THE OPPONENT

That was the Hawks.

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THE KEY BATTLE

Johnson also happens to be a killer defensive rebounder. If Martin can sneak in to steal a few of those, the Kings should be able to capitalize. It can't come at the expense of decent transition defense, though. While Atlanta will never be considered a fast team, Smith can fly and the Atlanta backcourt is smart.

THE INTERESTING SIDESHOW

It will be interesting to read the body language of Omri Casspi, Spencer Hawes and Andres Nocioni if the Kings don't hang with what is a clearly better team. All three of those fellows let their aggravation (and excitement) show, and an ineffective effort after a darling win might bring out the worst. I find it especially nerve-wracking with Hawes, who needs to play well to keep the larger population of Kings fans in his corner. And he has a real challenge with Horford, who is smaller and less versatile but clearly tougher and unlikely to be shredded in the post. This is a big game for Hawes. The spotlight's on him now, and the danger of disappointment is so, so clear.

The same goes for Kings fans. The gym will be noticeably more sparse, and the opponent is much tougher. Bad recipe for continued momentum for the crowd.

BOLD PROCLAMATION

Tyreke Evans won't be the one to shut up all this "Start Beno?" nonsense. Beno will.

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