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Bibby, Kings look to spoil Bulls' home opener

Nov 3, 2006 - 2:50 PM Sacramento (0-1) at Chicago (1-1) 8:30 pm EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Despite a quicker-than-expected return in the season opener, Mike Bibby did not stick around for the finish.

Bibby looks to move closer to a pair of milestones for the Sacramento Kings, who play the second contest of a three-game road trip Friday against the Chicago Bulls.

The 28-year-old Bibby was supposed to miss the first two weeks of the regular season with an injured right thumb. However, he scored 16 points, grabbed five rebounds and had four assists for the Kings in Wednesday's 92-83 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bibby, who was ejected late in the fourth quarter for arguing with officials, needs seven assists to equal Mitch Richmond's Sacramento record (2,128). He is also 53 points shy of 10,000.

Kevin Martin scored 23 points and Ron Artest added 16 with 12 rebounds for the Kings, who shot just 35 percent (31-of-89) from the floor.

After looking impressive in their season-opening 108-66 rout of the defending champion Miami Heat, the Bulls struggled defensively in Wednesday's 109-94 loss to the Orlando Magic.

Ben Gordon scored 24 points, Kirk Hinrich had 14 and rookie Thabo Sefolosha 13 for Chicago, which allowed Orlando to shoot 59 percent (35-of-59) and was outrebounded, 36-27.

Sacramento swept the two-game season series against the Bulls in 2005-06 and has taken 13 of the past 14 encounters.