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Sacramento Kings’ Three-Point Defense Woes Kill Them Again
The Sacramento Kings faced a crushing defeat against the San Antonio Spurs, 127-125 the final score. Despite dominating in several key areas, the Kings’ Achilles’ heel was their inability to defend the three-point line effectively. The Spurs capitalized on this weakness, sinking 23 three-pointers, which ultimately erased all the winning plays the Kings made.
Defensive Struggles and Three-Point Woes
The Kings showcased their prowess in various aspects of the game, including points in the paint, second-chance points, and fast-break opportunities. They outperformed the Spurs in these areas, yet the inability to defend the perimeter proved costly. The Spurs’ three-point shooting was exceptional, with players like Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell contributing significantly to their success from beyond the arc.
This recurring issue with three-point defense is not new for the Kings. Opponents consistently find open looks against Sacramento, leading to high shooting percentages. The Kings’ defensive scheme and effort in closing out shooters have been called into question, with head coach Mike Brown emphasizing the need for consistent effort and attention to detail in defending the three-point line.
Malik Monk’s Starting Role and Team Dynamics
In a bid to shake things up, Malik Monk was given his first start for the Kings. Monk’s performance was commendable, contributing 19 points and providing a spark in the first quarter. His inclusion in the starting lineup was a strategic move by Brown, aiming to inject energy and scoring ability from the get-go. Despite the loss, Monk’s presence in the starting five was a positive development, and his performance suggests he could be a mainstay in this role.
However, the Kings’ defensive lapses overshadowed Monk’s contributions. The team struggled to maintain their lead, particularly in the fourth quarter, where foul trouble and defensive breakdowns allowed the Spurs to capitalize. The Kings’ inability to sustain their defensive intensity for the full 48 minutes remains a significant concern.
The Kings’ current roster may not hold the solution to their defensive woes. If the starting lineup changes do not yield better results, general manager Monte McNair might need to explore trade options to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities. At this rate, he can’t wait for the trade deadline.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Kings’ defensive challenges and team dynamics, 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’ performance in key statistical areas
- Mike Brown’s perspective on the team’s defensive issues
- The impact of Malik Monk’s starting role on team chemistry
- Potential roster changes and trade considerations
- Insights into the Kings’ upcoming matchups and challenges
December 1, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada/Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
You’d be forgiven if, a quarter of the way through the season (yes), you haven’t given the following teams that much attention. Maybe your main rooting interest has been struggling, and it’s taken all your psychic energy to will them through the slump. Better yet, maybe your team is thriving and you’ve been enjoying the ride. Maybe you’re still looking for a team to get behind, in which case, the following three franchises would make great options.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks being on this list has not alleviated my general wariness of the Hawks as a whole, but they’ve been playing through some of the things that make me doubt them. First, the Hawks love to play up. That is, they tend to excel against technically better and markedly more skilled teams; teams farther along the competitive timeline that I always get they feeling Atlanta would rather emulate than put the work in to be at the same level with.
This season, the Hawks are still playing up — they’ve beat the best in conference Cavaliers twice — but they’re recognizing what should be easy wins, like against the Charlotte Hornets. With Trae Young injured and in and out of the lineup, Atlanta’s bench has provided some of the most needed and entertaining offensive bursts in the league, with De’Andre Hunter back with a vengeance after being out for 10 games with a knee injury. Hunter’s regularly putting up 20-plus points per night, and hounding the glass.
Atlanta has a string of high-low games this week, facing the Pelicans, Bucks, Lakers and Nuggets, which should be an ample test to whether they can play and stay consistent.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis The Kings’ identity has waned, with recent performances highlighting a loss of direction and cohesion on the court. The analysis delves into the factors contributing to this decline. (The Kings Herald)
Preview The Kings vs. Spurs preview scrutinizes whether the team will demonstrate respect for their head coach through their performance, emphasizing the importance of this game for Sacramento’s morale. (The Kings Herald)
Milestone Jimmy Butler misses shot so Bam Adebayo can record a triple-double in Heat win (Bleacher Report)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
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De’Aaron Fox & Malik Monk Turn the Sacramento Kings into the Kentucky Wildcats Matt George reacts to the Sacramento Kings win in Minnesota, where De’Aaron Fox & Malik Monk went off in the 4th quarter, and Jae Crowder brought the trash talk in his debut.
Jae Crowder is Joining the Sacramento Kings After More Injuries Pile Up Matt George is joined by Sacramento Kings beat writer for SRS, Jeremiah Salmonson, to discuss the latest injuries to Trey Lyles and DeMar DeRozan, and the addition of Jae Crowder. Can the Kings roster fix their issues without making trades?
