If you’re making a list of things you probably didn’t think you’d see at the start of this NBA season, Sacramento being 2-1 might have made the cut.
Sacramento being 2-1 with back-to-back wins over Portland and the L.A. Clippers definitely would have made the cut.
The Kings are head-scratchers at this point, when one is wondering just how good they actually are. They’ve got star power on the perimeter in small forward Rudy Gay, and in the post in center DeMarcus Cousins. Defensively, they’ve been paint-cloggers. They’re fifth in the NBA in points allowed (93.7 per game) and fifth in field-goal percentage allowed (40.7 percent).
“In comparison to last year, and their expectations, they have a vibe of trying to win,” Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo said. “Trying to win and make the playoffs and things of that nature. Even their role players, some of the guys that they brought … those are some competitive guys. We expect a competitive game tonight.”
The Kings beat the Clippers on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, making Monday’s game in Denver (1-1) the second of a back-to-back for them. Nuggets coach Brian Shaw is not surprised at Sacramento’s early success.
“Nothing surprises me,” Shaw said. “It’s the second year under (coach) Mike Malone. Last year, they didn’t have Rudy Gay for the entire season, and I think they’ve gotten a chance to understand what the coach expects of them and vice versa. The addition of Darren Collison — he’s been playing well for them throughout the preseason, as well as the first three games of the regular season.
“And just like Kenneth Faried with us and how he was kind of able to be energized and bring a lot from his experience with the U.S. Team, I think the same thing applies to Cousins.”
Footnote. Nuggets guard Ty Lawson is listed as questionable with ankle soreness, but he did go through the morning shootaround and is expected to be ready to play against the Kings.
Christopher Dempsey: cdempsey@denverpost.com or
