2008-09 Game 21: Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings Game Thread

In the past Arco Arena in Sacramento has been a house of horrors for the Denver Nuggets.  Over the previous couple of years, as the Kings have fallen from the league’s elite the Nuggets have finally broken through and won a couple of times at Sacramento.  This year, the task of is not quite so daunting. 

The Kings are only 3-7 at home and unlike last season when they beat some of the league’s heavy hitters in Sacramento this season they have only managed to beat three of the worst teams in the league on their home court.  However, Kevin Martin has missed 12 of their 20 games and he returned on Tuesday against the Jazz.  He came off the bench, but did play 33 minutes.  Look for Martin to start tonight. 

The Kings also have an up and coming center in Spencer Hawes.  In his second season Hawes has seen his playing time more than double.  His production has increased significantly due to very well rounded offensive repertoire.  He has a very nice touch around the rim, but can also step out and hit the three.  He is averaging almost a three pointer per game and has made 41% of his attempts from downtown. 

If we can take anything good out of the butt whipping at the hands of the Spurs perhaps the Nuggets will not make the mistake of overlooking an apparently overmatched opponent.  I do not think there is any way the Kings can keep the Nuggets from putting up big offensive numbers.  In fact, the Kings have the second worst defensive efficiency in the NBA, but as we have seen when the Nuggets do not move the ball they are their own worst enemy. 

Defensively as long as the Nuggets play with the focus they have demonstrated in most of their games they will be fine.  Martin is going to get his points and Salmons is a dangerous scorer, but apart from that the Kings are a limited offensive squad.

Denver Nuggets Game Notes

Featured Kings Blog Sactown Royalty – If you do not read Sactown Royalty regularly you are shortchanging yourself so make sure you head on over to read TZ’s take on the game.  He is absolutely one of the best bloggers you will find.