It’s NBA In-Season Tournament night. Can you feel the excitement?!
The San Antonio Spurs, facing in-season tournament elimination, looked incredible to start this game. Sacramento showed little energy through the first 6 minutes of the first quarter, and the Spurs out-worked them to the tune of 23-7. Victor Wembanyama’s sheer size and athleticism was a problem, as you might expect. He is a large man.
For as good as Mike Brown’s favorite starting lineup has looked for a majority of their run together, they do have these lethargic starts too frequently for my liking. Couple that with cold three point shooting, and this is what you get. Sacramento’s offense, in general, lives and dies by the 3 to a degree that makes me a little uncomfortable, but that’s another conversation for another time.
Thankfully, the Spurs are just not very good. Sacramento’s bench unit was able to erase San Antonio’s early lead by the time the first quarter closed. Malik Monk was a +26 player with 12 points and 7 assists in the first half alone, but I’ll give credit to all the guys who played during this stretch – Sasha Vezenkov, Chris Duarte, JaVale McGee, and Keon Ellis all had good moments, and the Kings had a 7-point lead in the 2nd quarter, but it didn’t last very long.
Once the Spurs and Kings starters returned, San Antonio continued to score with little resistance. Zach Collins was a major problem here, from three of all places, but the Spurs were red hot from beyond the arc across the board.
Despite San Antonio’s hot shooting, De’Aaron Fox hit a pair of late threes to close the half for the Kings, tying the game up at 62-62. I think it’s worth noting here that Harrison Barnes only played 5 minutes (-16) in the first half and looked pretty bad in those 5 minutes.
The third quarter opened much like the first quarter, only in reverse. It was the Kings who jumped out to a 16 point lead with Fox leading the way, and just as it started to look like Sacramento was going to run away with this one, the Spurs caught fire again and erased most of the Kings’ lead by the time the quarter closed. Kings 96, Spurs 94, and to the fourth quarter we go.
The Kings and Spurs traded buckets throughout the opening minutes of the 4th quarter, but the drama really started when Domantas Sabonis picked up his 5th foul with 7:50 remaining. Coach Brown had a decision to make: ride with Sabonis and his foul trouble, or buy some time with JaVale McGee. Brown chose Sabonis, and it was the right call. Domas never picked up that 6th foul, and continued to punish the Spurs in the paint despite the foul trouble. The Kings would ultimately cruise to a 129-120 win on the back of Fox, Sabonis, and one big three by Kevin Huerter that created just enough separation to close this one out for good.
I don’t think the Kings win this game without Sabonis. I know they don’t win this game without Fox.
Sacramento’s MVP candidate finished with 43 points, 7 assists, and 8 rebounds. The Kings improved to 2-0 in the in-season tournament, 5-0 in their last 5 games, 7-4 on the season, and 5-1 when De’Aaron Fox plays.
Outside of Sabonis and Fox, Malik Monk is the only player worthy of a postgame mention here. Monk was tremendous, and finished with 20 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds on 7-11 shooting from the field. It was an unbalanced night for the Kings offensively. Nobody besides Fox, Sabonis, and Monk scored in double figures, and if the Kings had lost this one, there would have been plenty of blame to pass around within that starting unit.
Instead, Light The Beam. Next up, Kings vs. Mavericks in Dallas on Sunday.
Fox had a message for Pop and Wemby…
I missed the game… and the Gif. So this is very appropriate.
Kardiac Kangz!
Perhaps this is sarcasm but I have to disagree. At no point was I nervous about the outcome of today’s game. It’s so freaking refreshing to field an absolutely competent team capable of weathering long stretches of missed shots or hot shooting from their opponent. Sure, games like what happened in Houston can still happen but more often than not this team has the talent and the grit to get the job done. Tonight I KNEW the Kings would light the beam even as they were down 23-5 and what a luxury that is as a fan.
I was nervous at about the 7 minute mark of the 1st quarter when the Kings went down by 20.
I’m almost always nervous during games no matter what.
Call me Always Nervous Pervis.
Ten plus years of bad performances and epic meltdowns are not scrubbed away in a season and a bit
Agreed. I’m still not totally past the feeling that you never know which team is going to show up, Kings or Kangz.
With you. While I have a lot of confidence in this group, the 16 years that preceded this team does not wash off quickly, or completely. I will say that I am wholly entertained and am enjoying watching this team immensely, but I do so with a great deal of humility as well.
So two of the Spurs wins are against the Suns? Are the Suns a playoff team?
Will they ever be healthy? Their role players aren’t that good, and Beal and Booker struggle with health.
I didn’t realize Booker was injury prone. I know those other guys are. It’s an interesting start after the moves.
I don’t think they’re very good.
it’s a big 3 that can’t stay healthy and no depth. That team is going nowhere. Good for us.
Not the easiest win against a bad team, but at this point on a six game road trip I’ll take whatever wins we can get. I am so glad Fox is back in the lineup, because we definitely would’ve lost this game without him.
The rest of this trip won’t be easy. Got Dallas and Minnesota, and the Pelicans are no slouch either (they just beat Denver today and Dallas their last game). Hoping we at least split against New Orleans and get one of either Dallas or Minnesota to end the road trip 4-2, but I guess at the absolute minimum gotta go 3-3.
It will be a test. If they play like the did tonight, it will be a losing road trip. Can’t have bad performances from 3 starters, and only have 1 bench guy do much. Not a recipe for success
We will have a bit of an advantage against the Mavs on Sunday since they have to face the Bucks Saturday night before flying home to face us. OTOH we’ll be on a back-to-back when we play New Orleans on Monday.
There is no such thing as an easy road win in the NBA. Unless you’re playing the Lakers.
Agreed. Every win counts the same in the standings.
The team is playing at a 50 win pace, and the vibes are strong for this road trip.
Fox is playing at a level that will have him in mvp/all-nba conversations, Sabonis has been an absolute sledgehammer the last two weeks. When he is aggressive trying to score it makes this team even more dangerous, and he has been playing great defense. Monk has taken his role of 6th man scorer/facilitator and put a few coats of Ginobli-esque polish on his game. Huerter is a much more effective rebounder and defensive player than he was last season. It is legitimately thrilling to watch Keegan’s growth, and he still isn’t shooting well. When his shot comes back, what is the ceiling for this offense, if there even is one.The Len/McGee combo off the bench plugs a Kosta-sized hole that we had on the roster last year. Barnes will likely figure out his place in this much like he did last year, and if not, there is Sasha, who I have loved so far. The peskiness on defense is a surprise, and I would wager after the all-star break a light switch will have gone off and he will be a true weapon. Trey Lyles has yet to play, and his rebounding, motor, and outside shot are a genuine value to making different line ups work (I am hoping at some point he becomes the starting 4. He is probably just a 20-28 min a game player, but I think his rebounding and help side rim protection help Sabonis more, and would allow HB to be more of a shot creator with the second unit). There is enough between Ellis, Davion, Kessler, Duarte, and Jones, to figure out which one or two gets minutes, or to package up with draft capitol for a true upgrade, whether that be a back-up point guard or even Alex Caruso.
GSW are going through it already, and if Klay is really washed, or Steph’s knee takes a while to sort, or Wiggins doesn’t bust out soon, will be destined for a muted season. PHX is delicate if not fragile with their roster, as are the Clippers. It is hard to get excited about that Laker’s roster, way overrated offseason, and I am not sure Ham is anything other than an average coach. The season might be over for Memphis already, what remarkable mis-management of that roster, from being incredibly deep to letting it all go, letting veterans like Kyle Andersen and Tyus Jones go to replace them with who, David Roddy? What?
I am thrilled with where the Kings are sitting right now. I might be looking through purple-tinted glasses right now, but I think the Kings, Nuggets, and Wolves seem like the strongest teams in the west so far.
…”a Kosta-sized hole…”
Well put!
And yeah, when Trey Lyles comes back, watch out, world!
I like the idea of Lyles starting and letting HB come off the bench to have more of a lead role. If the two of them could find some consistent production in those roles this Kings team could blow some doors off with their depth and versatility.
Agreed, and as many have mentioned, there is enough shooting on this team that it doesn’t really matter if someone slumps or has a bad game.
Between Keegan, Kevin, HB, Monk, Lyles, and Sasha, there are always going to be very good to excellent shooters to put around Fox and Sabonis.
I think being on the second unit would allow HB to post up more often, where he is too strong for a lot of small forwards/wings, and to isolate from the top of the key, where is excellent at drawing fouls. He just stands in the corner in the starting unit, and he is a better player than that. Excellent role for Trey though.
I like that idea too. No offense to Barnes who I like and who I am confident will figure it out at some point. Just like I’m confident Keegan will find his shot at some point. Barnes is a great player. Him, Sasha, Monk Len/McGee and Mitchell/Ellis is a nasty 2nd unit with versatility, shooting and veteran depth that should routinely destroy your typical youthful inexperienced 2nd units found on most teams.
Lyles brings more of what Barnes does not to the starting lineup. In theory. More rebounding, better defense, and the shooting from deep is on par with Barnes. Nothing lost there. The only thing Barnes does exceptionally better than anyone on this roster is draw fouls and I see a real advantage to having that important skill coming off the bench as the feel of the game and certain situation arise in each game. His smart basketball mind coming in after assessing what is needed and then delivering could be MASSIVE.
Pontification complete.
If Fox keeps this up, he will ascend to the mantel of Sac. Kings GOAT.
Excellent write up Michael.
How are you feeling so far JP? Enough games in yet for you to have an opinion on their trajectory?
😃
I’m eyeing this Dallas game. It’ll likely devolve into a shootout and I think that benefits the Kings. I also think our defense and depth will prove to be difference makers.
If we can peel a win off Dallas, and split in New Orleans, then it will make up for what feels like a scheduled loss against Minnesota.
Jazz might have the best tournament floor… just sayin’
To me all the floors make the games unwatchable. They’re hideous.
So you don’t watch basketball?
the Jazz court looks great, best I’ve seen so far
Fox currently leads the league in scoring average (32.2 ppg). What he brings to this team goes beyond just scoring, of course. The leadership, the veteran presence, the late-game steadiness. MVP candidate indeed.
Crazy that he’s a legit MVP candidate.
if he keeps up the scoring at 28 ppg plus, continues to the lead the league in 4th qtr scoring like last year and we’re a top 4 seed, he has a legit shot at MVP.
But is he an imprint player?
Not sure what an imprint player is. He’s an important player, though.
Welcome to the forum… A fan on this forum used to question Fox’s legitimacy as a top tier player let alone point guard. Their comments often included this “imprint” theme.
Inthestarz was his name haha. I member. To be fair Fox has grown a ton. It was a legitimate concern for awhile but he would never shut up about it and only come out after bad games
Says Jmcnumbers with zero avatar
Just kidding
Fox making an imprint…
.
That’s the title of the horror movie script I wrote
5 games ago this would have been a loss. Keegan, Murray, and Barnes couldn’t contribute much on scoring, but Fox more than made up for it. With all 5 regular starters playing it doesn’t seem to matter much if a few have some off nights. This team has some serious fire power and any one of them can score 20+ a night.
The best part, when any of them can’t score, they make up for it elsewhere. As an example, Keegan was a team best +19 despite scoring just 6 points in 38 minutes. All the little things add up beyond the boxscore.
Also, Davion watch: Game 3 of DNP/CD. I will say, Fox is eating a ton of minutes right now (41 tonight) so there is little room for a backup PG when you also have Monk in the rotation.
I like what Keegan did outside scoring, just pointing out that single game +/- is not a reliable indicator.
🔦🔦🔦🔦🔦🟣👑
&ct=g
Five Beams in a Row!
That beam is so darn bright!
Too good. Way better than anyone here… can I purchase you an avatar?
You’re very fixated on avatars today. Tell me what you think of mine…lol
OK, I think I’ve waited long enough for somebody else to start the dance thread.
Fox, Sabonis and Monk getting the job done!
If we’re serious about contending this year then we really need to win against Dallas, Minnesota and New Orleans on this road trip. Luks is a beast right now, can’t sleep on Zion and the trio of Ant, Rudy and KAT are super deadly. We need all the win that we can get this early in the season to distance ourselves from the upcoming playoff bloodbath of LAC, GSW, LAL and PHX. Positioning ourselves in the top 4 should be the target. Any less would diminish our chances of competing for the championship.
The bloodbath of which you speak, all four teams are less than the kings honestly
I am sooooo looking forward to Keegan on Luka. Bring it.
Same. Just hope Keegs has one of his good shooting nights.
Dallas is Garbage… not sure why but God loves Dallas to be the most paid and most lost. someday when Arkansas is the best football state then Christ will edify the sport again
Looking at the schedule, the Mavs go to the Bucks tomorrow and then back home to face us on Sunday. That should swing the odds in our favor. However, we then head to NO on Monday, but it will be the 5th game of a pretty successful home stand, thus far. So we should catch a split. I also like us (for some insane reason) to deal the Wolves their first home loss.
Will the Kings win against NO?
YES.
Kings tend to flounder against teams with size- like the T puppies and the NOP.
I heard someone on the broadcast team mention, lightly, this SA game was a “must win” game and I just don’t get it. Nothing is “must win” at this point. And if we lose any of those games it doesn’t mean we’re any less “serious about contending.” Every game against other good teams are tests to see where we measure up or fall short as we prepare for the playoffs. Notes will be taken, gimmicks may be tried, and lessons will be learned.
There’s no such thing as “must win” before the all-star break for good teams with one exception; breaking the skids. No skid? No exception.
Maybe a must win in-season tourney game? I guess they are all must wins, eh?
Ugh, you mean the in-season running joke?
You might be right, hadn’t thought of that or missed the context at the time.
only teams in the west that scare me are nuggets and t wolves matchup wise. Think kings are legit better than all others including GSW (though there may be a bit of a mental block there)
You think the Golden State Warriors are a mental block for the Sacramento Kings?
Yes a little bit. They can overcome it but yeah
They?
You’re an odd one. Not really getting where you are coming from with you replies
I hate the matchup with Minnesota. That was a team engineered to counter the Kings in every freaking way.
Naz Reid is still my dream signing.,,
Monk at 3:11 in the 3rd
I was thinking more Bruce Campbell
Hail to the Kings, baby
And oh, right, we should dance too
Exciting game and all in all a good win.
Was interesting to see Mike Brown tweak his rotation after the horrendous start. No early exit for Fox in the 1st, but kept him in alongside Monk, Murray, Vezenkov, and Sabonis, a lineup we hadn’t seen before this game. Those five were +9 in five minutes and quickly erased the Spurs lead. Hope to see more of them.
i wonder since Barnes hasn’t done much since the first game Brown might consider replacing him with either Duarte or Vezenkov. Duarte plays defense and can shoot the 3 and Vezenkov can shoot the 3 and so far plays better defense than Barnes. Just a thought. Look what Keon has done not much on offensive side but sure can play defense. He also facilitates very well.
I’d be ok with replacing him with Trey Lyles, that’s about it. Those other 2 are nice for short stints for strategic purposes and great for the rotation. Would be great if Barnes could figure out how to make an impact, honestly. I just don’t get how a guy can disappear so completely, pop up for 5 minutes of production late in the 3rd or 4th before disappearing again and still get quality minutes.
Just for fun: which two NBA teams have only lost to two other teams so far this season?
Answer: Boston is 10-2. Sacramento is 7-4 with losses to Warriors and Rockets.
Not every win will be impressive but we had a few of those so I’ll take this one. They say Keegan is our 3rd star in the making but it’s clearly Monk. Free Monk bro give this man the minutes he needs to easily win 6th man of the year and be our 3rd star. Everyone else is pretty inconsistent but if we can get playmaker Monk with a good 18 or so a game we are in business for a deep run. Might need a piece at deadline but this team is looking damn good…just gotta stay healthy.
Fox is looking great, he’s seriously an MVP candidate so far. His pace actually is pretty sustainable but it doesn’t really benefit us to have him carrying such a heavy load. We need him fresh for end of year so I hope they don’t overwork him.
Wembenyama is something else, holy shit he’s going to be a problem for the league for the next 15 years. I knew AD was made of glass before he was drafted. And even though Embiid came into the league injured I could tell he was going to have a solid career. Wemby is going to be fkn legendary. Good Christ.
Fox is working on his own legend right now, tho. He doesn’t look the same this year and here’s why: he lost all the question marks he used to have hanging around him. All of them. Fox. Is. Legit. Undeniably legitimate all-star / super star on a war path. There are times he reminds me just a tad of Kobe. Last night he reminded me of a younger Lilliard when he drained those 2 3’s, from a confidence standpoint. Dude is legit and its great for us that he’s locked in to Sacramento.
Sabonis attacking the basket leads to better looks for his teammates and helps this offense run so much more smoothly. Last night our starters couldn’t capitalize (Huerter, Barnes, I’m looking at you) so its great that he’s contributing to the offensive load when those guys aren’t connecting outside of just feeding them the ball to watch them miss.
Huerter adapts really well. With his shot not falling he finds other ways to contribute and his defensive jump this year is nice to see.
Barnes. Bro. 🙁
Davion Watch…lol Ellis just doesn’t do it for me. I don’t dislike him in the rotation but I don’t think he’s that much better than Davion at all. I’m thinking there’s a trade on the horizon, which is better than the alternative, IMO. I’ll keep the rest to myself.
Zack Collins was on God mode through the first 3 quarters. Why is there always that random guy against us…?
Good win, way to solve a tough problem (Wemby) that’s only going to get harder moving forward.
Lots of chatter for a game in SA at the 11 game mark but such is the enthusiasm for the beam team. Even saw the Beam on an NBA promotional video.
Fox is pretty good. My goodness !
Except for good Malik, bench was sub-par. Sasha and Duarte have moments as does the back yup centers. The disappointment lies with Huerter’s inconsistency, HB’s disappearance and Keegan’s WTF? One of two of those guys has to get back to the consistent path.
Keon has done well, being a star in his role. but needs to shoot a bit.
ok, a contrite confession. I have to apologize to Trader Jack- TJ- you were right about Zach Collins. He would have helped the Kings. I am not sure about Patrick Williams but I am more open.
OG? way too expensive
I would love to have Collins or Williams. Collins can play next to Sabonis but also be a very good back up center. Williams also could play next to Sabonis and is a great defensive player who could shoot the 3. I don’t know if the Spurs are willing to trade Collins but it seems that the Bulls are serious in breaking up their team and IMO the Kings could get Williams. Remember either could start but probably be the 5th. option so defense would be what we would be looking for. Neither are slouches. I really wanted Naz Reid but that isn’t going to happen. Forget it. Adamsite mentioned Precious Achiuwa but I’m still not sold on that. One more player that might be available is Tari Eason. Seems stuck in the middle and isn’t playing that much.
Collins yes-you have sold me on him, overcoming my extreme skepticism. Williams- not so sure- he does not even start on Chicago.
Precious is inconsistent and does not shoot the 3.
Eason- yes but doubt Houston gives him up
What a luxury to have a guy like Fox who can take over a game. Haven’t had that since prime DeMarcus.
Alright, Warriors lost again! Six games in a row!
And the Mavs lost today too, so we’ll see how they come out tomorrow.
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