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Kings 116, Lakers 111: Kings Bury Lakers in the Crypt

Kings win 5th straight as "Light the Beam" chants rained down in Los Angeles.
By | 121 Comments | Jan 18, 2023

Jan 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Revenge is a dish best served cold and I’d say nine days has been enough time for the piping hot rage that has plagued me since the Kings last played the Lakers to cool off. I am ready for revenge. The Kings traveled to Los Angeles tonight to do my bidding (yes, I believe they are motivated by my personal feelings) for their final opportunity to #BeamLA this season. Without their anchor in Domantas Sabonis, the Kings needed everyone to step up to take care of business. Let’s see how they did:

Quick Stats

Outcome: Kings win, 116-111

Sacramento Kings: 116 pts, 49.4% fg, 30.0% 3 pt, 77.8% ft, 23 ast, 47 reb, 11 to

Los Angeles Lakers: 111 pts, 48.3% fg, 32.4% 3 pt, 77.8% ft, 26 ast, 36 reb, 8 to

Sweet, sweet REVENGE! Somebody pinch me because the Kings have now won five games in a row and are 3rd in the Western Conference standings. And the cherry on top of all of that is that my heart is whole again. Balance of the universe has been restored by the Kings beating the Lakers and hearing “Light the Beam” chants echo through the dark and lifeless crypt in that lame town down there known as Los Angeles. For Kings fans, it doesn’t get much better than this.

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
The good
  1. Defense: It took awhile to show up, but the Kings did finally  play some defense tonight and it paid off in a big way. After giving up 39 points in the 1st quarter, with 24 of those scored in the paint, it felt like it was going to be a long night for those with purple bleeding hearts. Thankfully, the Kings woke up after this and ultimately won the paint battle, beating the Lakers 58-50 in the key. Most of the difference just came from an uptick in effort, both on the ball and the boards. The Lakers got to the rim at will to start the game and capitalized on some easy put backs. Once the Kings started plugging up easy driving lanes, this forced the Lakers to turn to a different strategy, which, luckily for the Kings, turned out to be a lot of Russell Westbrook isolation ball. Keegan Murray accepted Coach Mike Brown’s challenge to rebound more and crashed the boards all night long, completing a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Kings also threw out a zone defense here and there, challenging the Lakers to make quick and aggressive decisions  if they wanted to get into the paint, which they failed to do.
  2. Clutch King: I’m starting to run out of words to describe just how incredible of a season De’Aaron Fox is having. Without Domantas Sabonis, we got a more classic Fox performance, as he shouldered a heavier load for the Kings’ offense. Fox dominated throughout the game, scoring 22 points by the end of the 3rd quarter, by cashing in on middy after middy, all while making it look effortless. And when the Kings needed him most, I don’t think anyone doubted that the Clutch King would show up for them. Fox scored nine more points in the 4th quarter and added on two more assists to lead his team to victory. Please don’t take this man for granted.
  3. Surviving Without Sabonis: I know I wasn’t the only person in Sacramento who immediately felt nauseous when learning of the news that Domantas Sabonis would be out tonight. Sabonis has been such an integral part of this team’s offense, it was daunting to imagine how the Kings would fair without him. To my surprise, the Kings’ offense had the blueprint of all the good habits they have developed while playing with Sabonis as their hub. Off ball cuts, two-man play, and quick decisions all still marked the cornerstones of the Kings’ offense tonight and led to their success. Kevin Huerter was huge in his facilitation and keeping the offense flowing, logging eight assists to go with his 18 points. Seeing as Sabonis can’t play 48 minutes in 82 games, it was important for this team to see how their offense can still thrive when Sabonis is not on the floor.
The Bad
  1. Turnovers: Although they didn’t commit a single turnover in the 4th quarter, the Kings suffered 11 through the first three. Many of these were live ball turnovers that resulted in 12 Lakers’ points in transition. With LeBron James (32 points) and Russell Westbrook (19 points) leading their breaks, the Lakers are hard to stop when given a downhill runway. The Kings needed to value the ball a bit more early on to keep the Lakers from gaining momentum.
The Ugly
  1. Bench: While all five starters finished in double digits, the Kings only got 21 points from their bench tonight, led by 10 from Trey Lyles. On the other side, the Lakers’ bench contributed 59 points for their team. Malik Monk, usually one to shine under the bright lights, struggled to find his groove, as he missed some easy layups and committed some sloppy turnovers.
The King of Kings

In his first start of the season, Richaun Holmes gave us the cure to all of our Holmesickness with a vintage performance of 16 points, 11 rebounds, a perfect 7-7 from the field, and a perfect 2-2 from the free throw line to ice the game. With a limited role behind Domantas Sabonis this season, it was so great to see Holmes look like himself tonight – strong, confident, and resilient. Wear your crown proudly, Richaun.

Up Next

Friday, January 20th vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7:00 P.M. (PT)

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TerzoM
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January 18, 2023 10:44 pm

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Jman1949
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January 18, 2023 10:48 pm
Reply to  TerzoM

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RikSmits
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January 18, 2023 11:32 pm
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Ellis5
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January 18, 2023 10:48 pm

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Jman1949
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January 18, 2023 10:49 pm

Crypto dance!

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Kosta
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January 18, 2023 10:51 pm

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LALakerHater
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January 18, 2023 11:24 pm
Reply to  Kosta

This picture looks like Jack Black playing Jack Nicholson in an SNL skit

Hippity_Hop_Barbershop
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January 19, 2023 11:33 am
Reply to  LALakerHater

It really does

Klam
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Nostradumbass 18
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January 18, 2023 10:53 pm

Because Adamsite posted the Doug Christie punching Rick Fox GIF right away in the preview article, we won the game!

Last edited 1 year ago by Klam
Kosta
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January 18, 2023 10:53 pm
Reply to  Klam

Adam with the TKH DPOG chain.

Lesson learned, Kings fans! Lesson learned!

May we never forget.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kosta
BeTheBall
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January 18, 2023 11:47 pm
Reply to  Kosta

Doug Punch of the Game?

Kosta
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January 18, 2023 10:55 pm

“You couldn’t beat them in 2003, and you can’t beat them now in 2023.”

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Kosta
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January 18, 2023 11:04 pm
Reply to  Klam

Yeah? Well we’ve got the best coach, Coach!

RPO
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January 19, 2023 2:14 pm
Reply to  Kosta

COTY!

Kosta
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January 18, 2023 11:02 pm

♫ City of the angels
City of the angels

Walkin’ and talkin’ and laughin’ about
Beamin’ the things that you want will work out
Sac fans in places where you want to be
I’m lost in the city, but I’ve got my Kings ♫

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Last edited 1 year ago by Kosta
RPO
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January 19, 2023 2:14 pm
Reply to  Kosta

Such a lame attempt at moonwalking.

LALakerHater
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January 18, 2023 11:06 pm

LTB!

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Kosta
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January 18, 2023 11:17 pm
Reply to  LALakerHater

Perfect!

Klam
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January 18, 2023 11:26 pm
Reply to  LALakerHater

Haha, this is great.

DutchKingsFanInUK
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January 18, 2023 11:06 pm

This game reminded me why I love Holmes so much. What a performance. Hope he can provide something similar from the bench when Sabonis comes back.

Anyway, enjoy the win over that nasty franchise!

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RikSmits
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January 18, 2023 11:33 pm

Yeah, you’d hope that this gives Holmes a boost of confidence going forward.

deltarich
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January 18, 2023 11:40 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Would solve their need of finding quality minutes from the backup 5 spot.

Daydreamer
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January 19, 2023 6:00 am
Reply to  deltarich

We have used some three-guard lineups, but at the end of the game MB had Metu, Holmes, Lyles, and Murray out there with Fox. Pretty formidable size and defense with two stretch bigs!

Gregoryl
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January 19, 2023 12:03 pm
Reply to  Daydreamer

Right, I think that was more focused on getting defenders out there. Made me wonder why we didn’t see KZ out there too? Is Mike Brown a horrible coach?! I kid…

Jack
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January 19, 2023 7:19 am
Reply to  deltarich

This is true but be careful because the more he does the better chance he might be traded. Remember the Kings put him on the trading block last week.

andy_sims
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January 19, 2023 9:50 am
Reply to  Jack

Holmes being traded is only a problem if McNair gets fleeced. That ain’t happening.

ArcoThunder
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January 19, 2023 11:05 am

Great to see Richaun Holmes back in the NBA. Not sure where that guy has been.

RPO
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January 18, 2023 11:30 pm

Hmm… I just can’t help but think that if the L*kers had won, it’d be all over the nba.com home page. Instead, we get no mention of the game.

rockbottom
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January 18, 2023 11:56 pm
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Totally agree but Good win even with little media support and very happy that Westbrook is still a Laker .

andy_sims
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January 19, 2023 9:53 am
Reply to  Jman1949

All the same, an incredibly clever move by Russ.

markdog333
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January 19, 2023 1:19 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

The ability to do the math to calculate the likelihood of hitting that uncontested 3 and bail out of it all while in the air is next level.

murraytant
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January 19, 2023 2:29 pm
Reply to  markdog333

add to that the ability to get the angle just right, so the ball bounces right back.!!
Just think, if he could use all that talent devoted to basketball he might have played well enough for the fakers to win. Such a waste?
Next, all the duds in their aging careers will learn some new tricks too- like throw the ball off a foot to get a “kicked ball” and more time to let Poole turn it over.

andy_sims
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January 20, 2023 9:35 am
Reply to  murraytant

Russ is on the back-end of his career, and he is a first-ballot lock for the Hall, so I’m going to suggest that Westbrook has used his talent in the NBA about as well as anyone.

satdawg
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January 19, 2023 2:23 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

Russell Westbrook just revolutionized the game with that play.

rockbottom
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January 18, 2023 11:51 pm

Keegan , Barnes and Holmes needed to do more minus Domas and they did ! Bigtime

KingOfTheMonsters
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January 19, 2023 11:15 am
Reply to  rockbottom

I think it is time to trade Domas.

Jack
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January 19, 2023 11:45 am

I don;t think so. Explain tome why you would do that?

JoeEnzyme
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January 19, 2023 1:24 pm
Reply to  Jack

Need the sarcasm font.

satdawg
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January 19, 2023 6:20 pm
Reply to  Jack

Because we won without him, duh

Gregoryl
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January 19, 2023 12:10 pm
Reply to  rockbottom

Is HB the elusive “3rd guy” we keep hearing about?!comment image

MichaelMack
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January 19, 2023 12:04 am

Apologies for a Pookey-esque length post, but I got farther thru a bottle of Herradurra Anejo than I would have thought with that tense game and watching the 4th quarter again.

Terrific write up Mirann. I enjoy your format quite a bit, really professional work.

Sweet baby Jesus that Laker roster sucks. Pelinka had LeBron, AD, and Westbrook and he filled the roster with who? No one can shoot. Westbrook is the biggest ball stopper in the NBA, they must hate playing with him. He literally does not know how to play winning basketball. LeBron looks old, he is crafty as hell and is very skilled at maximizing what he can get out of a defense, but he can’t take over against a good team. Beverly is embarrassing. Pelinka can literally trade him for anyone and that team will be better.

25-18! Third seed! Amazing right? Are we sure they have even played near their peak yet? They have been relatively healthy, but have we seen this team have a ten day stretch where everyone is clicking? Domas had trouble the first five or six games learning how to play the 5 on defense in Brown’s system. Fox had that ten game stretch where he was slowed trying to play through some bumps and bruises. Huerter, Monk, HB, and Keegan have all been pretty streaky with their shooting. Davion has largely been a one way player. Holmes aside from tonight has largely been a no-show. Lyles has been a little inconsistent, as has TD. Metu has some stretches of watching the game flat footed that makes me wonder if he did a 23&me if he found some distant lineage with WCS. Along with learning a complex new offense and defense, with a whole new coaching staff, and not a lot of experience playing together amongst the top 8, AND THEY ARE 25-18 AND THE THIRD SEED.

What happens if something clicks for Keegan and he averages 16-6 the rest of the season? Was if DeAaron has to sit for a couple of games and Davion flips the switch like he did last season and becomes a scoring threat? What if Lyles realizes he can get paid for this first time in his career by being an 11-6 guy consistenly off the bench with some big rebounds and rejections? What if Monk and Huerter and Barnes are all hot from the 3pt line for a couple of weeks. What if Holmes uses this game to get over whatever mental speed bump has affected his play and effort so much?

That is a lot of if’s, I know. I am of the mind that narratives matter, and the Kings season is shaping up to be one that can really motivate a team to over achieve, especially with the a fanbase like Sacramento’s behind them, and an odd NBA season filled with injuries and there being a lane for a feel good story. I think they are going to have a big run in the next month or two, some 10 wins in 12 games where they average 132 a game with Keegan averaging 20 points a game and getting into the ROY convo and Mike Brown gets COY articles written.

25-18. Third seed. Wow.

Bluejohn
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January 19, 2023 1:10 am
Reply to  MichaelMack

Who is this Pookey fellow you speak of Comrade?

Kingsguru21
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January 19, 2023 2:58 pm
Reply to  Bluejohn

He dead. I stabbed him with an icepick deep in the heart of Texas. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made, honestly.

I also pissed on that assholes commie hat afterwards. I also had 3 or 4 Shiners to celebrate the occasion and had to relieve himself. Details are stupid, however.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kingsguru21
Want2win
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January 19, 2023 7:01 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Shiner Bock …I pictured you as more of a Blanton Single Barrel

EastCoastKingsFan
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January 20, 2023 8:18 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Hold up – does this mean KG21 is pookie?!?

Kingsguru21
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January 20, 2023 3:29 pm

I can neither confirm nor deny such a possibility exists.

Jack
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January 19, 2023 7:31 am
Reply to  MichaelMack

I really like Murray. The coaches play him the right way making sure he doesn’t have to be a hero right now. Now for saying that I think the coaches can get him the ball more over the course of the game. IMO he doesn’t get enough touches. If he would then an average of 16 and 6 would be possible. Two things he has really improved is rebounding and defense. He is also attacking the paint more, We all know he can shoot. GO KEEGAN!

alec26
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January 19, 2023 2:55 pm
Reply to  Jack

Keegan will be better in his second year now that he’ll know what he needs to work on to play in the NBA. I also think Davion Mitchell will be better next year by developing his offensive game.

Jack
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January 19, 2023 3:38 pm
Reply to  alec26

For both of them even the second half of this year might surprise some people.

MichaelMack
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January 19, 2023 9:55 pm
Reply to  Jack

I am thinking the same thing Jack. I think we will see a minor jump for them both the second half of the year.

murraytant
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January 19, 2023 3:02 pm
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Keegan is fifth option and it shows. But that is his role- this is, afterall, not the Rockets.

ArcoThunder
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January 19, 2023 11:40 am
Reply to  MichaelMack

Totally agree with the peak not being reached yet. You can watch a handful of games and see there’s room for improvement in some pretty clear areas. Monk can play way better. He’s been in a little slump lately. Keegan Murray is so far from his peak. Tonight was big for him I think. He’s having a great year but I think he’s just now starting to feel comfortable at this level. Keegan was the leading scorer in college basketball last year. The guy knows how to be aggressive and “the man” on a winning team. He just hasn’t reached that comfort level yet. That’s no insult. He’s been playing really well, fitting in with the veterans. Once he starts feeling comfortable and playing with full confidence, he’s going to make a huge leap. When that leap happens that makes this team significantly better. Davion can play. Love him. He seems poised to make a big jump in offensive performance soon.

those two guys get better ,which is totally reasonable to expect and we will be seeing a whole other level. Can’t wait. I fully expect it to happen with how this coach is bringing this group along. Truly impressive.

AND: let’s not forget about Monk. If he can get his groove back…. He was at the top of the list for 6th man of year before getting into this little rut. We get that dude back and it gets even more scary for any team the kings play against.

This team is so fun!!!!

Last edited 1 year ago by ArcoThunder
Kingsguru21
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January 19, 2023 12:59 pm
Reply to  MichaelMack

That’ll do pig, that’ll do.

murraytant
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January 19, 2023 3:00 pm
Reply to  MichaelMack

You point out- and well I might add- that there is a lot of untapped potential here. Not made-up potential, like Keegan is going 30-12-and 6. but real potential based on keen observation. And most of the potential is on the defensive side of the floor.
I would like Keegan to up his game- hit the same threes but add some wiggle.
Last night: 2 threes’, a dunk (finally) and 2 free throws and he is already at 10.
Huerter was known as a stand still 3 guy and now he has some wiggle. Make 2-3 more shots per game, get to the line and Keegan is up at 16.
HB has been very impressive- that wiggle dunk late in the game was the clincher- tie game, give to HB, get results.
One or two of Dallas, GSW, LAC, LAL, Suns or Portland will get it together and make a serious run- but not all of them. That may displace the Kings from the top 3 but I think keep them in the top 6.

Kingsguru21
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January 19, 2023 3:08 pm
Reply to  murraytant

You do like your wiggle Murray. Are you not telling us something?!?!?!?

I keed. I keed. Good points overall. Of those 6, I’d bet on LAC and GSW. Although can’t bet against Dallas after last season, either. The other 3 are absolute pretenders.

MichaelMack
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January 19, 2023 4:45 pm
Reply to  murraytant

Very good points.

ForKingsandCountry
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January 19, 2023 12:07 am

This game just made me happy. That’s all.

KingBob
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January 19, 2023 1:05 am

Sorry, I don’t know how to post images correctly . . .

Last edited 1 year ago by KingBob
KingBob
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January 19, 2023 1:12 am
Reply to  KingBob

LeBron, how many games above .500 are we?

tenor[1].png
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January 19, 2023 1:13 am

beetle- a dance
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(beat LA – get it? uh, maybe not)

RikSmits
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January 19, 2023 4:58 am

comment image

markdog333
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January 19, 2023 1:29 pm

Is the beetle freaking out because he realized that isn’t his shadow??

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January 19, 2023 5:42 am

Hey, Richaun Holmes can still play! Who would have thunk it?

Jman1949
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January 19, 2023 7:46 am
Reply to  BabalooMagoo

Holmes had an answer for those of us who doubted whether he could fill in successfully for Domas…

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Marty
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January 19, 2023 6:15 am

Now would be a good time to ask your Lakers friends/family, “Hey do you think the Lakers make a move at the deadline to try and keep up with the Kings?” 🙂

aplumley
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January 19, 2023 7:03 am

I hope Fox’s ankle is ok, Domas gets well, and Malik gets a scratch on his face so we can get band aid Monk back.

HongKongKingsFan
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January 19, 2023 8:41 am

Keegan Murray accepted Coach Mike Brown’s challenge to rebound more and crashed the boards all night long

This part is absolutely right…………

Without Sabonis, Keegan need to grab those rebound….just good to see he is also fighting for offensive rebound, and go for that BIG DUNK !!!!!!!

RobHessing
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January 19, 2023 10:02 am

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Time to go full Monte. Extend the man!

Adamsite
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January 19, 2023 10:14 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Seriously. I’m not sure what the delay is.

RobHessing
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January 19, 2023 10:21 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Not trying to read too much into it, but the longer the wait and the better the Kings do, the higher demand for McNair in the off season. And the Spidey sense tingle of Myers expiring in Golden State and Vivek getting too smart for his own good is something that I cannot completely shake.

Simply stated, don’t fuck around with upward trajectory. Get the deal done and extend Monte!

andy_sims
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January 19, 2023 10:46 am
Reply to  RobHessing

I’d hope that at the very least, informal negotiations have been going on for awhile now. What I do know, though, is that if McNair is re-signed, it’s going to cost Ranadive a lot more that it would have if it’d been done when Mike Brown was hired.

Fortunately, he can easily afford it.

Kosta
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January 19, 2023 12:01 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

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Adamsite
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January 19, 2023 10:57 am
Reply to  RobHessing

It really shouldn’t be that big of a monetary deal or hindrance to Vivek. IIRC, Myers makes around $8M per year as one of the highest paid GMs in the league, and he has 4 NBA titles under his belt! I’d wager Monte is near the bottom of paid GMs, maybe even making less than $1M per year. Even if Vivek gave him a massive pay raise to around $4-$5M million it shouldn’t break the bank in the grand scheme of operational expenses.

Klam
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January 19, 2023 11:20 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I mean, Vivek does love sending all of our head coaches on two year paid vacations simultaneously, so money should be no issue!

Kosta
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January 19, 2023 11:23 am
Reply to  Klam

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satdawg
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January 19, 2023 6:22 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

That’s insanity! These guys create championship rosters and they get paid no more than a role player

Kosta
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January 19, 2023 11:19 am
Reply to  RobHessing

comment image

Last edited 1 year ago by Kosta
Gregoryl
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January 19, 2023 12:06 pm
Reply to  Kosta

“Vlade, thinking of bringing you and Mully back, you in?!”

Kingsguru21
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January 19, 2023 2:45 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

And the Spidey sense tingle of Myers expiring in Golden State and Vivek getting too smart for his own good is something that I cannot completely shake.

The ‘Forever Chaos Agent’ I believe were the words used. And despite there being ample context to support such opinion by one SAmick, I don’t think Monte McNair has forgotten it. The same Monte McNair who claimed that Luke Walton would be the next coach of a Kings playoff team.

Continuity, logic and sanity are not the hallmarks of the Vivek Ranadive tenure. At this point, it may not be about the money for McNair. It may be about the years and he’s angling for years beyond 3 years (Mike Brown’s deal basically).

When in doubt, the Forever Chaos Agent looms. And he strikes when you let your guard down, your eyes shut for that moment, etc.

In 2023, Monte McNair escaped from Basketball Hell. All they found of him was a muddy set of prison clothes, a bar of soap, and a bunch of basketball decisions widely seen as divisive, damn near worn down to the nub. I remember thinking it would take a man six hundred years to tunnel through 4 on 5 basketball with it. Ol’ Monte did it in less than three. Oh, Monte loved team building and stability. I imagine it appealed to his meticulous nature. A buy low move here, a million years of shit basketball there. Basketball Hell is the study of pressure and time. That’s all it takes really, pressure, and time. That, and a big goddamn poster of the 2002 Western Conference Finals. Like I said, in prison a man will do most anything to keep his mind occupied. Turns out Monte’s favorite hobby was totin’ his NBA dreams out onto the NBA standings, a handful at a time. I guess after Luke was ‘let go’, Monte decided he’d been here just about long enough. Monte did like he was told, buffed those shoes to a high Domas shine. The guards simply didn’t notice. Neither did I… I mean, seriously, how often do you really look at a Mike Brown’s coaching impact on basketball? Monte crawled to freedom through five hundred yards of shit basketball smelling foulness I can’t even imagine, or maybe I just don’t want to. Five hundred yards… that’s the length of a teenager being licensed to drive of missing the NBA playoffs, just shy of half a mile.

Your honor, I rest my case.

Want2win
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January 19, 2023 7:09 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

I heard Morgan Freeman’s voice when I read that and have visions of Zihuatanejo

ajonez81
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January 19, 2023 10:49 am

Keep it classy Kings fans, great win but this has been a pretty easy stretch and the West is still super tight in standings. Let’s remember we still got half a season plus maybe playoffs. Some of these teams and fans like the Warriors for example could leap frog us or eliminate us someday. So let’s save the really big celebrations for when it counts and not be too obnoxious. It’s definitely been fun so far though.

Kosta
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January 19, 2023 11:31 am
Reply to  ajonez81

Fair point.

Although I have to admit I am thoroughly enjoying how ‘obnoxious’ Kings fans on twitter are. I’m happy to see long-suffering Kings fans enjoying all of these wins after having to take insults from other fanbases for so many years.

We will be insufferable when the playoffs finally return to Sacramento.

Last edited 1 year ago by Kosta
RobHessing
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January 19, 2023 11:36 am
Reply to  Kosta

I’m just happy that my Kings gear has gone from ironic to cool.

Klam
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January 19, 2023 11:46 am
Reply to  RobHessing

We’ve gone from wearing this kind of gear
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to this kind of gear
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Last edited 1 year ago by Klam
Kosta
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January 19, 2023 12:15 pm
Reply to  Klam

We traded our Bag(ley) for better (st)(L)yles.

Want2win
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January 19, 2023 1:23 pm
Reply to  Kosta

I would argue most comments on Twitter are ridiculous and obnoxious… especially around sports and politics…

UpgradedToQuestionable
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January 19, 2023 11:48 am
Reply to  ajonez81

I checked the Official Fan Rule Book and it says (and I quote)
expressing exuberance for your team successes is allowed*

*even long suffering Sacramento Kings fans

so I think it’s ok.

Marty
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January 19, 2023 1:19 pm
Reply to  ajonez81

 let’s…not be too obnoxious

That would be a big NO.

Being obnoxious while focusing the energy on your team is amazing, which is what I’m seeing.

Being obnoxious towards your rival is where you end up looking like an Eagles fan, I don’t think we’re in danger of that here in northern California.

Last edited 1 year ago by Marty Marty
Mike120
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January 19, 2023 11:06 am

So happy to see Richaun have a solid game. Hopefully this will kickstart him to have the confidence to be the everyday backup. Such a good guy to root for.

KingOfTheMonsters
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January 19, 2023 11:16 am

I feel really bad for all those Lakers fans in Sacramento.

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January 19, 2023 11:36 am

I do not and never will. Let them be blinded by our beam.

Jman1949
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January 19, 2023 12:31 pm

You’ll see a lot of them sporting their Fox or Sabonis jerseys around town by the All-star break.

Klam
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January 19, 2023 12:47 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

Now we don’t have to say “Welcome to Basketball Hell” to new fans anymore!

Last edited 1 year ago by Klam
RobHessing
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January 19, 2023 12:57 pm
Reply to  Klam

From Basketball Hell to Basketball
comment image

Last edited 1 year ago by RobHessing
UpgradedToQuestionable
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January 19, 2023 1:00 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

“I’ve been a fan since Donaghy”

coolhandluke
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January 19, 2023 10:20 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

You had me at “Hello”

Marty
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January 19, 2023 1:25 pm

I feel really bad for all those Lakers fans in Sacramento.

Don’t worry about Lakers fans outside of LA, the Cowboys are in the playoffs and pitchers and catchers report soon so they can dig out their Yankees gear shortly.

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January 19, 2023 3:09 pm

Sad !

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January 19, 2023 6:25 pm

U shouldn’t feel bad for them, cause they won’t feel bad for you

RobHessing
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January 19, 2023 11:44 am

And my weird thought for the day after watching last night’s game: Barnes should be running the five on offense behind Sabonis. That is, when Sabonis needs a blow, insert Barnes at the five offensively. If you want Mezi or Holmes or whoever to back Sabonis at the five on defense, fine. But the offensive sets should have Barnes in the high post when Sabonis is off the floor.

Kosta
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January 19, 2023 12:12 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

Are you saying you want a 4 playing on the 5 position?

4 on 5 basketball

RobHessing
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January 19, 2023 12:48 pm
Reply to  Kosta

comment image

UpgradedToQuestionable
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January 19, 2023 1:13 pm
Reply to  Kosta

Forget two seconds…

He’s 9 seasons ahead, and he’s been right all along.

Want2win
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January 19, 2023 1:25 pm
Reply to  Kosta

I would say he’s a 3.5 playing the 5

Want2win
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January 19, 2023 1:26 pm
Reply to  Kosta

And Barnes has been an excellent steadying force and he seems to be the guy that gets us back on the rails when we start getting a little off track

markdog333
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January 19, 2023 1:43 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

Interesting. I assume the defensive 5 would still matchup with Mezi or Holmes in that scenario. Barnes seems really good at driving and creating contact from there.

RobHessing
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January 19, 2023 2:06 pm
Reply to  markdog333

Yeah, basically a small adjustment to the rotation, where instead of bringing in Mezi or Holmes and Lyles, you bring in Mezi or Holmes and leave Barnes on the floor. Give Barnes his blow when Domas comes back in, and bring in Lyles for Mezi or Holmes at the same time. When Barnes comes back in, Lyles comes out (and of course, still cycling Murray in and out with Barnes or Huerter). It’s not a major rotation move, but it could help the bench be more productive.

murraytant
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January 19, 2023 3:11 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

getting HB into the middle with a smaller guy on him has been successful

Kingsguru21
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January 19, 2023 2:12 pm

Coming into the game the Kings had a 117.3 ORtg and a 114.6 DRtg. Coming out of the game they had a 117.3 ORtg and a 114.6 DRtg.

Sure, this team isn’t better without Domas. They arent better without De’Aaron either. Or Harrison Barnes. Or Kevin Huerter. Or, dare I say, Keegan Murray?

Richaun Holmes had a game. He’s a buy low project I’d be happy with were I another GM. The question is: Who? Jericho Sims. Mason Plumlee. Jakob Poeltl. Zach Collins. Goga Bitazde. Isaiah Hartenstein. Those are just 6 names to think about. There are others. Would Miami be interested in Holmes? Is there a 3 way deal to be swung? But I trust McNair alot more than I do Vlade Divac to pull off a deal with the Kings ancillary pieces that make sense, that’s for sure.

(As I type this, I just watched Jaden Ivey swoop in for a layup in Paris. Then let Ayo Dosunmu do the same on the other end. Defense, man. It eludes the many.)

But make no mistake, this team can score. And they find ways to win. Case in point the Kings get the Lakers in the penalty with 8:17 to go in the 4th. The Kings shot 15 FTs total in the 4th qtr alone (to the Lakers three), 11 after the penalty. 4 of which came at the end after the clear path on Holmes. Still, the Kings got those calls. De’Aaron Fox and Kevin Huerter accounted for the 4 misses at the line in the 4th qtr. And they didn’t flip out when Westbrook hit those 3’s or Nunn hit that prayer for 3 right before the Holmes clear path FTs. This group, quietly, has grinders. They play to the final buzzer. That wears teams out.

Not the prettiest, or most incredible, game ever. Stories will not be written for generations to come about this game. But it was a good win to get for a team with a grander plan than just winning 45 games. That’s the news that’s fit to print, I just hope this gets disseminated properly to the masses.

Oh, and light the motherfucking beam already you cowbell ringing fools!!!!!

murraytant
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January 19, 2023 3:17 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Nik Richards (now third in depth at Hornets)
Damien Jones, even
I would love Landale but he is out of touch now.
and all those duds bigs who play so well like “James”. Nope.
at this point. Richaun looks better than all of them.

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January 19, 2023 3:22 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Interesting news today with NBA bigs and if it impacts who is available. From everything that I read from NY writers, the FO is really high on Sims, but then Mitchell Robinson hurt himself today (again), and is out three weeks or so, so while I thought Hartenstein might be gettable, I dont know now. The Knicks are having a good season.

It looks Christian Wood is out 3-4 weeks with a fractured thumb, and their bigs are Power and McGee, with Kleber still three to four weeks away from playing. While I doubt Dallas and Sac would make a trade with each other with how close they are to each other in the standings, they might be looking at some of the same players McNair would be.

For a while, I was wondering if the Clippers would be interested in a Covington for Holmes swap, they are really riding Zubac hard. Covington might be washed, who knows. The Clippers are a weird team in a weird spot.

I wonder what draft capital would need to go Charlotte’s way to pull off a three team trade where Sac gets Plumlee, Miami gets Holmes and Oubre, and Charlotte gets Robinson and Dedmon.

Off topic, but I wonder if NO is looking at Mike Conley. I think come playoff time they are going to need a real point guard out there 20-25 minutes a game, and not a job share between CJ, BI, and Zion. NO has plenty of draft capital, they can send Graham, Hayes, and a pick to Utah and get him.

I still think Dallas is a mess. Clips are a mess. Lakers are a mess. Suns are messy. Dubs are going to start piling up wins. Who knows what OKC and Utah are going to do roster wise, if anything really. I don’t see what the Blazers can really do to change their fortune. I think the lane looks pretty wide for the Kings to maintain a top 6 seed if not top 4.

SelecaoKOJ
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January 19, 2023 11:25 pm
Reply to  MichaelMack

The Kings should be able to hold on to a Top 6 spot. The schedule gets a lot tougher from here on out.

33 of their last 39 games are all playoff teams or play in possible teams.

I think it’s Clearly Memphis and Denver. Then, everybody else.
If the Grizz or Nugs are fully healthy come playoff time. It’s those 2 and maybe the Pels.

Pels: Ingram and Zion have only played 15 games together. If they all get healthy come playoff time. They would be third.

it’s hard to predict. There really won’t be any clarity until the trade deadline. 5-12 is separated by 2.5 games.

Some crazy trades could happen and completely change a teams trajectory. Like Beal going to the Clips. Or Siakem going to Dallas.

So, for me it’s 3-12 still up for grabs. All of those teams are going to play their hand by trade deadline. I don’t think Sac will be a big player. Unless they move Keegan/Barnes.

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January 19, 2023 7:42 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

TMR says De’Aaron Fox fouled Kendrick Nunn.

I’ve watched that a number of times and I just can’t see that as plausible. Am I missing something?

Kingsguru21
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January 19, 2023 7:52 pm

No. The TMR is wrong.

andy_sims
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January 20, 2023 9:44 am

I was irritated when I read that, but then realized that it gave Lakers’ fans a reason to grind their teeth and play martyr, so I looked at the standings and forgot all about it.

Jman1949
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January 20, 2023 9:47 am

I don’t recall Lebron whining and carrying on about that play, so it couldn’t possibly have been that bad of a no-call!

KingBob
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January 19, 2023 2:13 pm

How come no one mentioned Monte signing a new backup center? From the nba.com recap:
“All five starters scored in double figures for Sacramento, including Richaun Harris, who started in place of Sabonis and had a season-high 16 points and 11 rebounds.

”Domantas isn’t a guy you can replace as one person,” Harris said. ”We wanted to step up as committee and I wanted to control the glass as much as I could.”’

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January 19, 2023 3:55 pm
Reply to  KingBob

I saw that too, and thought Wtf………..it’s just complete disrespect……

Nba.com cannot even get a player’s name correct………

p.s. I think all of the Kings fans saw it, but we getting the win is the most important thing

NowLoveThemOnceAgain
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January 19, 2023 6:31 pm

HB looks kind of like Chris Webber in this pic. And he’s playing like C-Webb, too.

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