After last night’s debacle in New Orleans, Kings fans and the team itself were all left feeling a little down (30+ point blowout losses against hobbled teams tend to do that). Thankfully, today’s game against the Houston Rockets was just what the doctor ordered as Sacramento went into Houston and came out with the comfortable 140 to 120 victory.
While the game may have been close at times, the Kings were in full control of this game from the start. De’Aaron Fox came back from the birth of his son (Congratulations to both De’Aaron and his wife Recee!) and helped jumpstart the team even if he wasn’t necessarily scoring all the time. Despite being on the second night of back-to-back, the Kings played with a lot more pace and urgency than they had the night before, and got out to an early double-digit lead, taking a 17 point lead into halftime.
The 3rd quarter was a bit of a blunder for Sacramento, but that was mainly because the Rockets decided to hit a ridiculous amount of their three point attempts (7 of 11) after barely hitting any in the first half. Houston outscored the Kings 40 to 34 in the 3rd and cut the 17 point deficit dangerously low at times.
The Kings were able to turn up the pressure once again though, and were able to hit a bunch of their own threes to widen the gap and seal the deal in the fourth quarter. A huge part of it was a career-night from Keegan Murray; After scoring a combined 7 points on 2-21 shooting over the last three games, Keegan scored a career-high 30 points, including 8-12 from the three-point line. Every time Houston made a run, Keegan was there to hit a big three and extend Sacramento’s lead. It’s no wonder the Kings have struggled so much in these last few games when he himself hasn’t been able to find his shot.
Keegan wasn’t the only one getting back into a groove tonight. Kevin Huerter has been struggling as well of late, and while he didn’t fully find his footing tonight from distance (just 2 of 7), he still contributed with 16 points on 7-12 shooting to go with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
Fox returned from his absence looking as spry as ever, though his shot was looking a little rusty. Still, he scored 16 points to go with 8 assists and 4 rebounds, and also played some excellent defense throughout the game.
Speaking of defense, my favorite possession from the entire game was a defensive highlight from Davion Mitchell, who put Jalen Green in basketball hell, forcing a bad shot and a 24 second violation:
Davion put the clamps on Jalen Green 🔒 pic.twitter.com/Bxh8VV5djw
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) February 7, 2023
Davion had a bit of a rough going the last couple games starting in Fox’s absence, but tonight he did much better in his return to the bench, scoring 5 points to go with 5 assists and his always incredible defense.
It feels weird to have gone this far and not mention Sacramento’s only All-Star (for now…), but if there’s a way to make 17 points, 7 rebounds and 10 rebounds feel pedestrian, Domantas Sabonis did just that. Near triple-doubles come on a nightly basis for Domas, and the Rockets had no real answer for him when he attacked down low.
The Kings have now won 30 games before the All-Star break for only the second time since the drought began (they also accomplished this in 2018-19 with Dave Joerger at the helm when they were 30-26). They’ve also matched last season’s entire win total. Despite their recent struggles, this is the best Kings team in ages, and they’ll now have a chance to finish this season-long road trip with a 4-3 record if they can just take care of business one more time against these very same Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.
Random Observations
- The Kings have to lead the league in great defensive possessions that are instantly negated by our inability to control the ball afterwards.
- Chimezie Metu had nice active hands in his limited minutes and had a couple of big blocks.
- Trey Lyles continues to be one of Sacramento’s most consistent bench players. He chipped in 14 points in just under 16 minutes.
- Keon Ellis is an intriguing prospect. He played just 3 minutes of garbage time tonight but hit both of his three-point attempts. He has also been hitting his three ball at an over 40% clip in the G-League. If he can get a bit stronger and play the kind of defense he was known for at Alabama, he could be a rotation player in this league.
- I continue to be very impressed by Alperen Sengun every time I see him. Jalen Green is the flashier, more athletic player, and he is going to be very good if he can hit his shots at a consistent rate, but I could see Sengun being the type of player you build around like Jokic or Sabonis. He has his defensive shortcomings to be sure, but his playmaking vision, rebounding and offensive repertoire at such a young age is impressive.
- Kenyon Martin Jr. has also impressed me in his games against the Kings. Like his father, he’s very athletic, but he’s also showing off a burgeoning three point shot. If he’s available at the deadline, I’d be interested.
- Eric Gordon seemed to be playing harder than usual, and one can’t help but feel it’s because he’s trying to showcase himself as the deadline nears. Gordon deserves better than to be on a tanking team with the season winding down. He’s still got some gas left in the tank and some contender would definitely be able to use him. If the Kings weren’t already rife with guards, I’d be interested.
- Jabari Smith Jr. has a ton of physical tools, but I can’t help but feel he’s in a terrible situation for his development. He’s only 19 though, and still has plenty of time to realize his massive potential. I just don’t know if Houston is the best place for that to materialize.
Up Next
The Kings will face the Rockets again, still in Houston, on Wednesday.
Keegan! Great game and our 30th win!
Ummmmm…
can we just start calling Keegan Murray Spock from now on?
A+ nickname for him
Dance, Spock!
“Playoffs: the final frontier.
These are the voyages of the Starship Sacramento Kings.
Its 17-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no Kings team has gone since 2005-2006.”
Two things:
1.) Can’t believe we’re at 30 Ws already.
2.) Totally agree about Kenyon Martin Jr. Said that to myself during the game. A cheaper, younger John Collins-type of player – since the Kings are always linked to Collins. He’d thrive cutting and shooting with Domas.
Didn’t we draft him (Kenyon Martin)?
Pretty sure we did. Let’s bring him on home!
yes, at #53 but traded draft day- traded his rights. And Kings drafted Tillman, Jaden Hardy, Gary Trent jr- and traded all of them.
Yeah, this is something that doesn’t get enough attention: What’s the point of acquiring 2nd round draft picks if the Kings are going to consistently make bad decisions with the picks? Instead of Xavier Tillman, the Kings got Robert Woodard. KJ Martin and Gary Trent Jr. are both guys who would be great additions to our team, but we weren’t interested in seeing what they had. Other organizations DO find nuggets in the 2nd round. We barely even try. Monte has been part of this pattern, too. It’s his one Achilles heel in my opinion. (Well, OK, the Kings did find Isaiah Thomas, but that was over a decade ago.)
Not only was Isaiah Thomas over a decade ago, he was also 3 GMs and a different ownership group ago. The reality is, under Vivek the 2nd round has been a barren waste land of poor choices.
How many 2nd rounders did Petrie hit on? Not many. Most teams miss on 2nd rounders. It’s not really that big of a deal unless you’re a team way over the luxury tax.
I think the issue is that some of the 2nd rounders traded by the Kings under Vivek have gone on to be solid NBA players.
Why is that an issue? Other than one of optics?
2nd round picks are weird. I think the contracts are not guaranteed and there might have to be a mutual interest. Now that the Kings are good, that might change, especially if a prospect fits the system.
I think the moral of the story is: When another team calls about your 2nd round selection, keep THAT one instead of trading hem for cash considerations.
For the first playoff game at G1C, should all 18,000 fans not smile, in solidarity?
He looks so uncomfortable and Fox aint lettin go. LMFAO
Keegan’s a funny ass dude
Probably just letting Keegan know that babysitting will be added to his assignments as a rookie
Turns out Fox was already signaling to Keegan in a previous game…
Whenever the Rockets looked like they were closing in, Murray would hit another three!
I really enjoyed Murray’s game tonight. It was good to see the team win the sort of game they need to.
Love seeing Murray lead the team in shots. He should always be up there.
it’s beam awhile…
Welcome to Basketball Hail Murray!
Hmmm, draft Kris?
Double Trouble
Twinning Basketball
Congratulations to the kid, too!
Welcome to this mortal coil, kiddo.
Poor bastard
Neither of those, actually.
After 16 years of crappy basketball this feels a bit unusual to read.
Laser beams?
How about NEON KEON?
During the New Orleans game, I was yelling at my television for Coach Brown to put in Ellis, and was glad that he finally did. He shot 37% from three in college, with 1.5 assists per game.
I’ve got no objection to obtaining Thuybulle for the right price, but I’m not certain that Ellis isn’t the right guy for the same role. And, you know, he can shoot.
I would love for the Kings to be one of the many NBA teams that give real minutes to guys who weren’t first round draft picks. Give Keon a shot. If you see what he did in college and read the pre-draft reports, he is a pesky defender who can shoot. The knock on Keon has been that he’s pretty thin and shies from contact. That can change with some offseason work. He sure looks like a guy who could help us if given more run.
If the Kings move the TD before Thursday, or simply let him walk this summer, I could Keon filling his vacated role.
First, it should be noted, Houston is just beyond terrible. Arguably the worst team of the last decade. This team suckkkkkkkks. But…..they are just mostly young. I can see Sengun, Smith Jr, Eason, Martin Jr, and Green all being part of winning teams moving forward. There are other pieces like Garuba, Christopher, Mathews, and what not. There are pieces there….but I don’t like them as a group yet. Too many young guys. Which is the NBA, for better or worse.
Okay, onto a ‘few’ other things.
3FG Sac Hou
1st Qtr 3-11 0-5
2nd Qtr 4-9 2-7
3rd Qtr 5-10 7-11
4th Qtr 9-11 4-9
Keegan Murray hit 4 of those 5 3’s in the 3rd qtr. In fact he was 6-7 in the 2nd half from the 3pt line. He also scored 22 of his 30 points in the 2nd half.
Houston scored 40 points in the 3rd qtr, but they also only scored 80 points in the other 3rd qtr’s combined. Houston won the 3rd 40-34 but Sacramento won the other 3 qtrs 106-80. Also, the Kings won the 1st half 65-48 but narrowly won the 2nd half 75-72.
Sabonis had 7 assists in the 2nd half.
Monk was 6-7 from the field including 4-5 from the 3 pt line and 4-4 from the line for his 20 points in the 2nd half. As opposed to 0-5 from the field and 0-2 from 3. A true tale of 2 halves. That is, however, the Malik Monk experience. Monk and Murray scored 42 points in the 2nd half.
Kings had 52 bench points to the Rockets 31.
Someone should hypnotize Trey Lyles and convince him every opponent is the Houston Rockets.
De’Aaron Fox had a game high +13. 5 other Kings had a +11 and Barnes had a +10.
The Kings had 38 assists to 10 turnovers. The Rockets had 27 assists to 13 turnovers.
The Grizzlies now are at 21 losses. The Kings are at 23 losses. The Clippers, Suns, Warriors, and Mavs are all at 26 losses. The Wolves and Pelicans are at 27 losses. Jazz, Blazers and Thunder are all at 28 losses. Lakers are at 29 losses. That’s the 2 through 13 seeds. The West is wide open, and while the Kings are still clearly a move (or several) away, I’ll be interested to see how Monte McNair plays this deadline. And I’m even more interested to see what happens if only a minor move is what ends up happening.
In the grand scheme of things, beating Houston is not meaningful towards much of anything. But it’s better than losing and hopefully the Kings come out with a similar approach to beating Houston Wed night they took tonight.
All true. Giving up 120 to the Rockets worries me. The defense was intense at times, 3rd quarter, not so much. That won’t cut it in the playoffs.
If you give up 120 points to a Rockets team it tells me we are still not playing good defense. What is going to happen when we start playing the really good teams. It worries me. I hope we are still looking for a backup to Sabonis and maybe a defensive stopper from the bench. Just a side not. I really like Keon Ellis. In the near future I think he will be a huge asset to the Kings.
Jack- thanks again for not trading me.
Agree on Ellis and on poor defense.
Because there are so few sellers at the deadline, Kings options are less. Could still get Thybulle + a big guy relatively cheap but does Ellis make Thybule redundant? and I would not give up a first rounder for nay back up center.
How many minutes do the Kings need for a rim protector? if it was Jaren Jackson- lots of minutes but anyone else?
How would you feel about Tristan Thompson as a back up big if we trade Holmes for Thybul for example. He’s a free agent. I could think of a lot worse for the price to sign him and not trading away more assets. Dude has always gobbled up rebounds and sets good screens. Plus, playoff experience.
Len can give you that .. I think the issue is finding a big that can play on the elbow .. Poetkl, Plumlee, Vlade type guy or we need a shot blocker that can play offense on perimeter
For a rim protector and minutes it all depends on Sabonis. He sure does foul a lot, especially with his hands and pushing people around the rim. If that’s a problem then a back up to him will have to play more minutes. I like Plumlee but his age and expiring contract has to be taken into consideration.I also like Zach Collins but harder to get but does fit into Monte’s timeline. I think Ellis would be on the full roster next year but has to get strength up. He sure has the confidence and can score both on 3’s and drives. At 6′ 6′ he would be an outstanding guard or SF. With that in mind I would still go after Matisse. Sure would help having 3 outstanding defensive players on the team. I wouldn’t include a first for anyone of those.
I’m on the same page with you I think. Matisse seems like a good gamble that’s worth the minimal risk. I also fully expect Ellis to be on the main roster next season (if he’s not included in a trade package). I’m Down with Plumlee too but if our assets drain to acquire Matisse then I wouldn’t be opposed to a Thompson signing at the minimum for some help with a playoff push. Keep the assets available for next off season.
Plumlee and Matisse would definitely be ideal. And yeah, Collins definitely fits the timeline better and is a similar fit for the now that Plumlee would potentially be.
Of course it won’t cut it in the playoffs. What does beating a Rockets team that is thoroughly terrible have anything to do with playoff success?
Everything must be about everything at all times.
That’s heavy, Sims.
I was agreeing with you but emphasizing that the lack of defensive progress.
Again, why would you expect defensive progress against Houston? The only truly meaningful thing, IMO, is the Kings won the game and did so without making it too hard on themselves. Nobody played a tremendous amount of minutes.
I would like to see more defensive progress, too, but I think the issue is more complicated than just bringing in ‘better’ defenders. It’s a two way game. It’s really about creating separation from your opponent. Which this team does do. This team has a top 10 Net Rtg. I already see the rebuttal to this point but that’s fine. Again, it’s complaining that this team isn’t championship team NOW when the majority around here would have been happy with making the playin at the start of the season.
This team has flaws. But they have strengths, too. Those strengths have gotten this team more Ws than Ls to this point. I feel like that gets forgotten around here in the rush to point out what this team isn’t doing.
Exactly. The team has been around for 53 games.
Brown and staff, Sabonis, Fox, Barnes, Huerter, Keegan, Monk, Lyles, Davion, they have all been together for 53 games.
I am sure the league is game planning them better now, there is plenty of talent on the coaching staff and the roster to keep adjusting, and Monte should have some flexibility to add some different talent.
.
every game is important- cannot add to the loss column. West is just too tight.
One 7 game winning streak can move a team from 12 to 3.
I wonder if Ellis makes any Thybulle trade less likely.
Inspired by JMan:
And Lo,
A warm purple light came down to the people of Sacramento.
Tidings of great joy from Fox, Sabonis, Keegan and Co.
What could the cause of such commotion seem?
It was another Kings win from the BEAM TEAM.
Starts as a possible bible Psalm but turns into a night before Christmas verse. It’s a work in progress.
Just what this team needed. Excellent dominant performance. I undervalue Fox, his mere presence tonight was huge.
Solid solid win. Now, let’s follow it up with another big showing on Wednesday.
What a night and day difference between two games. I doubt Fox’s return had little barring on Keegan and Hueter’s ability to make shots as opposed to throwing up stinkers when he was gone, but what a pleasant swing of things. It goes to show that this team needs their 5 starters to at least be respectable on the offensive end to make things easier as a team. Monk and Lyles were again key contributors off the bench. I still feel this team is just minor minor piece(s) away from really turning some heads. Work your magic, Monte!
Lastly, this year’s team has thrown every SEGABABA statistics out the window. They’ve completely turned the norm on its head. When was the last time a team lost of the first of a back to back by 30 only to win the second by 20, while on the road?
1902
☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Seriously! Why would a player who can routinely collapse defenses into the paint have any effect on now-unguarded shooters on the perimeter?
Keegan and Hueter were missing plenty of wide open jumpers while Fox was out. I’m sure Fox’s presence on the floor affected Huerter’s DHO from Sabonis…right?
This team is just very very reliant upon shooters, rather than shot creators, and when several go cold at the same time, it can seem like the wheels are coming off, is how I have felt during some of the cool streaks, and likewise, the best offense in the league when they are hitting.
I am with you Adam, I feel like there is some marginal moves Monte can hopefully make that really solidify this team as one that can make noise in the playoffs. I think our guys look a little gassed, I think the all star break is going to be a good thing for them. I think some of the competent players who seem gettable (Vanderbuilt, Thybulle, Richardson, Plumlee, on the high end and probably more than we realize on the lower end), would go a long way to soaking up minutes and keeping this team fresh and effective for 48 minutes a game and in the playoffs.
I think Keegan’s play is a bit of a wild card, as he might finish a lot stronger than he started. I feel like his shooting is already being taken a bit for granted. He is hitting over 40% of his three’s at a 6+ attempts a game as a rookie! Beyond the high expectations I had. I mean, wow. I am guessing he continues to improve this season and the league should be on notice when he has a summer to work on his off the dribble shot creation.
I guess the other player who could really make a difference is already on the team. Can Davion make more of an impact offensively? I think this team improves a decent degree if he can.
Thybulle and a reliable back big would be a perfect trade deadline for Monte. The backup big goes without saying, but Thybulle could be a very welcome addition. If Huerter or Murray are having an off night shooting, as we have recently seen, Thybulle can come in at least mitigate the issue by bringing outstanding defense to slow the opponent down.
Matisse Thybulle and Davion Mitchell ideally would be 3 and D players – think Nicolaus Batum for the SF spot – but are limited to being D and Z (for zero) for the most part.
Not needle movers, IMO, even on the bench side of things as they pencil out as mostly one way players currently.
I am hoping that Davion, with his work effort, will begin to advance his skills, but under Coach Brown, he seems to have taken a step back on offense and I would be willing to bet, he knows that and is working on it.
Thybulle – I just don’t know. We know that he went from playing a substantive role with Philly to be a cast off. I can’t speak to his work ethic. Is KZ Okpala that much worse? Or Keon Ellis? Both are new to the League and that has to give them some margin of improvement that can be attained with coaching, or at least I’d like to think so (I have no frikkin’ idea).
Thybulle is a 2021 and 2022 second All-Defense winner so that qualification is not a debate. On offense – 44.5% career FG%, 32.5 3FG%. Meh at best.
He’d be an ok pick up IMO. Maybe he makes an impact, likely, he does not. I am almost assuredly wrong in my analysis, but hey, we’re here to share.
FWIW, Fox sits at 46.8 FG% and 32.2 3PT% for his career.
Actually I don’t think it’s that Fox creates better shots but he does ease the pressure on Murray and Huerter to make shots.
It’s like a binky of sorts. It puts guys into roles they are better suited for than the roles they take on while Fox is out.
That could be, there could be a mental aspect to it knowing the leading scorer is out. It’s added pressure to each jumper. But if Fox has that kind of mental gravity for a guy like Murray to go from 1-10 from three with Fox our to 8-12 with Fox in, the Kings need to wrap De’Aaron in bubble wrap.
Keegan Murray
No small number of them near-suicidal, and ready to call the season a failure.
What’s your obsession with suicide, ropes and wobbly chairs?
My family has been in the rope and wobbly chair business since Brooks was a free man.
You’re on one today Sims. I like it. LOL
Great to have Fox back. Starting 5 back in sync.
Favorite play of the game was a fake backdoor cut by Keegan to get another open three. Done in his manner. Had me fooled also. Saw the defender overplaying him. The backdoor cut was there, it looked like he was going to make the cut, then had me wondering why he didn’t. Then … oh, …. open three … that’s why. swish.
Every win matters, no room to mess around in this tight West conference. Gotta take care of biz tomorrow and it’s a solid road trip record wise. In past years I laughed at Monte making small moves to add depth but we could use a player or two, just gotta keep chemistry intact.
Optimism: The Kings won by 20 points on the road in a SEGABABA and now lead the league in number of games won by 20+ points.
Pessimism: The Kings gave up 120 points total, and 40 points in a single quarter, to the worst team in the Western Conference.
Reality: A bit of both!
Looks like the Kings are getting Kessler Edwards. I was a fan of him going to the 2021 NBA draft. Nice pickup for the Kings.
A great addition to these recaps would be a box score.
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