One of the biggest boons for the Sacramento Kings’ ascension last season was their success on the road. The Kings went 25-16 away from Sacramento, the best road record of any Western Conference team and tied for 2nd in the league overall. Mike Brown had his squad fired up for road games, and the numbers speak for themselves; their blistering, record-setting offense didn’t take breaks for away contests, finishing second in the league in offensive rating in road games (115.7). And while the Kings weren’t ever considered a dynamic defensive squad, they did surprise their rivals on the road, finishing 8th in defensive rating (113.8) in road games across the whole NBA.
But when playing in the gorgeous Golden 1 Center, the Kings weren’t as successful in securing wins or defensive success. They went 23-18 in Sacramento—a massive improvement from the drought seasons, but tied for 14th overall in the league for success in 2022-23. While their offensive rating (121.6) at home was record-breaking, their defense rating was way worse, tied for 28th in the league (118.2). They gave up more points, forced fewer turnovers, and allowed opponents to shoot better in Sacramento than they did elsewhere.
Did I throw too many numbers at you? Here’s the gist; the Kings were great across most of last year, but their records, point totals, and advance numbers show they were better on the road than in Sacramento. What’s up with that? Do Kings players know the secret late night party spots in Sacramento, while their rivals still all think this is just a cowtown and thus get more rest? Does the team need the inconsistencies and inconveniences of travel and sleeping in hotel beds to get in a better state of mind for defensive focus? Did the roar of rival crowds spur them harder than that of the best fanbase in sports (I can’t believe I just typed that)?
To stay competitive in the competitive Western Conference, it would be great to see the Kings continue their success on the road this year. But it would also be great if they could win a bit more in Sacramento.
Ticketholders: Please treat with absolute indifference, or high-decibel booing, your 2023-2024 Sacramento Kings.
i think it’s worth noting that 3 of those home losses were in the first 4 games, when the team was still figuring itself out.
it’s also worth noting that the home losses that came later in the season included the Hornets, Wizards, Raptors, Timberwolves (twice), Spurs, Mavs (without Luka), and Lakers (without Davis, with Westbrook).
When I look at the facts that way, I am cautiously optimistic that it indicates we’ll improve our home record next season. Even winning half of those bad losses puts us at 52 wins.
But I will most care about how we hold up against the likes of the Sixers, Suns, Bucks, Warriors, and Celtics — all of whom had our number this season. If we can at least split all those series, that will mean the team is For Real
Sacramento led the West with the most wins on the road last season.
The Away record tied the 2001-02 61 win season Kings for best in the Sacramento Era. (That team was 36-5 at home… woo ha!)
Light the Beam! And then Light it some more!
A lot of that is skewed. That’s why I don’t see as many wins or an increase.
Injuries to a lot of key stars hurt quite a few teams during the regular season.
Kings were true benefactors as probably the healthiest team in the league compared to other playoff teams.
Lakers are a case in point. They don’t care about regular season. Lebron and Ad missed tons of games. How far did they get in the playoffs.
A lot will be dependent on whether Keegan makes a jump in the creation dept. if not, he’s surely not a true 3.
Sasha and Duarte are nice additions. But offense is not this teams problem. From what I have seen of Sasha highlights, he’s pretty bad defensively. Like worse than Doncic.
Kings should still be a Top 5-6 team in the West ,regardless.
Bucks lost a great 2 way player. But Dame is a more dynamic offensive player. But the PNr between Dame and Giannis will be legendary. Pick your poison.
yes, many of the bad losses came at home. There were some poor teams in that bunch. All teams in the NBA are good, have pride and if given an opening will pounce. Probably needs more focus, more attention and less “we got this”.
Do Kings players know the secret late night party spots in Sacramento, while their rivals still all think this is just a cowtown and thus get more rest?
Sleep Train: your ticket to a better night’s sleep.
I think that the drought is over and the angst of playing in front of the home crowd is largely washed away for now…
My theory: opponents tried harder last year because they didn’t want the embarrassment of getting beamed.
Could be! It’s got to be humiliating to leave the arena with the purple middle finger reaching to the heavens.
Just play defense.
The Kings fans appreciate effort, good Dl and hustle plays.
Dame off to Milwaukee, and I think Portland just got much better, frankly. Jury out on Phoenix, that could go either way.
Damn you, Western Conference!
Suns just got a whole lot deeper and got out of Ayton’s deal. The Pacific is the division of death.
PHX also isn’t done. They have a ton of players under contract now with camp opening up shortly.
Wouldn’t be too worried unless Nurkic/Beal/Durant (at their ages) manage to have a miraculously healthy year.
Portland is apparently trading Jrue. Depending on the return, they’re probably improved down the road but unlikely this season
There in full rebuild with youth anyway. Them getting out of Dame’s deal is the win for PDX.
as is Ayton and the Suns – he wanted out, they wanted him out.
Suns won big. Why? They have a lot of movable pieces. They can get even deeper. Depth, which was a problem last year. Will not be this year. They have enough to get another needle mover or 2. If, and a big if. Durant plays 60 or more. This team will be very difficult to beat. It’s also a very bad match up roster wise for the Kings.
Badge Legend