistently is something Thompson hasn't done too much of this season.

But that all seemed to change during a recent loss to the Warriors, where Thompson hauled in nine first-quarter rebounds and was basically put on the bench for the rest of the game.

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"I guess I had a little rage to myself a little bit," Thompson said. "Especially how I started the (Warriors) game with nine rebounds and didn't play the rest of the game. Sometimes it happens with matchups.

"But I took it on myself – I can play better. And sometimes even if the matchups aren't there, if you play well, it's tough to take a guy out."

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You can bet that Keith Smart has took notice, giving Thompson increased playing time recently as a reward to his improved play. When asked about Thompson's recent play, Smart responded positively:

"He's put together a string of some really good games on both sides of the ball, and he's rebounding great," said Smart.

For the Kings, it's the perfect time for Thompson to start going off. With Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves coming to Sacramento for a Sunday afternoon game, the Kings will need good play from Thompson to have a chance to win.

If recent history tells us anything, it's that Thompson might be up to the challenge.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/18/4346828/thompson-capitalizes-on-recent.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/18/4346828/thompson-capitalizes-on-recent.html#storylink=cpy