52209http://fullcourtpress.kingsconnect.com/archives/5220Evans+Likely+to+Play+Against+Spurs2010-02-03+02%3A57%3A12Andrew+Nicholson

Evans Likely to Play Against Spurs

With seven out of the past eight and three upcoming games against current playoff-bound teams, the Sacramento Kings are amidst a tough stretch. As a young team striving to be mentioned among the postseason group, however, the Kings formidable matchups provide continual opportunity to gauge the team’s development.

“We try to learn something from every game,” Coach Paul Westphal said after Tuesday’s practice. “We are so close to breaking through, and it sounds like a broken record because we had a bad month. We could hardly win a game in January, and we had a chance to get a road win against one of the top teams in the League and couldn’t break through last night, but we’re picking up what it takes to win. We’re in the process of growing as a young team. I think that we’re seeing progress when we’re watching film and breaking it down — the way we’re helping each other. Our defense is getting better, even though it has a long way to go. Offensively, we’re being more consistent, even though the turnovers are something we need to improve on. I think we’re having a better quality of turnover, if there is such a thing.”

As the only team that’s been able to knock off the Nuggets twice this season, the Kings were in position to set themselves further apart in Denver on Monday night. They had a shot to win it in regulation and in overtime by limiting Chauncey Billups to just 6-of-25 shooting from the field, dominating the boards (48-33), shooting 48 percent from the field and dishing 27 assists, but with 10 of their 19 miscues coming in the third quarter and committing 29 fouls, which the Nuggets converted to 26 points at the free throw line, the Kings came up short 112-109 — nearly the margin they trailed at the charity stripe 26-22.

Afterward, Spencer Hawes, who notched 23 points and seven rebounds, said “It has kind of been our Achilles heel all year. We play hard pretty much all the time, but we don’t always play the right way.” After Tuesday’s practice, Hawes elaborated on what the right way is for the team to be successful.

“(It’s a matter of) growing up and poise and when things start going badly,” the third-year center said. “(It’s) being able to slow it down and/or stop it, instead of letting it pile on for as long as we did before we turned it back on.”

Despite the setback, the Kings can be encouraged by the aforementioned positive statistics and their ability to limit the third-best three-point shooting team in the NBA to just 4-of-19 shooting from long range. Along with trying to contain All-Star power forward Tim Duncan, the Kings strength on the glass and three-point shooting bodes well for their impending matchup with the San Anotonio Spurs, who rank among the top five in rebounding differential and three-point shooting.

“It’s not like it’s any surprise about what they’re trying to run or who they’re trying to go to,” Hawes said. “You kind of, 1-on-1, have to make it a point of emphasis that you have to stop them.”

Although Kings rookie Tyreke Evans missed Monday’s game due to a bruised left hip, Westphal said the Kings starting point guard will “likely be able to play tomorrow.” After sustaining a left ankle sprain last Wednesday, Spurs point guard Tony Parker has missed San Antonio’s last two games (1-1). His status is questionable for the Kings-Spurs contest, but it doesn’t change much for the Kings preparation.

“George Hill is playing very good basketball, from what I hear,” Westphal said in reference to Parker’s backup. “They’re liking him almost as much as Tony Parker, so he gives them more size in the backcourt. Still, it’s not Tony Parker so it’s a loss for them because of the ability Tony has to penetrate and break down the defense. But we’re not going to feel to sorry for the Spurs, because we haven’t been beating teams who have their stars out anyway. They still have Duncan, (Manu) Ginobili, George Hill and (Richard) Jefferson, last I checked.”

Watch - Kings Practice: Coach Westphal.

Along with notable production by Omri Casspi (14 points, four rebounds), Andres Nocioni (11 points, three rebounds, two blocks) and Sergio Rodriguez (eight points, six assists, two steals), Jon Brockman (11 points, 11 rebounds) helped Sacramento’s bench outscore (46-39) and outrebound (23-9) Denver’s. His output along with the rotating set of reserves who’ve stepped up each game has been a consistent source of energy for the Kings.

“Brockman’s played really well for us,” Nocioni said. “He’s a tough guy. He plays really hard for us. He’s a good rebounder and he’s a good guy for the team.”

Watch - Kings Practice: Andres Nocioni.

“We have a lot of good players coming off the bench,” Hawes added. “If you have talent on your bench it allows (it) to be effective. (They’re) just coming in with the right mindset and everyone’s kind of ready to come in to contribute right away. It helps out having guys who can provide instant offense and get in the flow easily.”

Watch - Kings Practice: Spencer Hawes.

See Hawes, Brockman and the Kings take on Tim Duncan and the Spurs on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at ARCO Arena. Buy tickets now.