http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=241114023
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- After a slow start, the Sacramento Kings are beginning to look more like themselves at home.
Brad Miller had 26 points and nine rebounds, and the Kings earned their second straight win at home by beating the Denver Nuggets 101-89 Sunday night.
The Kings opened the season by losing four of five games, the only win a lopsided decision at home against Toronto. Sacramento won its first road game on Saturday in Phoenix before returning home to knock off the Nuggets.
"This is Sacramento, we don't lose at home," Miller said. "We've won two in a row and hopefully that has turned us around. When we move the ball and play our game, we're still tough to beat."
Miller, an All-Star the past two seasons, made 7 of 8 shots from the field -- including both 3-point attempts -- and 10 of 11 free throws.
He scored 11 points in the third quarter as the Kings stretched their lead to 77-63. The advantage stayed in double figures through much of the fourth quarter as Denver lost its 16th straight game in Sacramento, dating to Jan. 7, 1996.
"They are always one of the best home teams in the league and they just outplayed us," Denver guard Earl Boykins said.
Peja Stojakovic had 22 points, Mike Bibby scored 20, and Darius Songaila added 10 for Sacramento, which has four games remaining on its homestand.
"This feels good right now (at home) and we have four more to go," Stojakovic said. "I feel like the rest of the month should be good for us."
The homestand got off to a good start despite a lack of production from Chris Webber, who had 10 points and nine rebounds. Webber had three first-half fouls and picked up a fourth early in the third quarter. He stayed out of the game until the final period.
Denver never got going offensively. The Nuggets missed continually from outside and never found the going easy on the inside, either, shooting 38 percent.
Carmelo Anthony provided the only consistent production for Denver, scoring 28 points and grabbing six rebounds. However, he was 10-of-23 and had three turnovers.
"He's tough to cover, he's very talented," said Stojakovic, who guarded Anthony. "If you guard him close he will just go by you. I received a lot of help. I think we forced him to take some tough shots."
Rodney White had 14 points, and Kenyon Martin and DerMarr Johnson each had 10.
"There's no excuses in this league, you've got to be able to shoot the basketball," Denver coach Jeff Bzedelik said.
Bibby scored 14 points in the first half for the Kings.
Game notes
Webber drew a rare technical in the third quarter following an offensive foul. ... When Anthony stood by the sideline, a fan yelled "Where's your bronze medal hot shot," referring to his participation on the U.S. Olympic team that finished third in Athens. Anthony gave the fan a smile and looked away. ... Miller, who hadn't attempted a 3-pointer in the first six games, made his first two attempts. ... Denver played without Marcus Camby, Nene and guard Voshon Lenard, who is out indefinitely because of torn Achilles' tendon.
There are some nice game photos at the link above too.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- After a slow start, the Sacramento Kings are beginning to look more like themselves at home.
Brad Miller had 26 points and nine rebounds, and the Kings earned their second straight win at home by beating the Denver Nuggets 101-89 Sunday night.
The Kings opened the season by losing four of five games, the only win a lopsided decision at home against Toronto. Sacramento won its first road game on Saturday in Phoenix before returning home to knock off the Nuggets.
"This is Sacramento, we don't lose at home," Miller said. "We've won two in a row and hopefully that has turned us around. When we move the ball and play our game, we're still tough to beat."
Miller, an All-Star the past two seasons, made 7 of 8 shots from the field -- including both 3-point attempts -- and 10 of 11 free throws.
He scored 11 points in the third quarter as the Kings stretched their lead to 77-63. The advantage stayed in double figures through much of the fourth quarter as Denver lost its 16th straight game in Sacramento, dating to Jan. 7, 1996.
"They are always one of the best home teams in the league and they just outplayed us," Denver guard Earl Boykins said.
Peja Stojakovic had 22 points, Mike Bibby scored 20, and Darius Songaila added 10 for Sacramento, which has four games remaining on its homestand.
"This feels good right now (at home) and we have four more to go," Stojakovic said. "I feel like the rest of the month should be good for us."
The homestand got off to a good start despite a lack of production from Chris Webber, who had 10 points and nine rebounds. Webber had three first-half fouls and picked up a fourth early in the third quarter. He stayed out of the game until the final period.
Denver never got going offensively. The Nuggets missed continually from outside and never found the going easy on the inside, either, shooting 38 percent.
Carmelo Anthony provided the only consistent production for Denver, scoring 28 points and grabbing six rebounds. However, he was 10-of-23 and had three turnovers.
"He's tough to cover, he's very talented," said Stojakovic, who guarded Anthony. "If you guard him close he will just go by you. I received a lot of help. I think we forced him to take some tough shots."
Rodney White had 14 points, and Kenyon Martin and DerMarr Johnson each had 10.
"There's no excuses in this league, you've got to be able to shoot the basketball," Denver coach Jeff Bzedelik said.
Bibby scored 14 points in the first half for the Kings.
Game notes
Webber drew a rare technical in the third quarter following an offensive foul. ... When Anthony stood by the sideline, a fan yelled "Where's your bronze medal hot shot," referring to his participation on the U.S. Olympic team that finished third in Athens. Anthony gave the fan a smile and looked away. ... Miller, who hadn't attempted a 3-pointer in the first six games, made his first two attempts. ... Denver played without Marcus Camby, Nene and guard Voshon Lenard, who is out indefinitely because of torn Achilles' tendon.
There are some nice game photos at the link above too.
