This is Game #7 of 82 and the Sacramento Kings were already in great need of a get right game. After going 0-3 on their first road trip of the season, which included two very embarrassing performances in Houston, the Kings needed a serious vibe check tonight. De’Aaron Fox was still sidelined, recovering from an ankle injury, making this the Kings’ fourth game in a row without him. The Kings had yet to prove that they are capable of winning a basketball game without Fox. Tonight, against the Portland Trail Blazers, was another chance for them to do so and redeem the beam. Let’s see how they did:
Quick Stats
Outcome: Kings win, 121-118
Sacramento Kings: 121 pts, 46.1% fg, 36.4% 3 pt, 73.7% ft, 32 ast, 50 reb, 21 to
Portland Trail Blazers: 118 pts, 50.6% fg, 29.7% 3 pt, 75.9% ft, 26 ast, 36 reb, 18 to
Before we get into this one, let’s all start by remembering: a win is a win. Despite missing three starters for the majority of the game, the Portland Trail Blazers answered every Kings’ run with their own to push this one into overtime. Jerami Grant led Portland in scoring with 38 points, and a man wearing a Rip City jersey named Skylar Mays introduced himself to the city of Sacramento by putting up 18 points and 11 assists. Luckily for the Kings, they got some big performances from usual suspects like Domantas Sabonis, who led Sacramento in scoring with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, and Malik Monk off the bench. Considering the shorthanded and rebuilding roster that Portland has, it felt like we were all just waiting for the Kings to finally pull away and put this one to bed. But that would be asking too much of our precious Kangz. It went down to final possessions of free basketball after a long and chaotic game. But remember – a win is a win.
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
The Good
- Defense to Offense: The Kings created their most successful offense from their defense. With his first career NBA start, Keon Ellis made his presence most known on the defensive end, putting constant pressure on the ball and earning 3 steals. Kessler Edwards was utilized for his defensive prowess, specifically on Jerami Grant, as he consistently scored at will throughout the night. But Edwards was able to use his length and athleticism to stop Grant on key possessions. As a group, the Kings were collectively active on defense and on the glass, causing 18 Portland turnovers. And many of these turnovers transitioned into fast break points for the Kings, generating their most successful runs and largest leads during the game.
- Malik Monk Playmaking: We got the full Malik Monk experience tonight as he led the bench with 23 points and a career high of 10 assists. As soon as he entered the game, he stepped right into the leadership role for this team and and started getting his teammates involved with quick two-man actions, rewarding Domantas Sabonis and Alex Len with easy looks at the rim. Monk came out with a composure and precision to his play that felt very mature – his moves were strong and decisive, and his passes were sharp and on target. It felt like he understood how much his team would need him tonight and he was ready for the challenge. Down the stretch, the extended ball handling responsibilities inevitably led to some mistakes and turnovers, but Monk ultimately won the game at the end by sinking two free throws in overtime to give the Kings their final 3-point lead. After missing an unusual four free throws in a row early on, Monk went a perfect 12/12 during the 4th quarter and overtime. Monk’s playmaking, both for himself and others, was integral to tonight’s win.
The Bad
- Ice Cold Shooting: The Kings struggled all night long in their half court offense. The ball movement was there, but shots just didn’t go down. For many stretches during the game, it felt like they would never make another 3-pointer again. And then Davion Mitchell would hit a timely corner 3, or Kevin Huerter would finally sink one of his four made 3s of the night to break up the torture. But overall, the Kings shot just 11/37 from deep, something we’re not used to seeing from this record setting offense.
The Ugly
- Turnovers: One of the main reasons why this game doesn’t feel as satisfying as others is because of how the Kings got to their win. It was a rough shooting night. Skylar Mays kept finding weird and annoying ways to put the ball in the basket. Keegan Murray continued to struggle to find any ways to put the ball in the basket. But beyond all of those things, the most irksome part of the game was the turnovers committed by the Kings, all 21 of them. With the game being separated by only a few points for the majority of the night, each one felt like it came at the worst time. During the final two periods, things got chaotic by both teams, and the Kings surrendered to the chaos and committed 9 turnovers. Had the Kings played a more careful and cleaner game, this win may have felt a bit more satisfying.
The King of Kings
After much discussion about reasons and implications surrounding Davion Mitchell losing his starting spot in De’Aaron Fox’s absence to Keon Ellis tonight, Davion showed absolutely no interest in participating in any of it. Instead, he came to hoop. Off the bench, Davion looked more like himself and then some. He finished with 16 points, 4 assists, and shot 3/4 from the 3-point line. He also had an impressive defensive hustle play during overtime where he ran down Jerami Grant in transition, tipped the ball from his hands, and then tapped it back off of Grant before it went out of bounds to regain possession for the Kings. Amidst any noise or doubts, Davion showed up for his team in a big way tonight.
Up Next
Friday, November 10th vs. Oklahoma City Thunder – 7:00 P.M. (Game #1 of In-Season Tournament Group Play)
Championship, here we come.
It’s a win. I’ll take it as this point. Build from this, one game at the time.
Maybe Brown should ask a bit less from Keegan? Let him work hard on D and rebounding, but tell him to slow down with the shot creation. Be the sniper waiting for the pass in the corner. Once that 3-ball is back, slowly build on from that. This doesn’t seem to be working very well.
I agree. He was so efficient and lethal last year in his role. I completely get trying to speed up the development and make him uncomfortable but I don’t think it’s really beneficial to him or the team right now. Last year I felt like the team really clicked in their roles and right now we’re a little out of whack. I feel like he should be the one taking the shots KH is clanking
I disagree. I think Keegan is very close to putting it all together. His defense is massively improved and he is doing good things on the court to get good shots, I think it is just a matter of time before they start going in. This is what growing looks like. It’s messy and hard, but I think Keegan is making progress. I am wondering if the added muscle from the offseason is affecting his shot, as he is just ever so slightly off.
It’s just unfortunate that his growing pains coincided with Fox’s unavailability and Huerter continuing his 🧊 cold 🥶 streak, but he’s not the reason things aren’t going well. If we are patient and continue to allow him to develop it will pay off.
it also why we have to give the team a little bit of grace on the very high numbers of fouls they commit because they are trying to be more physical on defense and there is a learning curve.
well stated.
Keegan, is just 7 games into his second season. He has accomplished a fine rookie year, as a starter on the 3rd seed of the Western Conference. He is doing very well.
Expanding his game is the next step. Every season another rung up the ladder. He seems to have already passed Harrison Barnes, an accomplished long term, ring wearing Pro, as the 3rd option after two All-NBA players.
Keegan has much to learn and now needs the time and experience to see if he can continue his upward growth.
He continues to look promising in that regard.
Agree. Keegan has to shoot-and shoot well first and foremost.
Overall, I’m wondering if Brown is forcing a Defensive mindset/game with out the right personnel.
In fact, this was M Browns issue previously…grinding guys too hard/down. Hopefully this isn’t happening.
Hell no
This was an important win, and it happened. Houston might be a lot better than anyone thought under Udoka and with all that young athleticism. We played hard against Golden State on the road without Fox and we won this one with timely stops. I think our offense with regress to the mean eventually, and it’s not for a lack of trying things that often work. While there have been some bad misses mostly their not off bad loss. And if these growing pains come with improved defense, I’ll take it.
I would like to see more aggressiveness from Domas on offense. Even with 26 points and,9 dimes, it felt like he could have taken more shots. He was so efficient and we need him to attack more like Ayton in that stretch where he hit everything thrown at him. Sabonis can do that, but he needs to.
Oof. Sloppy sloppy sloppy but a W is a W. Davion stepped up big on offense and some really good plays on d. Malik means King in Arabic and tonight he played the part. Domas big bounce back game, I’ll excuse the turnovers when he has 9 assists.
Get well soon though Fox. You are dearly missed
Slampson! De’Aaron fell!
It was great to see Keon get some meaningful playing time. Hopefully he continues to get more playing time. He’s an NBA player.
Let’s keep Davion out of the starting 5. He just seems better and more comfortable coming off the bench.
Davion looked like a guy that was fighting for his role and minutes last night. He mostly played a gold game, got a little hurried at times but the effort was there. He didn’t look timid getting to the rim.
Keon might not have the stats to back this up, but he played well. Stayed within himself, looked poised, and was disruptive.
Shout out to Alex Len. He is the opposite of Javale. Nothing flashy, just performs his role, doesn’t male those stupid mistakes like Javale.
Davion looked more like the beast we need him to be, even if it comes with a couple mistakes.
Keon played the correct role for the starting 5, I think. Fox can’t be replaced, and there are plenty of scoring options with Sabonis, Huerter, Keegan, HB.
Even an ugly win deserves a dance(?) thread!
yes, let’s get our dance? on
Well, it’s a win!? The offense seemed to run better. Not sure about letting this Blazers team with 20-win talent score 118 points. I remain confused about the emphasis on defensive improvement at the expense of offense. I know that’s Mike Brown’s song, but the team doesn’t appear to be taking to it well. Maybe De’Aaron really is like a 15-win player?
Yes. As I stated before- almost like Brown is forcing it with the wrong personnel. Or is this just a learning process.
This was a bit of progress but the team still isn’t right. Hopes coming in have not been realized, in fact almost the opposite. Keegan getting better hasn’t happened. His D has definitely improved but the poor offense is becoming more than an anomaly. There was talk of Sasha replacing Barnes as a starter (not from me), and now he’s getting DNP CD in favor of Edwards. Davion’s shooting, nope. Kevon has struggled.
With all that going wrong 3-4 isn’t too bad. Let’s hope they get right.
The Rocket’s loss isn’t looking as bad now that they reeled off their third straight win and I take some solace in the fact that we are still ahead of the Lakers in the standings.
Kessler Edwards once again…played within his role…good job !
But I think teammates should have faith in him….once he is open, pass him the ball…
During the game, Kessler Edwards was open, but the teammates seems reluctant to pass to him….
Edwards shooting 3 may not be good option, but the whole team is not shooting well…
Even if Edwards opted not to take the open 3, he can still drive to the lane, and score (like last game vs Rockets)
This is the 3rd year in a row Monte has brought in centers to replace Len as the backup 5 and it looks like the 3rd year in a row Len that Len deserves to be the backup 5. He just seems to show up when you ask him to.
Always seem ready, knows his game, doesn’t appear to make mistakes. That is all that is really needed from a guy playing 10-12 minutes.
That pass by Monk is real difficult to catch…really surprised Len grabbed the ball and able to finish it…..
Len also active on the glass….knows when to roll-in to finish the basket….
He is just so active and physical. He challenges every shot at the rim, he is an absolute banger underneath, and he makes his presence felt during the game. I like him a lot.
Davion is a pro, a farking dog, and a winner. Kings lose by ten without him.
I thought I was seeing things when Monk missed two free throws in a row, and when it got to four, I was forced to reevaluate everything I thought I knew. Fortunately, that only took about two minutes.
Brown needs to encourage Ellis to look for his offense a bit more. He doesn’t need fifteen shots a game, but he had a couple of times where he had a decent look, but put the ball on the floor or passed out of it. He’s a capable scorer, and his defense is second only to Mitchell’s. His three steals and other disruptions were vital in such a close game.
And the alley-oop Ellis put down… I didn’t think he had a chance in hell of getting to that pass, but he made it look like a walk in the park.
Huerter’s shot is looking better, and he’s earning his keep on defense and on the glass. I love that he hasn’t sulked, and has worked hard to make a difference in areas outside of his specialty. It really speaks to his character, and likely to Brown’s ability to support and motivate his guys.
Keegan’s shot will land consistently at some point, and soon, I’d think. He’s been defending opponents’ best player a lot of the time, and that is going to sap energy on the offensive side. He’ll figure it out.
Barnes hits his shots, grabs some boards, and does what a complementary player needs to do. I’d like it if he could bump his stats up a bit, but his smarts help the team even when he’s not generating big numbers.
Lastly, everyone is going to look a lot better as soon as Fox is ready to play. As it is, the offense is Ferrari that can only get to fourth gear. Fox is five, in number, and in gear.
PUNCH IT, MARTHA!
in addition to what you said about Keegan, I would add that he started slowly last year also. It might be normal for him to gain momentum as the season progresses.
I think Monte and Brown envision Keegan as the 3 and D wing so many of us want to see added to this roster. He has been picking up the opponents best offensive threat and has been doing a pretty good job at it
In a post or two back you and I talked about possibly getting Patrick Williams from the Bulls. They haven’t decided yet what they are going to do with the team but they have elevated Torrey Craig to the starting 5. Williams is now on the second unit. Might be a time to seek out a way to get him.
I’d imagine there are quite a few GMs keeping close tabs on Chicago. It’s seems only a matter of time until they decide to blow things up for picks and youth. I’d imagine players like PWill and Caruso are going to cost quite a bit in terms of trade. The Bulls may even decide to keep PWill and trade off the older vets.
Thank god.
Great performance by Davion–perhaps with the pressure of being ‘starting point guard’ off his shoulders, he could be much more than a facilitator. He was moving without the ball on alot of plays, and effectively slashed to the cup, in addition to confidently hitting some big 3’s. Keep it up, Davion!
Keon showed the poise of Colby and the defense of Duarte less the fouling. A star(ter) is born, at least for one game, against a decimated team, not all that interested in winning.
No time in my Kings fandom have I NOT felt the need to bash the head coach, until the current version. Last night was a test for him and the team. The team squeaked by the skin of their teeth. The coach passed with flying colors. I wanted to see bold prudent changes on the heels of the Houston massacre, and that’s what we got.
It was not just the benching of McGee and Sasha, which should last for at least 5 games, it is the overhaul of the offense to get the team into the attack zone with less time wasted passing the ball around the perimter.
From what I can infer, Domas and teammates told the coaches “these new plays are not to our liking”. We can make maybe them work when Fox is on the floor and more time spent in the lab, but until then we need to run more high pick and roll and dispense with overwrought sophistication.
It would be easy for the coach to be inflexible, to power trip, my way or the highway. And show blind devotion to failing players. But he set his ego aside, with proper tweaks to infuse the team with life, from flatline to pulse, from coroners table to heartbeat and soul.
HB has the worst defensive rebound rate in the NBA. He’s allergic to missed shots, other than genrating his own in the biggest games of the season. He made a nice save on the baseline then drained a corner three but he got destroyed by Grant, 38-12. Monk and Domas had to play their hearts out to overcome this 26-point discrepancy.
HBs DRR has fallen three points (12 to 9) since last year. His overall rebound rate TRR is 5%. A 5% rebound rate means for every 20 rebounds garnered while on the floor, he gets one. LOL.
A broken clock is right as often as HB rebounds. He would contend playing aside the best rebounder in the NBA surpresses his numbers. Nope. Not valid, not when Keegan is rebounding at 16% (vs 9%) DRR and twice the TRR (10% vs 5%) relative to Barnes. Huerter (DRR 19% and TRR 11%, defensive) is even more diligent on the glass while offering his medley of misfires.
We signed HB because Kuzma said “no”. We tried to recruit him, using Fox as a pitch man, per Deuce Mason, but Kuzma wanted a bigger role in the offense than we could promise. Kuzma wanted to take the ball out of the hands of superior and more effecient players as a contigency to sign. We said “are you crazy, get lost”.
I bring this up this to remind everyone that HB is a placeholder, a backup plan, a temporary fix with a tenuous status, never more so than now. The notion that HB will be a starter the rest of this year is totally incompatible with the goals of our team. He lacks the talent and the savvy. He’s too comfortable being fifth fiddle.
When Fox returns, I see two viable options. In two stunning games Keon has jumped Duarte and Colby in the rotation. He gives up the refined athletic pop we need aside Fox to harass and dictate tempo. He also seems like he plays within himself, not daunted by the moment. SGA versus Keon (and Fox?) should be fun.
Friday will be a MAJOR test to see if Keon has staying power. Giddy is 6’8”. SGA is 6’6. If Keon makes life difficult for them, namely denying penetration and challenging step backs, he can do so against just about any guard.
It would be a tragic error to resort to the same old five when Fox gets back. Keegan is flailing, Red Diva is matadoring, and HB is mailing it in. As I have said ad nauseum, we need to cater to our All-NBA Duo, or if you prefer the Big Three. That means rounding our starting unit with the most complementary players, not adhering to a flawed precedent from ancient history, i.e last year.
Option #1 (YES!)
Fox
Keon
Red Diva
Keegan
Domas
Option #2 (MEH)
Fox
Keon
Keegan
HB
Domas
Option #1 is my preference. Huerter is probably better at checking SFs than SGs. He can’t guard SGs so… Keegan has the size and strength to check PFs and will be able to create more separation when checked by opposing 4s. Option #1 gives you a better rebounding to get it and go than Option #2, as discussed, while both units give you lethal defense at the point of attack (Fox and Keon).
Perimeter defense on lock means your backline is less stressed, hence the potential to play Keegan and Huerter as your forwards. I don’t know if it will work but it is certainly worth trying.
Since the Utah game, Red Diva has done more than HB to retain his starting job. It is probably too much of a shock to the system and sense of continuity to replace two starters at the same time, say Keon and Kessler over Huerter and HB, though that unit (+ the Big Three) would have success.
OKC will RUN us off the floor if we do not counter with requiste quickness and athleticism. It is untenable to roll out the familiar five with THREE struggling players (Huerter, HB and Keegan) and expect to control the outcome.
It is also imperative we unlock Keegan before a 60% TS% performer as a rookie gets wallowed in a slump he can’t get out of. He’s at 42% TS%, unthinkable after last season, and the way he surged in the playoffs. He needs a breakout game, like yesterday, sooner than ASAP.
It is only one game on the schedule but it serves as an example: Giddy and SGA see Huerter and salivate. Lou Dort sees HB and his eyes get like saucers. Time to feast. Fire up the grill, bellies about to be placated. How do we continue to roll with these softies and not expect to be rolled? It is not just about effort and execution, it is about personnel in an increasing difficult conference.
The Rockets are NO joke. We squeaked by a joke of a team last night. There are few jokes in the West to be found and we barely beat the one we did.
It is also a bullshit long term plan to rely heavily on Fox, for him to bear the burden of carrying lightweights on his back. He can do it, but it is not ideal to keep him fresh and healthy and unstoppable in the playoffs.
Fox needs help fortifying the perimeter, and a reliable spot shooter(s) when he gets into the lane. That’s not Monk or Huerter defensively, and that’s not Davion offensively.
The league is too fast and too good to have FOUR starters (Domas, HB, Kevin and Keegan) with average athleticism, independent of having the fastest player in the NBA and MVP candidate as your 5th.
HB did help to win last night with the aforementioned play. Thanks, now sit your ass down!
Even if this experimentation were to underwhelm (Option #1), provide no discernible advantage, or backfire completely, these are the calculated risks worth taking at this point of the season. There is little to NO downside to confronting the limitations on the roster and seeing if there is emergent potential in the midst. Enter Keon and new set of wings.
I am cautiously optimistic our coach sees it in a similar way, encouraged he pulled the plug on McBlunder after 6 games. If Len does Len things, performing in passable but not extraordinary manner, there is Lyles on the mend and Petrusev ready to prove he belongs, earning minutes as a stretch five.
The most encouraging thing about last night besides Domas reminding everyone who he is, was the willingness of the coach to reward competency and punish incompetency. Y’know, coach. It was glorious to see McGee DNP-CD. His tenure is shaping up just like Holmes from a year ago, who failed fast and furious and whom I also deemed unplayable before the season began. It is this type of decision which gives me faith and hope Option #1 will occur sooner rather than later, as soon as tomorrow night.
Interesting ideas. IMO Huerter is no longer a liability. He has upped his game on defense and can still rebound. Last night he hit what 4 threes. Could be coming out of his slump. IMO Keon can start and at this time until Fox is healthy Davion can be the backup. Once Fox starts again I would have Keon back him up. Here is an idea only hypothetical. Now that Keon might be the answer at backup point guard the biggest concern I have is to try and get a PF to replace Barnes. One who can defend, extend, protect the rim and be a good weakside defender.IMO Patrick Williams would be that player.In border to get him you will have to give something. My idea would trade Mitchell and Chris Duarte and a first. Now you have starters who can shoot and defend. Fox, Huerter, Murray(now playing the 3 where IMO he belongs) Williams and Sabonis. This would now move Barnes to backup SF with Lyles at PF or at times small ball forward.
My mistake. I meant Lyles would sometimes be small ball center.
In summary Jack is not trading the entire roster today.
Are we allowed to flag a comment for being too long? After reading this, I have decided that Pookyguru should actually get an award for brevity
I actually like some of the ideas. If kings4ever cut the self-puffery and the exaggerated positive and negative evaluations and strove for brevity, there would be more appreciation for the useful ideas.
I agree with your assessment…
Possibly a couple of good points in that mess?
Make a point and move on. It isn’t fair to expect someone to sort all of that filler out.
I went to the game, the energy wasn’t great on court by players and fans were up and down but didn’t feel that electric in building. This game was way too close and sloppy for the standard we set last year but coming out with a win might be a little momentum boost we need.
Any idea when Fox will be back? Lyles?
Not tonight:
Badge Legend