Kenny Natt didn't want to talk about the Detroit Pistons. His mind was firmly planted in Sacramento, even as the Kings left for a four-game trip East.
"We are focusing on the Kings," the interim coach said. "I know we have the Pistons (tonight), but my point is that I think it's important for us to get better at what we do." For Natt, that means focusing on individual and team defense concepts as the Kings hope to begin the new year on a new note, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
The Kings look to improve on a 2-13 road record and extend momentum from Tuesday's 92-90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Arco Arena. That win ended a six-game losing streak and marked the return of leading scorer Kevin Martin, who has played in only 10 games this season because of a troublesome left ankle.
Even as Martin worked out the kinks in his conditioning, he led the Kings with 20 points in 30 minutes off the bench.
"It makes it easier for (our) team knowing he's out there," Natt said. "The opposing teams have to prepare. His presence gives us that extra weapon that we need so teams play a little more honest and adjust their defensive strategy."
Mostly, the Kings hope Martin's presence translates into more wins.
"We are ready to move on to this road trip," Martin said. "I think it's an opportunity for us to continue what we did (Tuesday) night, playing as a team and being in some of these games at the end of the game. There is no reason why we can't go on the road and grab us a couple."
Especially if history repeats in the Motor City. In the Kings' last victory in Auburn Hills on Jan. 18, 2008, Martin set a screen for the since-traded Mike Bibby, who made the game-clinching layup with 17.7 seconds left.
"That was like one of the plays of the year," Martin said after practice Wednesday. "I set a little pick on Chauncey (Billups), and Mike got freed up, and we won the game. Those are the games you love to play in. You go into an arena and teams aren't expecting you to win, and they come out a little flat and we took advantage of it."
While the Kings celebrated Martin's return, the roster has yet to heal fully. The Kings are without second-year center-forward Spencer Hawes, who is day-to-day because of an abdominal strain. Hawes missed Tuesday's game and the last two practices and is not expected to play tonight.
The Pistons are also dealing with an injury to a key component, small forward Richard Hamilton, who is listed as doubtful because of a strained left groin.
But Natt wasn't focused on the Pistons. He was busy stressing what he calls the little things.
"I focus mostly on that with the basic principles of offense and defense," Natt said. "We talk about the little things, the little things like sticking screens, setting a screen, point guards waiting until the bigs get there.
"If we concentrate on that and do those little things that are big things, then we don't have to worry as much about what the Pistons or what anyone else does."
TONIGHT'S GAME Kings (8-24) at Detroit (19-11) Tipoff: 5 p.m. Where: Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Mich. TV: Ch. 10. Radio: KHTK (1140 AM).
Overview: This is the second and final meeting between the Kings and Pistons this season, with the first matchup resulting in a 100-92 Detroit win Nov. 11 at Arco Arena. The Kings swept last season's series 2-0, but the Pistons lead the all-time series 23-21 in the Sacramento era. The Kings are coming off a 92-90 win over the Los Angeles Clippers that ended a six-game losing streak.
Pistons update: Detroit has won five consecutive games, including an 83-75 win over the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday. In their 88-82 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday, the Pistons committed only four turnovers, which tied the Toronto Raptors for the league's fewest this season. Strangely, the Pistons have not fared well against Western Conference teams at the Palace this season, going 1-3 in such games.
Pistons injuries: Small forward Richard Hamilton (left groin strain), doubtful.
Kings injuries: Center-forward Spencer Hawes (abdominal strain, out); forward Kenny Thomas (left calf strain, out).
Probable starters Kings No. / Player / Pos. 19 / Beno Udrih / PG 23 / Kevin Martin / SG 15 / John Salmons / SF 33 / Mikki Moore / PF 52 / Brad Miller / C
Pistons No. / Player / Pos. 3 / Rodney Stuckey / PG 1 / Allen Iverson / SG 25 / Amir Johnson / SF 22 / Tayshaun Prince / PF 30 / Rasheed Wallace / C
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521. To get breaking news alerts and game scores sent to your phone, text Kings to 72737.
