fbpx
Mar. 20, 4:30 PM
SAC @ TOR
Mar. 21, 4:00 PM
SAC @ WAS
Mar. 23, 4:00 PM
SAC @ ORL
Mar. 25, 7:00 PM
PHI @ SAC
Mar. 26, 7:00 PM
DAL @ SAC
Mar. 29, 7:00 PM
DAL @ SAC
Mar. 31, 6:00 PM
UTH @ SAC
Apr. 02, 7:00 PM
LAC @ SAC
Apr. 04, 4:30 PM
SAC @ NYK
Apr. 05, 4:30 PM
SAC @ BOS
Apr. 07, 4:30 PM
SAC @ BKN
Apr. 09, 5:00 PM
SAC @ OKC
Apr. 11, 7:00 PM
NOH @ SAC
Apr. 12, 7:30 PM
PHO @ SAC
Apr. 14, 12:30 PM
POR @ SAC

76ers 129, Kings 127: Second Half Breakdown Ends the Winning Streak

Tyrese Maxey out-dueled De'Aaron Fox as the 76ers won without Joel Embiid or James Harden.
By | 85 Comments | Jan 21, 2023

Jan 21, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) blocks a shot by Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

It was a tale of two halves at Golden 1 Center on Saturday, as a 21-point lead by the Kings late in the 2nd quarter gave way to a truly Kangzy third quarter that put Sacramento at a deficit they couldn’t come back from. The Kings fell 129 to 127 against a Philadelphia 76ers team that was absent their biggest stars but not their aggression or dominance in the paint.

De’Aaron Fox finished with 31 points and 9 assists, and had 14 points in the 4th quarter as he tried to will the Kings to what would have been their 7th straight win. But Tyrese Maxey had 32 points and 6 assists, and the 76ers finished with 129 points and 52.7% shooting despite the absence of Joel Embiid and James Harden. Six Sixers finished with 15 points or more, and the tenacity and depth of this Sixers squad – 2nd in the Eastern Conference and winners of 18 of their last 22 games – was on full display on Saturday night.

The Kings jumped out to an early lead to start the game and kept it up for most of the 1st half, as their offensive efficiency was met by lackadaisical effort and ball-control from the Sixers. Sacramento’s offense for the first 21 minutes of the game was gorgeous, featuring excellent passing, only 5 turnovers, and a bit of luck. But after the Kings took a 71-50 lead with 3:10 left in the 2nd quarter, the Sixers went on a massive 52-25 run across the end of that period and throughout the 3rd quarter. Maxey scored 14 points in that third quarter as the Kings suddenly had no answer for Philadelphia’s aggression – and a easy layup by Maxey with 2:35 to go in the 3rd gave the Sixers a 95-94 lead they would never relinquish.

Fox almost brought the Kings back in the final stretch of the game, and hit a nasty shammgod jumper that pulled the Kings to within 125-123 with 22.8 seconds to go. After Maxey hit two free throws on the other end, Fox found Keegan Murray in the corner for a three pointer that pulled the Kings within 127-126 with 8 seconds to go. De’Anthony Melton hit two subsequent free throws to make it 129 to 126, and then Sixers reserve Matisse Thybulle gave the Kings some life with a boneheaded foul that sent Harrison Barnes to the line with a chance to tie the game. But Barnes hit only two of three free throws and Sacramento couldn’t snag the rebound for a final attempt.

Domantas Sabonis had another near triple double, finishing with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists, but the Sixers did an excellent job of disrupting and predicting his passes in the second half which limited the once-beautiful Sacramento offense. Harrison Barnes continued his excellent January run with 27 points and six threes, and Kevin Huerter added 20 points. But Sacramento’s greatest weakness was once again around the basket – even without their MVP big man in Embiid, the 76ers finished with 70 points in the paint and out-rebounded the Kings 54 to 39.

The Kings will look to rebound against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday at Golden 1 Center.

Game Notes:

  • Keegan Murray had his moments on both ends on Saturday, including the late three pointer and some strong defensive moments. His statsheet (13 points and three boards) was nowhere near as impressive as his game against the Thunder on Friday, but he still had some aggressive moments that got lost somewhat in the second half meltdown.
  • While Malik Monk was dynamic in the 2nd quarter, scoring 9 points and driving the Kings offense with flair, he vanished in the 2nd half and finished with 3 of 10 shooting. The Kings bench was outscored 49 to 20 by the Sixers’ bench.
  • Chimezie Metu left the game in the second quarter with a non-contact knee injury. Here’s hoping that the injury wasn’t as serious as it looked.

 

 

 

 

 

Patreon Membership
* indicates required


To prevent spam, our system flags comments that include too many hyperlinks. If you would like to share a comment with multiple links, make sure you email [email protected] for it to be approved.
Subscribe
Notify of
85 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
ManilaBayCleanerCrew
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 21, 2023 10:19 pm

The three inevitables of the Sacramento Kings:

  • 4th quarter Fox
  • Double-double Domas
  • losing a SEGABABA
Amonk81
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
January 21, 2023 10:52 pm

I guess another inevitable I didn’t realize is that Monk will be a brick 2/3 of the time. I wondered why/how LA let him go after the first month. Now I know why.

I still like having him and hope he figures out a way to be more consistent.

RikSmits
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 21, 2023 10:59 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

I just want him to score 81 points one game so your username will be viewed as prophetic. Or play 81 games this season, but that’s a bit less glamorous.

Amonk81
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
January 22, 2023 12:23 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Ha. I didn’t even think about username and Malik. That’s perfect though.

Hobby916
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 3:57 am
Reply to  Amonk81

I think he plays too fast, like he chugs coffee before the game and just can’t slow down. He needs to learn from Fox how to change speeds on offense.

Amonk81
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
January 22, 2023 11:26 am
Reply to  Hobby916

I agree. He just goes headlong to the basket and doesn’t even necessarily look to anybody and if he gets through fine.

So if he’s not hitting his shot he’s a turnover machine and out of control. He only has one gear. Needs to learn how to calm down a little. But I think this is his style

Timmy_13
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
January 21, 2023 10:21 pm

Domas have been getting the Ben Simmons syndrome lately. You’re one of the best players on the team. You’re playing a lengthy Sixers defense who thrive on pokes and perimeter defense. You’re inside the paint. Shoot it. Montrezl can’t guard you.

rockbottom
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 21, 2023 10:34 pm
Reply to  Timmy_13

Agree, sometimes he looks for teammates too much . If it’s possible to be too unselfish Domas could be .

Amonk81
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
January 21, 2023 10:53 pm
Reply to  Timmy_13

I was wondering why Sabonis wasn’t posting up. There’s no way Montrezl could stop him down low. I think the team should’ve altered.

Timmy_13
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
January 21, 2023 10:59 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

Kings were also at the FT line at the 8 min. mark in the 4th quarter. They didn’t take advantage of it.

RikSmits
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 21, 2023 10:33 pm

WTH?

I want my beam and I want it now!

eddie41
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 21, 2023 10:34 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

sorry, but we do have Jim Beam

RikSmits
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 21, 2023 11:04 pm
Reply to  eddie41

I would drink from our sponsor, JJ BareaPfister, if it was available in the Netherlands and if it wasn’t early morning here.

eddie41
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 7:58 am
Reply to  RikSmits

do you think coach Brown should have put some fresh legs in the game, given that it was a SEGABABA and most of the players were visibly gassed by the end of the 1st half, similar to how the Dutch sub in fresh legs late in the game?

Last edited 1 year ago by eddie41
Hobby916
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 8:45 am
Reply to  eddie41

A few minutes of TD might have been good. Match the energy of the Sixer guards.

eddie41
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 9:01 am
Reply to  Hobby916

yeah, or maybe PJ Dozier.

TheBufferZone
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 12:30 am

I still don’t get the benefit of back-to-back games. Losing to a team missing their 2 best players, simply because we have no juice due to a SEGABABA just sucks.

UpgradedToQuestionable
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 12:41 am

Get your hot takes here:
Malik has a malady and it permeates the bench –
he was the spark plug that carried the second unit and the bench has been blasè. They are a flat tire when he’s not pumped up.
Off night seems much too off on offense most nights. Lyles has been fine, and fairly consistent. Holmes/Harris gave a solid 5 min stint (though if Chimezie hadn’t been injured, I wonder if he would have been given PT). No one else is enough to mention. I was surprised PJ Dozier didn’t get in tonight.

Sac got out hustled and was a step too slow. Philly beat them from the inside – the boards in particular. Memphis is all that but more so.

All in all, just one game they coulda/shoulda won but didn’t. Winning 6 in a row is still pretty darn good.

eddie41
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 8:58 am

Holmes was just getting going when he was pulled out of the game. I think this role where he just backs up one player is not suited for him. His motor gets revved up and then he’s on the bench.

By the way Davion is shooting 50% from three in his last 10 games.

UpgradedToQuestionable
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 9:27 am
Reply to  eddie41

I can’t help but be impressed with Davion’s D, his effort, his passion – it’s something I’d say we (most) all delight in. His production on offense however seems disjointed – he continues to be somewhat unsure. That 19 he posted against the Spurs was too much of a blip instead of an occasionally regular thing. With Monk in a slump, I was hoping Davion would help fill the gap – he has not.

It’s odd, as he possesses the harsh confidence of his defense which contrasts the trying to fit in/I guess I need to do something of his offense. Disclaimer – I am below a rank amateur of hoops analysis, this is just a casual fan eye test assessment.

I like Davion and I guess it’s that I want to see more, more consistently. And I expect to – he’s a smart, tough, relentless guy. I wouldn’t bet against him – but as a someone hoping to see him take that next step – I am expressing my impatience.

eddie41
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 11:30 am

Part of the reason why his offensive numbers are low is because he is not shooting often. Another reason is because he’s not playing much. He is an unselfish player.

About taking that next step, the 50% 3-point shooting in the last 10 games might be an indication of one. Let’s keep watching.

UpgradedToQuestionable
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 12:12 pm
Reply to  eddie41

In my mind, with the starters carrying such a load for the team they seem to be playing 1980s type minutes – Thibodeau minutes –

But when I looked up the numbers, reality gave me a wake up slap.

Of the Top 20 leaders in Minutes per game- take a guess at how many Kings are there? Zilch. Top 30? Nada.

Of the Top 50 – just one, that broken handed Ox, Double-Double Domas is at 35. (Interesting (to me) – Siakam, OG and FVV in the Top 10).

The Kings are a Top 10 team in The Association atm, they need a better bench, I suppose, but they also are doing more right than not. Get Domas some reliable relief, and rebounding should be a priority.

Hey – related to that: The careful maturation of Keegan has been a delicious pleasure especially this week. Does this make you want to see more development level talent on this team or is he just that special?

eddie41
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 1:33 pm

that is an interesting stat about minutes played. have you considered those numbers with the pace they play at? Seems logical that if they play at a faster pace than the rest of the league, then they would not average as many minutes.

Last edited 1 year ago by eddie41
Hamlet1989
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 3:53 am

Matt Barnes’ fault. Fire him today. Bad person. Bad Juju.

Jman1949
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 5:58 am

Disappointing as last night’s loss was,

HAPPY YEAR OF THE RABBIT!!

comment image&ct=g

Hobby916
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 6:17 am

I figured the Kings would lose until Embid and Harden were ruled out. Then that news became official and things were trending upward…then the final few minutes of the 2nd quarter came around and it was mostly downhill from there.

The bench has just been way too inconsistent.

I am starting question whether or not they should move on Davion as I think he has been an overall net negative when in the court (someone with more time and knowledge can find that quicker than me)

Monk has his faults and needs to be better

Lyles disappears for stretches

And the rest are a crap shoot on any given night. The 7-9 spots in the rotation need to be upgraded by a significant margin.

BabalooMagoo
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 6:30 am

Ughhh! Ahead by 20 at one point and we wind up screwing the pooch. Not good.

Jack
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 7:23 am
Reply to  BabalooMagoo

You can argue that it was a back to back game. You can blame the bench. On and on.The real reason we lost the game is we don’t play defense. If we don’t I’m afraid we don’t make the playoffs. It’s as simple as that. Other teams will figure us out in the second half and play accordingly we can score 150 points a game and still lose.It starts up front. Watch how many times the Sixers drove right past our guards straight to the basket. Our interior defense is next up. 23 second chance points just doesn’t do it. We need help with another good rim protector and rebounder. If the above stays the same throughout the second half we are in for a big awaken. It is all on the team to play better defense or its 17 in a row. I am not a negative person this is just a reality.

RikSmits
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 22, 2023 8:00 am
Reply to  Jack

It is all on the team to play better defense or its 17 in a row. I am not a negative person this is just a reality.

I’m not a positive person but I’d be willing to take that bet.

Having said that, I agree in general. Despite all the good about this team the lack of D is an eyesore.

RikSmits
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 22, 2023 8:15 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Hot take!

Kings offense:
comment image

Kings defense:
comment image

KANGZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Comments
Comments
January 22, 2023 8:19 am
Reply to  Jack

Yeah there was a sequence early in the game where Tobias Harris had an open three from one corner and missed, then Philly got the offensive rebound and passed to a wide open PJ Tucker at the other corner and he missed that too. The kings got the rebound eventually and they were up a lot early but it was evident that lead wasn’t going to last if that’s how they were going to play defense all night.

Marty
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 22, 2023 8:24 am

The Kings bench was outscored 49 to 20 by the Sixers’ bench.

Last night’s prominent Kings twitter voices were noteworthy in their pre and early game confidence that the Kings would “step on their neck” and finish the Sixers. I’ve not seen such a strongly predicted pre-game win for the Kings like that in some time. The Sixers have done a fine job building a complete roster and have won without Embiid many times, so it is no surprise to Sixers fans that Maxey went off in the 3rd.

We thought this team was deep in the first month but now things have changed. I personally don’t think last night warrants hitting the panic button, they just faced a deeper team and somehow let Harrell have a good game which seems inexcusable and was the difference.

eddie41
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 9:08 am
Reply to  Marty

not the panic button, but I do think last night warrants rethinking the strategy for a SEGABABA.

NowLoveThemOnceAgain
Comments
Comments
January 22, 2023 8:40 am

Barnes missed 2 of 3 free throws. Had he made all 3, the outcome would have been overtime. Key errors included 4 consecutive missed free throws in the third quarter by Fox and Lyles. Again the difference in the outcome.

Jman1949
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 8:52 am

Fox was 9 of 10 from the line last night. I believe it was Domas and Lyles who each missed two in a row in that 3rd quarter sequence.

HongKongKingsFan
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 9:01 am

I think it’s KZ, who partially costed us the game…

As he made a really bad mistake…………..

2.1 sec left before 2nd Qtr: bad pass turnover by KZ
0.0 sec : D. House Jr. makes 31-foot jump bank shot 

All little mistakes contributed to this loss.

KANGZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Comments
Comments
January 22, 2023 11:18 am

Yeah I remember that sequence. KZ even watched House shoot the three without even putting his hand up. Defensive juggernaut

murraytant
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 1:36 pm

DS and Lyles missed 4 straight.

Adamsite
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Nostradumbass 14
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Nostradumbass 14
January 22, 2023 9:44 am

Someone needs to buy Malik Monk a box of bandaids. He’s not just been bad, he’s been one of the worst shooters in the league this year. 31% from three on over 5 attempts a game is just horrendous. Malik is 70th in 3pt attempts per game and right now there are only 3 players out of the 70 who shoot a worse percentage than him.

Monk is playing 6 minutes less per game than last year, yet his usage is at an all time high. The Kings version of Monk is playing worse than the Laker version of Monk, yet he is making $8M more than last year. In many ways Terrance Davis has been the better 2 guard off the bench this year.

Monk needs to get back to playing like a solid sub because right now he is hurting the Kings more than he is helping.

Amonk81
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
January 22, 2023 11:37 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Agree. He goes in and essentially dominates the ball and goes dribble drive dish if he has to rather than being a part of the O. Move the ball, more your body. And he’s completely off balance in his 3s.

He is not Fox/the number 1 guy but he acts like that.

I hope Brown can get him to start playing like earlier in the year when he looked like he was trying to fit in. He thinks he’s better than he is/needs to play his roll.

Jack
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 12:33 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Right now I agree that Monk is hurting the team. Davis doesn’t even play much. Davion plays great defense but has no offense. Lyles usually plays pretty good but last night was non exsistent. Metu and Holmes are not the answer at the center spot.If Monk doesn’t start preforming at least at a good level especially defense then I would not have a problem trading all of them. First I would trade for a good center who can protect the rim and rebound. If he can stay healthy I would seriously look at Zach Collins. I also like Naz Reed but he is a little undersized. I really would like to give D J Dosier a chance in place of Davis and I would not rule out Ellis to play some and see what happens but it all comes down to defense.

RobHessing
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Author
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Author
January 22, 2023 10:02 am

The 15 minutes that was the end of the 2nd qtr. & the entire 3rd qtr. was just plain shitty basketball. No excuses.

It’s weird that this team rates higher in the league as a road team than a home team right now.

lazlohollyfeld
January 22, 2023 10:03 am

In any close game, it’s easy to give outsized reasons for the loss, but there are a few things that stand out. Some have already been mentioned here such as KZ’s turnover just before half, some missed free throws down the stretch and, as always, sketchy defense throughout the game. There were two others that haven’t been mentioned. One was the foul on Huerter late in the game on a 3-point attempt by Milton. Why didn’t Brown challenge that? It seemed it would have been easily overturned and gave Philly two fewer points and the Kings the ball on a 24-second violation. The other was Fox driving for a great two-point make late in the game, but a 3 there would have been better. When Fox got into the paint, Huerter was all alone at the top of the 3-point line. There are instances when Fourth Quarter Fox needs to get his team more involved as he did with Keegan for that great 3-pointer with 20 seconds left. You could even see Kevin demonstrating some frustration when the ball didn’t get kicked out to him.

RikSmits
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 22, 2023 10:14 am
Reply to  lazlohollyfeld

Talking about outsized reasons; why are we talking here about very specific incidental plays when this team is consistently a bad defensive team?

A team missing its top 2 scorers and All Stars hung 129 points on us, on our own home court. Look no further.

RobHessing
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Author
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Author
January 22, 2023 10:29 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Nail head, meet hammer.

UpgradedToQuestionable
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 11:15 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Simple truths FTW

Marty
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 22, 2023 11:30 am
Reply to  RikSmits

A team missing its top 2 scorers and All Stars hung 129 points on us, on our own home court. Look no further.

Do you think the Sixers stink without Embiid and Harden? Harris and Maxey outscore anyone on the Kings beyond Sabonis and Fox. In fact there are many who, before this season, liked Maxey over Fox.

ppg
Harris 16.3
Maxey 21.1

Barnes 15.5
Heurter 15.8

Niang, Milton, Harrell, Reed, and Maxey all stepped up, and the much better roster found a way.

In terms of “looking further”, I’d look at a bunch of “others” found a way versus a bunch of “holes”.

Again, Kings fans erroneously thought they could walk over the Sixers without Embiid and Harden, and instead they found out how depth can carry you now and then.

RikSmits
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 22, 2023 11:49 am
Reply to  Marty

I wasn’t disparaging Maxey or Embiid, nor indicating that the Sixers stink. I know they are a good team with good depth.

But if you want to tell me that they are just as good or better without Embiid and Harden, I am all ears.

Or that them scoring 129, when their season average is 114.1, is not at leaqts in part due to bad defense on the side of the Kings, I am also all ears.

Again, Kings fans erroneously thought they could walk over the Sixers without Embiid and Harden

I am not “Kings fans”. I am RikSmits. I didn’t think that way.

Jack
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 12:49 pm
Reply to  Marty

We were not trapped. We folded.

Kingsguru21
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 1:33 pm
Reply to  Marty

Again, Kings fans erroneously thought they could walk over the Sixers without Embiid and Harden, and instead they found out how depth can carry you now and then.

Bingo. I knew the Sixers would not be pushovers. Brown has pushed alot of buttons correctly, but the lack of a bench unit really costs this team alot of nights.

I’m not sure how the Kings correct that at this point. I just know they have to.

Amonk81
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
January 22, 2023 11:40 am
Reply to  RikSmits

I love Fox but it still looks like he doesn’t move well-straight legged standing- and keep his man in front/doesn’t put out real effort all that often.

Fox does have it in him though I think.

Plus Herder has a hard time staying in front.

Jack
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 1:02 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

I’m not worried about Huerter. He does a lot of smart things out there. Fox is improving and so is Murray. We were up by 21 then the bench came in. You want to talk about who does not play defense look at Monk and Davis. Davion plays great defense but doesn’t score. When guys like Monk and Davis can’t keep their guy in front of them and we have Metu and Holmes in the middle we are in trouble. I personally would take Holmes over Metu any day. Right now its the bench that’s hurting us. They scored 20 last night. They gave more that that lasy. Last Sabonis might have had a triple double but Montez took him to the cleaners all night. He also made a lot of mistakes turned the ball over a lot and couldn’t rebound well. Let’s tell it like it is.

Amonk81
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
Original Member
Vote Up
Comments
January 22, 2023 4:40 pm
Reply to  Jack

I didn’t realize that with Monk. He’s pretty useless at moment then. I know TD is a sieve.
I’d rather not have TD anyway.,

And I agree, Fox and Murray improving.

Also seems like back up defensive big needed. And maybe a D minded 4/wing.

Jack
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 12:45 pm
Reply to  lazlohollyfeld

oy do I aaaaaagree here. It takes 5 plaayers to win a game not 1. IMO Foxx is great especially in the fourth quarter but needs to sometimes drive and dish. Everybody except maybe a blind man knows what Fox is going to do so they run at least two sometimes three players at him. Last night Huerter, Barnes and Murray were shooting good on threes in the fourth quarter.Look what Murray did going down he stretch. Big time 3. If Fox would change it up a little not a lot all three of those guys have hit shoots in the clutch. All three are winners.

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 10:24 am

Kings lose a game and the chat is filled with Sabonis doesn’t shoot enough…..Monk instantly sucks……Brown cannot coach…..Fox is useless……and so on.

What about defense?

Maybe that is a problem?

Last edited 1 year ago by AnybodyButBagley
KANGZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Comments
Comments
January 22, 2023 11:20 am

Who said Brown can’t coach?

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 11:25 am

Brown should have put fresh legs in…..Brown pulled Holmes too soon…..etc…

eddie41
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 11:32 am

That’s quite a leap you made there

Jman1949
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 11:57 am
Reply to  eddie41

Was it a quick second leap?

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 12:34 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

Not as fast as Mr Bagley himself.

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 12:34 pm
Reply to  eddie41

Read the comments. Yourself and many others said it.

Should the leap to defense be a priority?

eddie41
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 12:46 pm

no-one said Brown can’t coach. My comments pertain to visible fatigue on a SEGABABA which started to show at the end of the 1st half and continued till the end of the game.

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 2:06 pm
Reply to  eddie41

Either way you look at it. Coaching, SEGABBAABBAB, or anything other than shit defense didn’t cause the loss of this game.

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 6:58 pm
Reply to  eddie41

……..and Brown not fixing it by putting in fresh legs.

Jack
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 1:05 pm

He likes Metu better than Holmes. I like Holmes better than Metu. Brown is the coach not me.

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 2:04 pm
Reply to  Jack

Yeah me too. Metu is athletic it that is all.

Somehow Holmes has fallen out of favor with this team?

Last edited 1 year ago by AnybodyButBagley
UpgradedToQuestionable
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 11:30 am

just disappointed –

Kings coming off a six game win streak and no one is predicting they finish the season undefeated (maybe next season though).

Coach Brown is a treasure. He and his staff have shaped this collection of players into a team that the City of Sacramento can be proud of – on and off the court. He and his staff have publicly balanced hefty praise and sensible accountability that has produced an over performing win/loss record that has surprised the pundits and delighted us faithful.

As a defense first Head Coach, with a defense oriented assistant staff, you have to expect that this problem is not a secret nor being pushed aside. That also means that with 45 games in, this new coaching crew and roster is still figuring things out.

But we are here in this community to share our thoughts.

18 days until trade deadline
McNair not extended
Metu injured
Memphis next game

and so on…

Last edited 1 year ago by UpgradedToQuestionable
Jack
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 1:04 pm

That is the whole problem!

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 2:15 pm
Reply to  Jack

I think if the perimeter players put a little effort into defense the improvement will be drastically big. It is not a strategy or coaching problem. It is a player problem.

Timmy_13
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 1:10 pm

Perimeter defense is a big problem. Monk is on a one month slump. Sabonis only took 10 shots when he’s being guarded by someone undersized. They also got outrebounded by almost 20 rebounds. At one point, they had 10 extra shots in the fourth quarter. No one said that Brown can’t coach. Fox isn’t useless, who even said that?

All of these can be true at once.

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 2:10 pm
Reply to  Timmy_13

Davion and Barnes are the only players that keep anyone in front of them. Sabonis doesn’t stand a chance defending the rim because the rest of his team does nothing to prevent a layup line.

Hobby916
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 3:59 pm

I have been talking recently about Monk needing to be better. He hasn’t been very good for a while.

SelecaoKOJ
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 11:47 am

It all comes down to defense. The team is not much better than last year in that category.

Once again, defense is personnel. Not scheme.
Guys that commit to defense every night is rare.

Kings don’t even have one guy, outside of Davion who has that in his DNA.

Dubs, Cavs, Milwaukee, Lakers, Spurs, Raptors, and Heat. Champions of the last 10 years.

All these teams had a Top 10 defense that led them to the finals.

Jack
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 1:10 pm
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

As Matt Barnes said the other night if the Kings were in the Middle of the NBA in defense we will be alright. If we were there last night we would have had no problem winning that game.

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 2:11 pm
Reply to  Jack

Hate it when Barnes is right because he is shit. But….he is right.

Last edited 1 year ago by AnybodyButBagley
BeTheBall
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 22, 2023 12:02 pm

First half looked pretty solid. Then the 2nd half started and one thing stood out to me: shots being shorted. A lot of their misses clanged off the front of the rim. That coupled with missing a step when trying to cut off Sixers on cuts, etc., seemed to me that they were gassed from Friday. Especially Sabonis, regardless of his stat line. He seemed a step behind for quite a bit of the evening, even when the team was rolling. Likely a lingering part of his stomach flu + segababa.

Disappointing loss, considering they were missing their two stars, but I’m not going to kill them over it.

AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 2:12 pm
Reply to  BeTheBall

Tired is not an excuse this team can use anymore. The rest of the teams play a lot of games too.

BeTheBall
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
January 22, 2023 7:31 pm

Right, and the rest of the teams also occasionally lose SEGABABAs after playing in a very physical game on the first night with 4 starters getting 37+mpg. Believe it or not, sometimes teams/players get tired.

Not to mention the 76ers are 8-4 without Embiid and 10-6 without Harden…4-2 when missing both of them. They’re an incredibly solid team beyond their “big 2”.

Fact is, this team is still playing way above where they should be, so these types of performances aren’t surprising. Considering they’ve somehow managed to accumulate a 26-19 record, I can’t kill them over this loss. I also expect them to lose tomorrow to, because Memphis is simply much better team.

Kingsguru21
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 8:13 pm
Reply to  BeTheBall

Right, and the rest of the teams also occasionally lose SEGABABAs after playing in a very physical game on the first night with 4 starters getting 37+mpg. Believe it or not, sometimes teams/players get tired.

DING! DING! DING! We have ourselves a winner!

I also expect them to lose tomorrow to, because Memphis is simply much better team.

Memphis is going to be pissed off after losing to Phoenix, too. They might not be quite as tired as the Kings as they do have a deeper bench. but I will say one element for them that is working in the Kings favor is their starters played a lot of minutes. Hopefully the Kings can take advantage and send the Grizz to their 3rd loss in a row.

Want2win
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 12:28 pm

I certainly understand, peoples frustration, and I do not begrudge anyone for the way they fan. Personally, I’m still ecstatic over the year we’ve had. Certainly upset or disappointed in a few of our losses this one’s things, because no Embiid and no Harden.

I really liked the comment someone made about Monk needing to slow down, I definitely think he’s pressing, and I’ve seen a lot of shots halfway in an out, and that seems to be adding to his current play.

Anyway, go kings super excited to watch the positive transformation

also wanted to add that our second half and fourth quarter defense ranks much better. I believe we are rated like 26th and defensive efficiency and in the fourth quarter we go up to like 16 which is the positive sign

Last edited 1 year ago by Want2win
AnybodyButBagley
Comments
Vote Up
Comments
Vote Up
January 22, 2023 2:13 pm
Reply to  Want2win

Very good season and this is simply the reality of a team progressing forward to more wins. Not always going to beat good teams.

Kingsguru21
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 2:55 pm

A few scattered thoughts.

This team isn’t great defensiely, and one of the schools of thought was that you couldn’t have Domas on the floor because the eye test (and numbers) supported that your defense wouldn’t be able to stop enough people often enough. It’s been an issue for awhile that it looks like teams have figured out how to drop a lot of points on the Kings a lot of nights. Is it solveable? I don’t know. The Kings are elite offensively. Figuring out the defensive end has been the problem throughout the season.

Baby steps. This team is at least elite on one end of the court. The trick, as it always is, is to figure out how to be competitive, and hopefully elite, on the other end. So easy to say, so few teams ever solve the puzzle.

Other teams lose games like this, too. Go throughout New Orleans season. They’ve lost games like this. But oh right, that’s different because they don’t have Williamson or Ingram. Well guess what? That happens every year. That’s a reality of building around those two. If they were healthy, that would be the news that’s fit to print. Let’s stop talking about how ‘lucky’ the Kings are when it comes to health. They aren’t lucky, there’s a program here going on. The question is whether or it’s not sustainable.

And so on, and so forth.

Losing to Philly last night sucks, but it’s as much a feather in the cap to the Sixers for figuring out a way to win as it was a sleight against Sac for not figuring out how to a win a game where the Sixers, realistically, offer a tough matchup with or without Embiid and Harden, and had fresher legs. That shows up in shots missing short, a step slow to loose balls (which is as much a mental issue as it is a physical one). The paint points issue is an issue regardless of matchup, and is as much a feature of the Domantas Sabonis experience as everything else. Taking the good with the bad is mandatory with him. I mean, the Kings don’t have a rim protecting stretch 4 to stick next to Domas? Ya think? Gee, can’t imagine where I’ve heard that one before.

This is step 1 for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs. The next step is improving the defensive end of the court. For now, I’m still enjoying this team being consistently competitive. And I enjoy the beautiful offensive basketball they sometimes even employ these days.

YMMV. And demz da breakz of da game.

Want2win
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 3:05 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

What gives me hope is their defensive ranking in the 4 th has them 16th-17th. So if they can continue to do it in long enough spurts at important times they should continue to win more games.

Kingsguru21
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Original Member
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 3:11 pm
Reply to  Want2win

I hear that but I’ll be honest. What gives me hope is that for all this teams known flaws, they are 26-19. That was not something that a lot of people even predicted as possible with this group as they were made up.

So, in that sense, I’m not concerned. As far as the defensive numbers, it is true they pick it up which is a part of the problem. But I think also a strategy too: They wear teams out with the idea that the 4th qtr that they are fresher.

It’s just a team like Philly that is very physical, long, etc etc and still very talented without their top 2 guys, is still really good. They played very free, I thought. They had nothing to lose. If they lose, they didn’t have their two guys. If they win, it’s another W to stack and look at when you see how you did over the regular season. In that way, I thought Sac was battling their expectation they must win rather than going out and playing their game. They looked mentally out of sorts too often once Philly responded at the end of the 2nd.

I’m hoping we see more of Richaun Holmes these next few weeks leading into the deadline. He’s the best trade chip the Kings have IMO, and I think he could bring back a valuable bench piece back. But as always, we shall see.

Want2win
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
Comments
Vote Up
Patreon Supporter
January 22, 2023 3:59 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Great Points!! There is a lot to be said for teams that are playing loose and without expectations… there is a tendency for the sphincter to tighten sometimes with expectations!

Badge Legend

Patreon Supporter Patreon Supporter   Registered On Day 1 Registered On Day 1   Published Post Published Post  Published Post Nostradumbass
Comment Up Votes 200 Up Votes   Comment Up Votes 500 Up Votes    1,000 Up Votes    3,000+ Up Votes

Comments 50 Comments   Comments 100 Comments    250 Comments    500 Comments    1000+ Comments