As the regular season approaches, Tyreke Evans is hearing a more insistent, demanding Paul Westphal.

"Coach talked to me about (improving) my defense before camp," Evans said. "I know if I play great defense, we can be a good team. That's why I asked coach to put me on Monta (Ellis). It's not easy, though. When I talked to Chuck (Hayes) in practice, he said, 'You have to defend to make the playoffs.' Chuck has helped me a lot. Never played with anybody who talked so much on defense. But, man, it's hard."

Leaning back in his chair in the locker room late Tuesday, Evans laughed. He had ice bags on his knees, on his right foot, on his left shoulder.

"If I got to (defend) every night," he added, "I have to be ready. You know? Like I said, I just have to get the will to be a great defender. We got guys who can handle, score, like Marcus, Jimmer. That's my goal, my focus. I want to win."