Michael Phelps was greeted to a standing ovation at Arco Arena on a night in which Kings fans weren't given much else to cheer.
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson awarded the Olympic sensation a golden key to the city, encouraging Phelps to return anytime. Before he took his courtside seat next to Gavin Maloof, Phelps provided inspirational words to hundreds of swim club members in a question-and-answer session before the game. Phelps spoke at length about everything from his swimwear to his motivation. "My parents never pressured me," Phelps said. "My mom would have supported me if I wanted to sit on the couch. I do this because I love this."
And people loved watching him make history with his historic eight gold medals during the Beijing Olympics.
"I watched no matter what I was doing this summer. I watched every single one of the races," Kings center Spencer Hawes said. "During that time, that was what my schedule was built around. I stayed up, got up. It was an unbelievable accomplishment for him and for the country."
Hawes has often been told he resembles Phelps and has even been asked for the swimmer's signature.
"It was good to finally meet him and see up close and personal if we really do look alike," Hawes said. "I see it a little bit, but not as much as everyone is telling me. I have to get a haircut now that he's going for the long hair look.
"I'll cut mine short to negate the resemblance."
Double take -- Hawes stepped out of the starting lineup on Sunday, replaced by veteran Mikki Moore at power forward.
Hawes has struggled in the 11 games since taking over the starting spot Dec. 2. Interim coach Kenny Natt ultimately decided that his second-year center might fare better against opponents' second units.
"We will see how it goes," Natt said. "I spoke to both those guys and communicated to both that Spencer, this is not a demotion for you, as well as Mikki, this is not a promotion for you. It's just a decision we are making."
Hawes finished shooting 2 for 5 from the field, including 0 for 2 from three-point range, for four points, four rebounds, three turnovers and two blocked shots in 22 minutes. Moore shot 1 for 4 from the field for five points, eight rebounds and one assist in 24 minutes.
Filling up -- Arco was packed for the second time this season, or at least it was before the Kings took an 84-48 deficit to the Boston Celtics into the fourth quarter. The announced crowd of 16,029 is the second-best mark of the season, with the Los Angeles Lakers game Dec. 9 bringing in 16,068.
Injury update -- Francisco Garcia left at halftime with right calf stiffness. He did not return and finished the night shooting 1 for 7 from the field for two points.
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