After a promising offensive showcase on Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns, the Sacramento Kings will begin their 2024 NBA Cup run tonight in an opening night rematch against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Last season, Sacramento made it out of the group stage, but failed to make it to Las Vegas, paving the way for the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2023 Cup Title. Time for Sacramento to correct that.
The Timberwolves have already lost one Cup game against the Portland Trail Blazers, and their start to the season hasn’t exactly gone as plan. The Kings need to be prepared for a potentially desperate, focused T-Wolves squad, looking to improve on their 6-6 record to start the season. Should Sacramento continue to move the ball and hit shots the same way they did against Phoenix, I really like their chances.
Going back to opening night, the Kings allowed a huge 20-7 Timberwolves run in the third quarter, which erased Sacramento’s lead and completely changed the momentum of the game. Now, just 11 games later, the Kings seem to be better at handling runs, overcoming a pair of Phoenix pushes in the 2nd half to win by a comfortable 23 points.
Defensive Adjustments and Team Dynamics
The Kings’ defense, often overshadowed by their offensive exploits, has shown improvement. The team’s ability to respond to the Suns’ runs, particularly in the third and fourth quarters, demonstrated their growing resilience. Kevin Huerter’s defensive efforts, including key steals and deflections, set the tone early, while the team’s overall defensive cohesion was evident in their ability to force turnovers and capitalize on them.
DeMar DeRozan’s integration into the team continues to evolve. While some might view his slow-it-down, isolation style as a negative with how the Kings want to play, it’s clear that his presence is helping Sacramento find a balance between pace and strategy. The team’s ability to adapt and incorporate DeRozan’s style without losing their identity is a promising sign for the season ahead.
The Kings’ bench also deserves recognition for stepping up in the absence of key players like Malik Monk and DeRozan. Their ability to maintain the team’s momentum and contribute significantly to the win speaks volumes about the depth and potential of the roster. This depth will be crucial as the season progresses, especially with the challenges of back-to-back games and a demanding schedule.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Sacramento Kings’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
- Analysis of the Kings’ defensive strategies and their impact on recent games.
- Discussion on the NBA Cup and its significance for the Kings.
- Insights into De’Aaron Fox’s evolving role and performance metrics.
- Kevin Huerter’s journey and contributions to the team’s success.
- The impact of DeMar DeRozan’s style on the Kings’ offensive dynamics.
