The Sacramento Kings defeated the Washington Wizards in a sloppy, back-and-forth affair Friday night, bringing their season to a unexpected 3-3 record, their best start since 2014. Nemanja Bjelica led the way with 26 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, while nailing 6 out of 10 shots from deep, and John Wall was the best player for Washington, recording 26 points and 8 assists before fouling out in the final moments of the 4th quarter.

The game showcased the strengths and weaknesses of the core built over the summer, as the Kings’ four best players, De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield, Nemanja Bjelica, and Willie Cauley-Stein combined for a +/- of plus-63, while the rest of the team account for a disappointing -41. That same core four also scored 83 of the team’s 116 points. The severe gap in production from the small forward spot once again reared its ugly head, with Iman Shumpert and Justin Jackson combining for just 1/9 shooting from deep.

Aside from the glory of an important win, the Kings did shine in several areas despite the cacophony of whistles that interrupted the game throughout the entire night. Sacramento won the rebounding battle 53 – 42, including an impressive 14 offensive boards, and also recorded more assists than the Wizards, while attempting a season-high 37 shots from deep. De’Aaron Fox also managed to push through his foul trouble and leave an imprint on the game, scoring 18 points, including 2/5 from three-point range, and dishing out 9 assists.

Play of the game:

"OH, DE'AARON FOX!" #SacramentoProud @NBATV pic.twitter.com/uZJeP9azVk

— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2018

Game Notes: