Due to Wednesday’s early game time and the still fragile state of my heart towards Tyrese Haliburton, I opted out of watching the Kings’ last win in Indiana. However, I did read Tony’s recap and got to see the incredible way Buddy Hield still managed to let us all down from a completely different team, conference, and state. Some things never change. In a time where losses are precious, the Kings moved forward tonight facing off against the Orlando Magic, one of the few teams in the league who have managed to be worse than them so far this season. A win would mean promising reinforcement for the Kings’ young squad, and a loss would mean increasing lottery odds. Let’s see how they did:
Quick Stats
Outcome: Kings win, 114-110
Sacramento Kings: 114 pts, 42.9% fg, 30.6% 3 pt, 79.2% ft, 24 ast, 59 reb, 14 to
Orlando Magic: 110 pts, 42.1% fg, 36.1% 3 pt, 100% ft, 27 ast, 58 reb, 13 to
We got some free basketball tonight as the Kings made a late comeback run in the fourth quarter to send this game into overtime. Davion Mitchell completed the regulation comeback with a steal and layup in the final 15 seconds. In final possessions of overtime, two consecutive corner 3-pointers from Donte DiVincenzo and Harrison Barnes secured the Kings’ lead as they were able to take the win in the sunshine state.
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
The Good
- Hot Start: The Kings had a hot first quarter to start tonight’s game, scoring 41 points and earning themselves a 13-point advantage. The ball was moving well on offense and it was creating good looks for the Kings. And as good offense often leads to, the Kings converted these good looks into points as they shot 4-8 from the 3-point line and racked up nine assists.
- Off-Night Clamps: Cole Anthony will have nightmares about Davion Mitchell tonight. Anthony struggled offensively through most of the game as Mitchell used his lateral quickness to keep his body in front of him and force Anthony into tough shots, leading him to only connect on 5-16 attempts for 14 points.
- Late Comeback: This game felt like a slow burn to a loss as the Kings scored 41 points, 25 points, and then 15 points in the first three quarters, respectively. They entered the fourth quarter down by three points and trailed by eight points with under two minutes remaining. It felt like the stage was set for a Magic win. But the Kings didn’t give in. A made free throw from Damian Jones, an offensive rebound and off-balance 3-pointer from Donte DiVincenzo, an offensive rebound and put back from Trey Lyles, and a steal and layup from Davion Mitchell all came in the final two minutes and granted the Kings another five minutes to compete. A win doesn’t help the long game for this team, but this squad deserved the reward for their comeback effort.
- Broadcast Treat: We got a special treat tonight as Jerry Reynolds made a surprise return to provide color commentary alongside Mark Jones. Talk about a legendary combo. As Mark Jones sat solo courtside in Orlando, Jerry Reynolds joined in over video feed from NBC Sports headquarters in California. But you never would have known they were 2,800 miles apart. Reynolds and Jones provided professional and insightful commentary throughout the entire game as if they were side by side and had been doing so together for years. Jerry Reynolds showed no loss of his craft and having his voice guide us through this game was a wonderful way to watch Kings basketball.
The Bad
- Where. Is. Queta???: Damian Jones found himself in early foul trouble after he picked up his fourth 20 seconds into the second half. This felt like an opportune time to get the party started in Portugal and give Neemias Queta some tick on the floor. Instead, Alvin Gentry went with Alex Len, who did provide some good work off the bench with 15 points and a strong defensive presence against Robin Lopez. So this is not a complaint against Alex Len, but a plea for Neemias Queta. At a time when winning is not the priority, but evaluating talent is, it’s hard to understand why Queta hasn’t been given the opportunity yet.
The Ugly
- Mo’ Mos, Mo’ Wagners, Mo’ Problems: Another day, another game without much defense. Two Mos, two Wagners, 48 combined points. Mo Bamba had more 3-point makes (4) than 2-point makes (3) and finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Mo Wagner contributed 15 points off the bench, including a very disgusting slam on Alex Len in the third quarter that ignited Orlando’s run. Franz Wagner drained in 19 points on nine made field goals with some pretty finishes in the paint. It was frustrating to watch the Kings switch so easily on defense, often leading to mismatches that these three were able to take advantage of. Harrison Barnes did a good job on the rookie Wagner, proving to be too strong for him to bully his way to the basket. But the Kings often abandoned these assignments throughout a defensive possession.
The King of Kings
Davion Mitchell continued his incredible play tonight as he has been filling the starting point guard role in the absence of De’Aaron Fox. Mitchell not only had some impressive individual defensive stops, including the steal to send the game into overtime AND the final contest on Franz Wagner’s attempt to end the game, but he also led the team on the offensive end. He used his quickness to get by his defender and either get to the rim or draw the defense to find open teammates. Mitchell finished with 22 points on 10 made field goals, nine assists, and seven rebounds.
Up Next
Monday, March 28th @ Miami Heat – 4:30 P.M. (PT)
Just a few more wins and they’ll catch San Antonio!
The Spurs won today.
Yeah I don’t think we catch the Spurs but we are definitely catching the Blazers, Indiana and Portland are actively tanking the Spurs are not. Having said that, after Tier one there’s isn’t significant drop off in talent in the next 5 picks, I like Benedict, Johnny Davis, Tari Eason, Murray and Duren in that range assuming we just played ourselves out of AJ Griffin. Based on the last 2 years I trust we’ll get a good prospect.
Here are my current tiers in order:
1: Smith Jr and Chet
2: Banchero, Ivey, Murray
3: Eason, Griffin
4: Mathurin, Davis
From that, if the Kings don’t land in the top 5, I’m in the “trade the pick”camp. Right now they sit 6th, just outside my happy zone. So very Kangz.
I could be convinced that Eason is the BPA at 6th, but I’m not there yet. Griffin, Mathurin, and Davis all scare me and are currently on my “do not want” list.
Based on your tiers there’s a very good chance Murray is there, specially if Shaedon Sharp decides to enter the draft. We wont have the 5th pick, it will either land in the top 4 if the lottery gods finally has mercy on us or we’l be in the 6th-9th range. If I had to break it into 3 tiers this are mine in order:
1: Smith, Chet, Banchero
2: Ivey, Sharp, Murray, Griffin
3: Mathurin, Davis, Eason, Duren
The question for me is if we have a wing and Forward closely rated when we pick which direction do we go with? Davion Mitchell is making a case to start although I feel like he is better suited with the ball in his hands as our 6th man closer role. If that the case we need a SG just as much as a Forward. Johnny Davis gives me mini D Booker or taller and better defender Jamal Murray vibes, both dropped in the lottery for not having pop or athleticism in their game. Dude has high IQ and is a master scoring in the midrange. That be my pick in tier 3.
I think we are pretty on par. I just don’t know much about Sharpe to have an opinion. I know he was a five start recruit and the #1 high schooler and all, but so was Harry Giles. The proof is in the pudding for me. I need to see him in action against real competition before I pass judgment.
The only place we really differ is on Eason. I suppose I have him higher than most. He’s currently #6 on my board (sans Sharpe). I like his two way ability and have serious doubts about the defensive chops of the Griffin and Mathurin. I’m a hard pass on Davis. Yes he can score, but can he shoot?
He is definitely no the shooter Book was or Jamal was specially from deep he is a bit streaky, but dudes that can create separation and create their own shot in the midrange usually translate pretty well, def not my first choice but if I’m forced to pick in tier 3 on who can help right away, we need another bucket getter with high IQ and I think he crosses those checkmarks not to mention he’s a great cutter and mover without the basket which is fundamental with Fox and the Ox on the floor. Next step would be a Forward marksman.
Have you actually watched Holmgren play or our you just repeating what is being reported on the internet. The guy has a very long way to go before he can compete at the NBA level. He’s very weak not just thin and his hands are not very strong and he still moves like a newborn giraffe. I actually think Pokusevski is ahead of him by a fair amount and he’s having trouble competing at the NBA level although he has shown flashes. Chet is a trendy pick on the blogs but beware is my advice.
Yeah he is a bit scary in how fragile he is but also doesn’t shy away from physical confrontation, it’s def a bit of a gamble for me but if he slips out of the top 4 you have to take him, it’s hard to predict who’s injury prone or not anyways. Hard to pass on a 7 footer with guard skills and a lights out shooter to boot.
Kings get #7. Chet- fortunately- will not be there.
Eason- not sure
Most likely- Kings at 7. There is the tanking bottom 4, then Pacers, then tie with Blazers who have an “easy” schedule but will still lose and a tie is decided with a coin flip. Kings won last 2 coin flips with NOP, so luck is over.
That’s 7. Top 4 picks – easy. Smith yes, Banchero yes , Ivey is redundant to Fox (god forbid another Lukas mistake) and I am unconvinced about Chet.
I have Murray, Griffin next tier. Not totally convinced on Griffin
then Sharpe, Davis and Mathurin. Sharpe has no experience- is he a Bagley/Wiseman- did not play college guy but could be great.
Davis – could be DeRozen
but that’s 9 choices- Kings will get one -probably whoever they see as 7. (hoping no jump up from the bottom).
With the 10th pick in the NBA Draft….
I really wish Ashton Kutcher would pop out & be like, “Psych! The Kings lost these last 2 games. Got you!”
Didn’t watch today. Has Gentry been extended yet?
For those that have been watching… god bless
I don’t understand Gentry at all. He plays Len so long but never played Queta. Maybe he doesn’t like him.Seems friendly enough. How can you evaluate someone when you never play him. Also I don’t understand why Gentry keeps starting Holiday. He is supposed to be a defender. I didn’t see that last night especially when his player took it to the corner and missed the three pointer or we wouln’t have won in overtime. It seems to me that Gentry hates Queta and loves Holiday. Donte started slow but in the clutch he comes through. Reminds me of the saying “When the going gets tough the tough get going”. Lyles is getting to be a favorite of mine. Only 11 points but 18 rebounds. I have a hard time deciding who would be the backup as power forward Metu or Lyles. I think I have it figured out.
My guesstimate is 99.9% Monte will not extend Gentry. But Monte can’t really tell him “Please tank, and oh the way you’ll be fired either way”. Gentry is trying to win each game (Barnes 40 mins) to keep his job or show other teams he can coach. The Kangz is still strong.
It ain’t pretty. Kings barely beating orgs that are actively tanking. Such a typical end of season Kangz run.
Anyone think we should target Mo Bamba at off-season ? (We may get him cheap)
A real stretch-5, can shoot the 3, block shots, would Bamba pairing with Sabonisa good combination?
Seems a perfect fit with. Sabonis .
Maybe we can salvage the Bagley pick a bit by picking up Bamba on the cheap. He would be a slight upgrade to Bagley. At least Bamba brings defense.
I get that Davion has impressed with his starts, but tonights 22 points on 23 shots, 2-8 from three, and zero FT attempts really isn’t all that good, IMO. His defensive effort is top notch, but I think he still has a ways to go to be a legit offensive threat. Maybe he just getting the calls, being a rookie and all, but I’d love for him to draw some fouls with his strong drives to the basket. Just for reference, he’s averaging just 1.6 FTA for the month of March. The one thing I really do like is the strong uptick in assists numbers. I’d love for that trend to continue
If Mitchell continues to improve his scoring around the basket it’s likely he will get to the line more. Mainly because he isn’t a good FT shooter and teams are going to use that to their advantage as Mitchell becomes a more of an offensive threat.
Good point. This was the same issue that Fox was labeled with.
Mitchell changed FT stroke and has made 10 of last 11.
Hopefully that trend continues. It stands to reason that he should be able to improve that skill with time.
He was on fire in the first half and cold in the second. I think he would benefit from having another pg / playmaker next to him, sharing pg duties. Holiday does not provide much in that department. Divincenzo can.
I don’t know why or how but Duke has been my favorite college basketball team and I’m stoked they made it to the final four. It would be crazy if they played North Carolina in the title game
calling Kings approach rudderless is offensive to boats without rudders.
Not the result I was hoping for (again), but man, it’s hard not to like what we see from Davion Mitchell. Sits for only eight minutes and was the difference maker on both ends of the court. Very impressive game from him and makes these games worth watching for me.
About the product being worth to watch, what a treat to hear (and see) Jerry talk about a “stop, pop and drop” again. Obviously hope there’s nothing serious going on with Kayte and that she’s alright. But am excited to hear Jerry & Jones in the next game as well.
Yes.
I really miss the “Stop, pop and drop” from Jerry. And he is so experienced that he fit so well with Mark Jones or anyone else.
I wish we can hear Jerry with Darper, it is a interesting duo.
It really was seamless. Until they showed the two side by side I had no idea they weren’t sitting together. Felt like they had worked together for years
Excellent broadcast. I didn’t realize how much I missed no one talking at certain points of the game. It was the best broadcast since Reynolds “retired”. I was also surprised to see they weren’t together, it was very well done on the technical side.
I don’t know why this team keeps trying to win games. McNair should put this team in a position to get the very best player in the draft they can get. It sure is tough being a Kings fan and root for this team. We are not far off from being a winning team.. We need another star! Banchero,Ivey or Keegan sure would help solidify this team . It sure is going to suck when we have to pick 9th. Cmon Kings, do the right thing for a change.
It is a lottery for both the number and player pick! Who would take Jalen Green over Barnes today or Griffin over Curry or 35 guys over Jokic ? Kings can get No. 1 and still not get a star since no sure thing in this draft .
Or…
You still have to land a high draft pick to land Barnes.
Like last year, we are two picks away from a future young All-Star in Kuminga, or even Wagner.
There would only one Jokic that would slipped to 2nd round pick in 20 years.
I agree that we should tank as to get a high draft pick. Meanwhile, give all minutes to those rookies so as to develop them at the same time.
Like Queta.
Did you forget Giannis, Kawhi, Siakam ? All late 1st. Lottery in every way .
We have a coach who is trying to win every night, which is our problem. Every other coach around the Kings has a job next year, so they get it.
Gentry technically does too, but only as an assistant.
Please not as an assistant.
I’d be pretty surprised if he comes back in any capacity unless it’s to aid Doug Christie in transition. I would not, unfortunately, be surprised if Doug Christie is the next HC and they use Gentry as a transition coach /proxy HC for Doug next season. Even though I see no reason whatsoever why Gentry would want to do that.
It’s a silly idea in some respects, but it’s a silly idea the idea makers not in the basketball FO are capable of.
This team needs to run from players- first head coaches like Walton. I’m pretty sure that is what DC would be.
What more do you want them to do? They are literally sitting their two best players.
Short of telling guys to throw the game or benching davion too…it is what it is. Too bad they don’t have Buddy anymore to give it too in crunch time.
You sit Davion too. Save him for next year and play some of the other guys that don’t get a lot of minutes. This year is gone let’s look forward to next year and get the best talent possible.
I don’t think they want to sit Davion. They want him playing to help him develop and learn how to play 40+ MPG. While you obviously disagree with the decision, there’s more than one way to develop players in the NBA.
The Spurs aren’t tanking either and they aren’t likely to get a high pick even if they make the play-in.
All honesty…which guard are you hoping to get a look at in Davions minutes? There’s nobody to play there. Plus this guy hasn’t even played 2000 NBA mins. Let him get run as the fulcrum of a (bad) team and develop.
Now if you want to sit Barnes, I’ll listen I guess. But there just doesn’t seem to be a difference in the second tier of draft picks to me. I’d be perfectly happy with any of the Top 8 listed on Tankathon’s boards. There isn’t a slam dunk #1 in Lebron/Tim Duncan mold either. Unless things get silly and they catch the Spurs I’m not sweating 5-7 lottery seeding this year.
Who are you going to sit Barnes for is my only issue.
I think I’d take Mitchell for $4.6 mil, $5 mil, and $6.4 mil the next three years over Fox at $32 mil, $35 mil and $37 mil. I wouldn’t listen to anybody trying to compare Mitchell to Beverly or backup guards especially after less than one full season. The verdict remains to be seen regarding Mitchell but I like the early returns and I like the price tag for the next three years. This minor injury to Fox is actually a blessing in disguise for the Kings giving them the opportunity to take a good look at Mitchell.
If the Kings are EVER going to contend they can’t have players significantly underperforming their contracts. There was a trade proposal floating around with Boston that was Fox for Smart, Nesmith, 2022 and 2024 protected first rounders. I’d take that deal. Then I would draft Murray with our first pick and Koloko with the pick from Boston and Timme with a second rounder. I would try to also move Holmes for a veteran guard like Schroder or even Kamba Walker if you can get one of them cheap enough. I would then have this young exciting lineup recognizing Smart is 28. A lineup that can play both sides of the ball with some excellent young talent that can grow together and be supported by some savvy veterans.
Mitchell, Schroder
Smart, TD, Nesmith
Barnes, Murray,
Sabonis, Lyles, Timme
Koloko, Jones, Queta
Note we also have our 2023 first round pick and two 2024 first round picks with the Boston trade.
I like Koloko but not sure about Timme. Watched him play in NCAA has good footwork but never came through in the last game they played.
PS You might think about trading Barnes Justin Holiday and Metu and either our 2023 or one of our 2024 for John Collins. Only 24 and still improving. Play him next to Sabonis an use Lyles as a backup. Koloko still a backup to Sabonis.
Collins had his worst season and is overpaid and not improving ! Portis is just as good , improving and likely half the price .
I agree. Then you could use Barnes to pick up a large SG like Dillon Brooks or Robinson from the Heat. Heard they might trade him and a straight across for Barnes woulddo it.
we are talking about a late second round pick. I think Timme there is a good pick.
He reminds of Brad Miller undrafted out of Purdue . Made two All Star teams, one in East and one with Kings . Excellent 2nd round pick – Timme.
Koloko was not good in Arizona’s loss even less effective than Timme . Both long shots at best .
Boston can’t make that trade because the money doesn’t work and they can’t trade their 24 1st.
I like Koloko but I don’t see how he fits well offensively with Sabonis. A late first round pick is not valuable enough to minimize your best asset right after making the acquisition.
Edit. Misread things, trade is possible.
I don’t think it would benefit the Kings especially on offense.
Koloko has potential- redundant with Quetta?
Timme- absolutely not.
that steal by Mitchell and Divincenzo was the story of the night. I like seeing those two play together. They have attitude.
Good halftime adjustment on Franz Wagner: force him left, take away his right.
Would like to see Metu play better next game. Put an end to the “talented but inconsistent” narrative.
I’d throw Damian Jones in this group as well. They are both too inconsistent IMO.
Yeah. Damian Jones has surprised me with his shot, mid-range and 3 pointer. Smooth. He’s got a turn around J as well, if I remember correctly. Good length to contest the tall lanky shooters. Useful player to have.
I’ll agree with you. I wasn’t really sure what to expect from Jones or Metu when the Kings first acquired either, but they both are interesting fringe guys who, under the right circumstances, could possibly succeed with more minutes.
But based on what I’ve seen from both over the last handful of games, I doubt either has really solidified their spot in the rotation quite yet. So here’s an interesting conundrum for you. Per 36 numbers for each since Domas has started playing in Sac Feb 9th:
Player A: 17.5 Pts, 8.1 boards (1.4 offensive), 0.8 blocks. 2 assists, 2.1 turnovers 51.2 FG% (11.8 FGA), 40.5 3PFG% (5.2 3FGA), 88.9 FT% (3.8 FTA)
Player B: 14.0 Pts , 7.2 boards (1.8 offensive), 1.6 blocks. 1.6 assists, 1.8 turnovers 64.4FG% (8.7 FGA), 25 3PFG% (1.2 3FGA), 65.4 FT% (3.8 FTA)
This is a bit skewed perspective, sadly, since neither will average 36 MPG.
Player A is Metu, Player B is Jones. I can definitely see a scenario that the Kings keep Lyles, keep Metu and move on from Jones. I can see scenario’s where they keep 2 of those 3 guys in any combination. It’ll be interesting to see how they go about figuring out this roster.
But there’s no doubt that this roster’s future next season will be shaped by (I’m assuming) A) a head coach search, B) trades and C) draft picks. So that will impact the bottom roster decisions as well.
It’s an interesting time to be a Kings fan that’s for sure!
Don’t forget Fa. There are some real possibilities there.
While I don’t discount FA in general, and it’s a tool the Kings have not used well, it’s also true that I don’t consider it the best tool for improvement either.
Including Donte Divincenzo, who I think will be a RFA, under team control. Nice player.
Both Lyles and Metu are worth the amount of the team option. I’d keep both next year. Jones is good value this year, but I see your point that they are overstocked with backup centers. Might depend on whether Holmes and/or Len are dealt.
Jones URFA- he has played himself out of here.
Metu could be solid back up and I do like him over Lyles.
Need a good pick ( and I still contend for losing a few games to get that better pick in both first and second rounds. I know we disagree. ( although it is heartening to see Davion blossom a bit) Assuming #7, I would love Murray but doubt he is there. So it’s Griffin, Davis, Sharpe or Mathurin
Then a FA- who would come to Sac?
Collins might cost too much. I am not into losing first round picks, remember all too well Valdes mistakes with Philly
We need shooters. I would love the idea to get Robinson for HB. Mo Bamba probably could be had on the cheap to play with Domas, a rim protector/3 point capabilities. I love TJ Warren as a 3 & D prospect. As for the pick. I am intrigued by Sharpe. He looks legit, however, not proven.
I like the idea of picking up Portis in FA. Shoots the three at40% and rebounds at 9 per game. He doesn’t even start. Might have higher stats if played more. He also has a very high motor. Then trade Barnes and assets for Duncan Robinson. At 6’7″ he is one of the best 3 point shooters in the league. His draw back is he has trouble with his defense but I read a couple articles on him lately and he is really trying to improve this part of his game. Your starters would be Fox, Robinson, Murray of Griffin, Portis and Sabonis. With the passing skills of Sabonis Robinson with either Murray or Griffin they would have a field day getting shots. Backups would be Mitchell and Donte. I feel these two are getting to have some real chemistry between the two. Add Davis at the three now you have the three amigos. Might be something there. Lyles backs up Portis and Jones/Queta backing up Sabonis. You still have other assets on the team for maybe some seconds. Some players contracts are now over. Trade them or drop them. Creates some money.
That is a better team but not sure how much Maybe 10 games better which is a good build start !
Not bad, but I’ve already shed this idea that Fox is the only initiator from the perimeter. It seems like every year, the team lacks enough playmakers. All it takes is one injury and then it’s like rationing minutes with one ball handler starting and one ball handler off the bench because no one else is capable. I’m so sick of it. If you chase Duncan Robinson in free agency, who is your second perimeter initiator? Seems like it would prolong the plague.
Robinson not a FA.You would have to work out a trade, Reports are that the Heat are looking to trade him. Straight up trade for Barnes could be possible.
And this is why the Kings can’t have anything good – can’t even reach the play-in tournament and then win a ton of meaningless games at the end so that we can’t get a nice draft pick.
cloudy is clear.
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