The Sacramento Kings hope to build on a thrilling home-
opening win they return to the hardwood at ARCO Arena to host the
Atlanta Hawks.
Kevin Martin set a scoring record for a Kings home opener, pouring in 48
points as Sacramento beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 127-116, to capture its first
win of the season on Monday.
Martin, who went 14-of-27 from the field, including 7-of-10 from three-point
range, had seven of his points in the extra session. Martin also had four
steals for the Kings, who capitalized with 67 points from their bench.
After three straight losses to begin the season, Sacramento was able to hit
effectively from long range, going 14-of-25 from beyond the arc.
Spencer Hawes added 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for the Kings,
who also received 16 points from Beno Udrih, 15 from Omri Casspi and 13 from
Andres Nocioni.
"That was a special experience for our team," said Kings coach Paul Westphal.
"It was a true team game. It was a team game as far as the city was concerned
too, to have that place packed and cheering for a team that won 17 games the
year before, that was a fantastic feeling for us."
The Hawks, meanwhile, improved to 1-1 on a four-game road trip Tuesday in
Portland when Jamal Crawford scored 27 points off the bench and doled out
seven assists to lead Atlanta past the Trail Blazers, 97-91, at the Rose
Garden.
Joe Johnson added 19 points and eight rebounds for the Hawks, who won for the
third time in their four games this season. Zaza Pachulia and Josh Smith had
12 points each, while Al Horford donated 11 points and 13 boards in the win.
"He (Crawford) was big...he kept us close," said Johnson. "He made big shots
when we needed baskets and that's what we need him for. He makes it very easy.
He's a guy that can score when all the focus is on me. He comes in and scores
at ease."
Atlanta, which will finish up its trip in Charlotte, has won three straight
and four of its past five meetings with the Kings.
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