Matt George here, the host of the daily Locked On Kings podcast, with your daily Locked On Kings newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Kings and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Sacramento Kings’ Offensive Revival: A Night to Remember
Inside the Golden 1 Center, it felt like a flashback to the 2022 season as the Sacramento Kings delivered a stellar performance against the Phoenix Suns, winning 127-104. De’Aaron Fox was at the heart of this offensive resurgence, showcasing agility and confidence reminiscent of his earlier years. Fox’s 29 points on 11 of 17 shooting, complemented by six rebounds and ten assists, underscored his pivotal role in the Kings’ victory. His ability to penetrate the defense and facilitate open shots for teammates was a testament to his dynamic playmaking skills.
The Kings’ offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting an impressive 64% from the field and 53% from beyond the arc. This offensive explosion was highlighted by a fan hitting a half-court shot to win a Toyota Tacoma, symbolizing the night’s serendipitous energy. The Kings’ ball movement was exceptional, with 38 assists on 50 made baskets, reflecting the philosophy of assistant coach Doug Christie, who emphasizes the ball having energy.
Kevin Huerter’s All-Around Impact
Kevin Huerter’s performance was another highlight, contributing 22 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Huerter’s ability to impact the game beyond scoring, particularly with his defensive prowess, has been a revelation this season. His consistent play has solidified his position as a starter, proving his value on both ends of the court.
The Kings’ bench also played a crucial role, with Trey Lyles and Jordan McLaughlin stepping up to maintain the team’s momentum. Lyles, in particular, found his rhythm, scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds. McLaughlin’s 11 points and defensive contributions were instrumental in the Kings’ third-quarter surge.
Despite the absence of key Suns players like Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, the Kings capitalized on the opportunity, demonstrating their potential when firing on all cylinders. The team’s ability to respond to Phoenix’s runs and maintain their lead was commendable, showcasing their resilience and depth.
The Kings’ defense, often overshadowed by their offensive prowess, was solid, limiting the Suns to low shooting percentages. However, areas for improvement remain, particularly in reducing turnovers and securing defensive rebounds. Addressing these issues could elevate the Kings’ performance to even greater heights.
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:
- De’Aaron Fox’s thoughts on Doug Christie’s “ball has energy” philosophy
- The impact of DeMar DeRozan’s limited playtime on the Kings’ ball movement
- Kevin Huerter’s defensive evolution and its significance for the Kings
- Analysis of the Kings’ bench contributions and their role in the victory
- Upcoming challenges and opportunities for the Kings in the season ahead
Traditionally, press defenses are a weapon of last resort in the NBA, fit only for highly specific scenarios or times of desperation. Professional basketball players simply are too good at passing and dribbling to be susceptible to large doses of full-court press — or so the thinking went. But the thinking, it is a-changin’.
Synergy’s database goes back to the 2008-2009 season, and before last year, only one team had used press on even 5% of their defensive possessions: the 2020-21 Charlotte Hornets.
Last year, however, we saw a notable rise in the press defense, thanks to two teams. The Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers both beat Charlotte’s mark. Portland led the league by pressing 7.2% of the time, yielding only .94 points per possession (well below their typical defensive rating of 1.04, although that’s not by any means an apples-to-apples comparison), andI predicted that this year, the Blazers — featuring heavy doses of ambulatory fly paper Toumani Camara — would crack 10%.
I had the right idea but the wrong team. Instead, the Pacers are currently pressing 11.9% of the time, followed closely by Brooklyn’s 11.5% (the Blazers come in third, with a still historically high 8.4%). In retrospect, Indiana’s surging interest in the press shouldn’t be a huge surprise — they picked up full-court on nearly a quarter of their possessions in last year’s playoffs. That’s insane!
They haven’t been quite that extreme this year, but look at this graph of every team’s percentage of defensive possessions in press defense:
Six teams in total are pressing more than 5% of the time. 22 of the league’s 30 teams are pressing more this year than last (with the caveat that we’re talking about a couple dozen possessions or fewer for many of these teams), and this is by far the most press we’ve seen since the data became available. Given the weaknesses we mentioned in the opening paragraph, why is the press gaining popularity?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis Sam Vecenie of the Athletic breaks down how this year’s rookies have started. I don’t agree with all of his picks, but he’s always thoughtful with his selections and insightful with his analysis. (Subscription required)
Personnel HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto goes behind the scenes with the Indiana Pacers’ coaching staff. Mostly, you get a better appreciation for how little coaches sleep!
Must Read Jared Dubin investigates the rise in dunks over time for his newsletter “Last Night, In Basketball.” It’s a fun, breezy read! (Subscription required)
Injury First Malik Monk, now DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan left last night’s game against Phoenix with back tightness. He hopes to be ready for tomorrow’s NBA Cup game against Minnesota. (ESPN)
Analysis One Kings guard is leading the NBA in an obscure stat, surprising many analysts and fans alike. (Sports Illustrated)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Wednesday’s Notable Fantasy Basketball Performances
Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images|Photo By Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy basketball, keeping an eye on emerging talents and consistent performers is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the standout performances of three young guns, as well as the continued dominance of Giannis, and explore their potential impact on your fantasy lineup.
Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star?
Donovan Clingan’s recent performance has caught the attention of fantasy managers everywhere. With 31 minutes on the court, Clingan delivered an impressive stat line of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a staggering eight blocks. His ability to dominate the paint and contribute defensively makes him a valuable asset, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Deandre Ayton’s injury status. While Clingan’s long-term role remains uncertain, his current form makes him a must-add in fantasy leagues, particularly for those in need of blocks and rebounds.
Jared McCain: Rookie on the Rise
Jared McCain has quickly become a hot topic in fantasy circles, thanks to his explosive performance in the absence of key players like Paul George and Joel Embiid. McCain’s 34-point game, complete with six three-pointers and 10 assists, showcases his potential as a high-usage player. While his current role is bolstered by injuries to teammates, McCain’s talent is undeniable. Fantasy managers should consider adding him to their rosters, but remain cautious about his long-term value once the team’s stars return.
Click the button below to see how Giannis continues to be a fantasy force, and why for Victor Wembanyama, the future is now.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
3-Pointers: The Nemesis of the Sacramento Kings Matt George reacts to the Sacramento Kings’ 116-96 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where, once again, the Kings struggled to hit shots while their opponents couldn’t miss.
DeMar DeRozan & De’Aaron Fox are the Kings of the Clutch! Matt George reacts to the Sacramento Kings overtime win in Phoenix, where DeMar DeRozan & De’Aaron Fox completely took over the game and led the way to victory. Plus, Kevin Huerter had a huge night, Malik Monk got hurt, and Mike Brown won his 100th game with the Kings.
The Most Unwatchable Game in NBA History Matt George breaks down the most unwatchable game in NBA history; the Los Angeles Clippers vs Sacramento Kings, full of James Harden foul baiting, Scott Foster, and missed Kings three-pointers.
