FOUR STRAIGHT!

Who would’ve thought the Sacramento Kings would have a 5-3 record without Bogdan Bogdanovic? These past eight games have all been very fun to watch (maybe not Denver so much) and I’m here for this action.

The Kings played without Iman Shumpert today, therefore Justin Jackson came into the starting lineup. He wasn’t needed for long as Troy Williams, a two-way player on the roster, came up huge down the stretch with a three and great defense/hustle.

The Kings were trailing early by 11, but made a comeback similar to yesterday’s game to take the lead at halftime. They then extended their lead to 13 to end the third quarter and were on their way to a comfortable fourth quarter. But of course, it’s still the Kings.

The Kings saw their lead evaporate quickly but they never gave up the lead, a positive sign. Instead, they held on and took their lead back up to 10. Orlando started throwing up any shot they could and the Kings still struggled converting their free throws, but would win by eight.

First Quarter Observations

Second Quarter Observations

Third Quarter Observations

Fourth Quarter Observations

Best Players

Nemanja Bjelica continues to give this team the boost they so desperately needed from a veteran. Bjelica scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds. His three point shooting and defense has been so reliable for this young team.

Buddy Hield has been nothing short of amazing these past few games as well. It was another great performance from him, scoring 25 on 9/15 shooting and grabbing 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. I don’t know about you, but I’m not trading Buddy for anyone right now.

Troy Williams played 34 minutes today and they were a big 34 minutes. He scored 12 points on 5-9 shooting to go with five rebounds and two blocks. Hustle isn’t a stat but don’t forget how good he was there.

Willie Money Watch

The shot wasn’t always there for Willie and he had a big failed rebound attempt, but otherwise he was pretty solid. 14 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes for Willie, but the easy misses hurt his statline.

Notable Players

De’Aaron Fox was questionable to play in this game with an injury and that injury showed throughout the game, but Fox stayed in it and scored 14 points in 31 minutes. Hopefully, he heals up well for the next game.

Marvin Bagley played 23 minutes and had 10 points and nine rebounds. He had all of his points come in the first half. How about that spin move on Mo Bamba?

Notable Stats

The Kings out-rebounded the Magic 51-48. The Kings had less assists, steals and blocks, however.

The Kings won the turnover and foul battle, but shot 17-26 from the line. That is just not good enough (65%).

Orlando were 11-43 from deep, bad for 25.6%. The Kings can thank them for that.

No Harry Giles sighting.

The Game in One Word

Enjoy.

Next Game

The Kings travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks this Thursday at 4:30 PM PST.