The message to Donte' Greene was made clear early on with the new coaching staff:
Don't expect to earn playing time with your offense.
The message began to set in. Greene began to publicly say he wanted to become a lockdown defender.
Greene has gotten the chance to test his defensive mettle in his last two games. He's been one-on-one against LeBron James and gave Kobe Bryant problems late until Kobe went Kobe with two late threes.
But tonight's match up might be his toughest.
At least that's how Greene views going against Carmelo Anthony, the NBA's leading scorer. And coming off a 5-of-19 performance in last night's loss to Dallas, there's no reason to believe Anthony won't be out to get back in a shooting groove.
"I think out of those three he's the most aggressive scorer," Greene said. "And he's definitely the hardest to guard. I'm just going to go out and try to match his energy and make him play defense too."
Here's where we insert the fun "homer" disclamer. Like Greene, Anthony played at Syracuse and is from Baltimore.
In all seriousness, Greene isn't alone in believing that. There aren't many players that make scoring look easier than Anthony.
"I think he's the best scorer out of those three, personally," Greene said. "Not just because I know him, a lot of people say that. Just his size, his quickness and strength is just on a whole other level."
Greene, however, refused to put extra significance on defending Anthony.
"I don't know about special," Greene said. "We just want to win so I can have bragging rights in the summertime."
--Jason Jones
From The Bee
Evans' ankle may be a sore point vs. Nuggets tonight By Jason Jones
From The Denver Post
Melo's misses chill Denver, Dallas wins 104-96 By By Benjamin Hochman
TONIGHT'S GAME (By Jason Jones)
Kings (13-16) vs. Denver (20-11)
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Arco Arena.
TV: CSNCA.
Radio: KHTK (1140 AM).
Kings update: One of the steadiest Kings this season was one of the most criticized last season. Beno Udrih has been a stabilizing presence whether starting or coming off the bench. He's shooting 52.7 percent and averaging 14.1 points, both career highs. He's coming off one his best games of the season in the Kings' double-overtime loss to the Lakers. Udrih had 23 points, six assists and two steals. If Tyreke Evans is out, the Kings will need a similar effort from Udrih.
Nuggets update: Carmelo Anthony might be the most dangerous offensive player in the NBA. He leads the NBA, averaging 30.4 points, and has emerged as an MVP candidate. If the Nuggets are going to repeat as Northwest Division champions, Anthony will be a major reason. Injured guard Chauncey Billups might be Denver's leader, but everything revolves around Anthony's play. Rookie Ty Lawson has been a boost to the Denver bench.
Probable starting lineups
Kings
13 Tyreke Evans G
19 Beno Udrih G
20 Donté Greene F
34 Jason Thompson F
31 Spencer Hawes C
Nuggets
3 Ty Lawson G
6 Arron Afflalo G
15 Carmelo Anthony F
4 Kenyon Martin F
31 Nene C
