What we realized as Kings turnovers spark preseason blowout loss initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
SACRAMENTO – The Kings have had their share of ups and downs this pre-seasonand Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Portland Path Blazers at Golden 1 Heart positively falls into the latter class.
Whereas there have been some indicators that issues had been moving into the fitting route, there wasn’t a lot constant cohesion on both finish of the court docket and the tip outcome was a 105-85 loss that despatched the Kings down at 0-3 in preseason with fewer gamers. solely two weeks earlier than the beginning of the common season.
De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 11 factors, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals, however he dedicated 5 fouls within the first half and completed minus-19. Keon Ellis additionally scored 11 factors, Keegan Murray 10 factors, Domantas Sabonis added 9 factors, eight rebounds and 7 assists whereas DeMar DeRozan had eight factors, 4 assists and was a minus-33.
Alex Len added 13 factors whereas Jordan McLaughlin scored 10.
Preseason scores do not matter a lot general, so there’s not a lot motive to be too fearful or pessimistic. However head coach Mike Brown has to fret concerning the points his staff had in opposition to a Path Blazers staff that’s lacking two of its greatest gamers and can nearly definitely be one of many backside gamers within the Western Convention.
Portland was significantly efficient at getting in and scoring nearly at will within the paint. Even after they failed to attain low, the Blazers repeatedly grabbed the offensive board and bought a fast rating.
Sabonis and Monk had rhythm early, and Murray gave the Golden 1 crowd some power late within the second quarter when he accomplished a lofted cross from Sabonis, then stole possession from the Blazers adopted and went down the lane for a one-handed jam.
Sacramento could not preserve its momentum for lengthy and gave up 35 factors to Portland within the second quarter when the Blazers went on a 9-0 run, then closed out the primary half with three straight scores from Scoot Henderson.
Issues did not enhance a lot within the second half
The Kings trailed by as a lot as 24 factors and had been held to 24 factors beneath their preseason common.
It is now time on the highway for Sacramento’s ultimate two preseason video games earlier than the common season begins at house on October 24 in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Listed below are the takeaways from Sunday’s sport:
Monk again within the combine
Malik Monk didn’t play Friday’s 109-106 defeat to the Golden State Warriors for private causes, however he was again in uniform Sunday doing what he does greatest: taking part in each ends and offering a excessive stage of power.
Monk had eight factors on 3-of-10 taking pictures, with two rebounds and two steals. Monk was aggressive nearly each time he touched the ball and attacked the rim rapidly. This fashion has made him one of many high contenders for the title NBA Sixth Man of the Yr Award final season and it is one that may preserve him in the midst of issues for the Kings within the 2024-25 marketing campaign.
Ball safety
The Kings have loads of explosiveness on offense however that does not matter a lot after they battle to care for the ball, which was the case for a lot of Sunday. Sacramento dedicated 27 turnovers (14 within the first half) which led to 33 factors for the Blazers.
The issues got here from in every single place. Sabonis turned the ball over 5 instances whereas Fox and Monk had 4 turnovers every.
Unfold the wealth
Certainly one of Brown’s core ideas is ball motion, and the Kings did an excellent job of that in opposition to the Blazers.
Sacramento had 25 assists on 35 made pictures, a implausible price that stored Portland from focusing its protection on a single participant. 4 Sacramento gamers had three or extra assists.
