The Sacramento Kings are in a tailspin, and it’s hard to watch. Their recent 122-95 blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers marked Sacramento’s 11th home defeat this season, tying them for the most in the NBA. It’s a far cry from the Kings’ “Climbing Together” slogan, as the team is in a complete free fall.
The Golden 1 Center, once a fortress, has become a house of horrors. The Kings have lost four straight at home, squandering a golden opportunity to make up ground in the Western Conference standings. After clawing their way back to .500, they’ve plummeted to 13-17, the lowest point of the season.
What’s most concerning isn’t just the losses, but how the Kings are losing. Against the Pacers, it felt like they simply gave up in the second half. The team looked disconnected, disjointed, and frankly, disinterested. The chemistry and ball movement that defined the Kings’ success over the past couple seasons has vanished.
DeMar DeRozan’s Struggles
DeMar DeRozan’s performance is particularly worrying. Tonight, he managed just two points on 1-of-7 shooting in 28 minutes. This follows two subpar games against the Lakers. It’s a far cry from his hot start to the season, and it’s clear he’s not meshing with the team as hoped.
Defensive Woes and Roster Construction
The Kings’ defensive issues are glaring, even if they’re nothing new. Doug McDermott and Trey Lyles were consistently exploited, highlighting our lack of size and athleticism. The decision not to play Keon Ellis until garbage time is baffling, especially given his defensive prowess.
The roster construction is fundamentally flawed. The Kings are too small, lacking rim protection and consistent two-way players. It’s becoming evident that a significant move is necessary to salvage the season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Kings’ struggles, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
• Fox vs. Halliburton: Comparing their performances in tonight’s game
• Mike Brown’s coaching decisions and rotation management
• Potential trade scenarios and roster moves for the Kings
