NUMBERS GAME

26.1 minutes averaged this season by Nuggets guard Steve Blake. If he finishes at 26 or better, he gets a $250,000 contract bonus. "Hopefully, I can keep playing well and do what coach (George Karl) asks and, if it works out, it works out," he said.

4 THE BETTER?

The NBA has approved the request of forward Kenyon Martin, wanting a new look after three injury-plagued seasons in Denver, to change his number from 6 to 4 next season.

"It's my college number," Martin said of No. 4, which is retired at the University of Cincinnati. "I just feel comfortable with it."

Martin said No. 4 was unavailable when he entered the NBA with New Jersey in 2000. He chose No. 6 because it was worn by the legendary Bill Russell. The deadline for players to request number changes for next season was March 2. Martin would have to wait four years before he could make another request for a change.

STILL CHEERING

Carmelo Anthony has fallen off the pace, but Alex English is still hopeful. Anthony, averaging 29.3 points, is seeking to break Denver's NBA scoring record of 29.8 set by English in 1985-86.

"I'm still rooting for him," said English, a Toronto assistant. "He's trying to get all the records."