Sacramento (22-27) at Phoenix (32-17) 9:00 pm EST
PHOENIX (Ticker) - The Sacramento Kings will try to use their
newly found defensive prowess to slow down the high-flying
Phoenix Suns on Friday in a Pacific Division showdown.
In the seven games since acquiring former Defensive Player of
the Year Ron Artest from Indiana, the Kings have allowed fewer
than 100 points six times and fewer than 90 on four occasions.
Sacramento held Chicago to just 33 percent (30-of-90) shooting
in a 98-80 triumph on Thursday, its fourth in five games. Kevin
Martin scored 23 points - two shy of his career best - and Mike
Bibby added 20.
A hip pointer hindered Artest, who shot 4-of-13 from the floor
for nine points but did record a season-high seven assists.
Phoenix also has won four of its last five, including
Wednesday's 108-102 victory here against Memphis. Leandro
Barbosa scored a season-high 24 points off the bench for the
Suns, who are the highest-scoring team in the league.
All-Star Shawn Marion collected 21 points and 16 rebounds as
Phoenix's lead in the division swelled to two games over the Los
Angeles Clippers.
The last-place Kings, who trail the Suns by 10 games, have won
the first two meetings of the campaign against them, including a
narrow 118-117 triumph here November 6.