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 Triumph Over Houston Rockets: A Night of Resilience and Redemption
I walked into the Golden 1 Center expecting a tough night for the Sacramento Kings against the Houston Rockets, a team that had previously dominated them with physical play. But what unfolded was a testament to the Kings’ resilience and determination. The Kings not only secured their 10th victory of the season, but they also did so by outplaying the Rockets at their own game.
A Battle of Wills
The Rockets, known for their physicality and ability to get under opponents’ skin, came into the game with a strong record. Players like Dillon Brooks are notorious for their antics, aiming to disrupt and agitate. However, the Kings were ready. They met the Rockets’ aggression head-on, refusing to be intimidated. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Rockets initially taking control. But the Kings, led by De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk, fought back fiercely. Fox, in particular, thrived under pressure, scoring crucial points during a pivotal 11-1 run that shifted the momentum in Sacramento’s favor.
The Kings’ ability to maintain composure and respond to the Rockets’ provocations was crucial. They didn’t just match the Rockets’ intensity; they surpassed it. This was evident when the Rockets’ head coach, Ime Udoka, was ejected, a clear sign that the Kings had turned the tables.
Key Performances and Strategic Adjustments
Malik Monk’s performance was a highlight, as he seamlessly transitioned into a starting role, delivering a career night with 17 points and 12 assists. His ability to distribute the ball without turnovers was instrumental in the Kings’ success. The team’s overall assist-to-turnover ratio was impressive, showcasing their discipline and focus.
Role players like Keegan Murray also stepped up, contributing crucial points and defensive plays. Murray’s ability to hit key three-pointers helped the Kings maintain their lead and keep the Rockets at bay. Kevin Huerter’s return from injury added depth to the lineup, providing additional scoring and defensive support.
The Kings’ strategy of shrinking the rotation to focus on key players paid off. This approach allowed them to maintain energy and intensity throughout the game, ultimately leading to a well-deserved victory.
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 Mike Brown’s rotation strategy and its impact on the game
- The role of De’Aaron Fox in leading the team’s comeback
- Insights into the Kings’ defensive adjustments against the Rockets
- Discussion on the importance of maintaining momentum in upcoming games
- A look at the Kings’ upcoming schedule and key matchups to watch
Christmas lights are springing up, you can’t go anywhere without hearing Mariah Carey, and football players are making snow angels in the end zone. That means, somehow, the first quarter of the 2024-25 NBA season has come and gone. Let’s hand out some hardware!
Note: these aren’t forward-looking projections for the year-end choices. These are merit-based awards for the first 20-ish games that every team has played so far.
Eastern Conference MVP: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
There isn’t a single superstar in the game as well-rounded as Tatum. His headline ability, scoring, is understated and mathematically elegant. He’s averaging 28.4 points per game by taking advantage of the most valuable areas on the floor: he’s finishing at career-best levels (74% shooting at the rim, the same number as Giannis and a smidge above Anthony Davis), launching a monstrous 10.6 three-pointers per game, and earning the second-most free throws of his NBA life.
But all the high-wattage guys can score. It’s everything else that sets Tatum apart. He’s become an elite positional passer, as we saw in last year’s NBA Finals; he eats defensive rebounds with startling voracity; he’s a mean-as-hell pick-setter:
While star forwards around the league complain about having to guard centers, Tatum is quietly defending bigs more often than ever before (20% of the time, to be exact).
His one surface-level deficiency, offensive rebounding, has more to do with schematic choices than personal flaws.
With apologies to Giannis Antetokounmpo, doing his best to bring the Bucks back to relevance, Tatum is a no-brainer choice.
Western Conference MVP: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Jokic is currently third in scoring, second in rebounding, second in assists, eighth in steals (!), and second in three-point percentage. You already know who’s on top of every advanced metric leaderboard. The Nuggets post a 129.1 offensive rating with Jokic on the floor, miles ahead of the Knicks’ league-leading 123.7; they post a 96.4 offensive rating without him, a Mariana Trench-length beneath the Wizards’ anemic 103.8.
Frankly, I’ve been writing about the NBA for a while, and despite my pharaonic vocabulary (and access to online thesauri), I’ve run out of ways to describe why and how Jokic is the MVP. When we’re talking about the league’s most videogenic player, just listing stats feels wrong, but it’s also the best way to convey his overwhelming dominance.
Not even Tatum can reach the oxygen-deprived heights that Jokic routinely (and literally!) resides in. The Nugget is the MVP of the conference and the quarter, without question.
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
Must Read It was more than 1,000 days between games for Lonzo Ball. A look inside his grueling recovery and unprecedented return to the league. (ESPN)
Analysis Handing out early hardware for the 24-25 NBA season, including the rarely-seen “Unluckiest Team of the Quarter” award. (Basketball Poetry)
Replay The Sacramento Kings secured a 120-111 victory over the Houston Rockets, showcasing their dynamic offense. Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox led the charge, reminding fans of the team’s potential. (The Kings Herald)
Opponent After a loss to the Kings, Rockets coach Stephen Silas criticized the officiating, calling out the referees in a post-game tirade. Silas’ heated comments reflect his frustration. (Sports Illustrated)
Honor De’Aaron Fox is making a strong case for an All-NBA selection this season. His impressive stats and leadership are drawing league-wide attention. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Kings will face off against the Grizzlies in a showdown at the FedExForum at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Replay: Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Fantasy Basketball: Key Takeaways from Tuesday’s Games
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) falls to the ground after rolling his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant’s Ankle Injury: What It Means for Fantasy Managers
Kevin Durant’s recent ankle injury is a significant concern for fantasy basketball managers. Durant, who has been a cornerstone for many fantasy teams, left the game after just 16 minutes, scoring 13 points with four rebounds. This re-aggravation of a previous injury could mean time on the sidelines, impacting his availability in the coming weeks. Fantasy managers should consider potential replacements or temporary fill-ins, such as Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neal, who might see increased roles in Durant’s absence. However, neither is a must-add in standard leagues, but they could provide short-term value in deeper formats.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: Player Performances
In the clash between the 76ers and Hornets, Paul George’s resurgence was a highlight. Despite playing 37 minutes, George’s performance—29 points, eight rebounds, and six three-pointers—showed signs of his former All-NBA self. However, with a back-to-back game on the horizon, his availability remains uncertain, making it crucial for fantasy managers to monitor his status closely.
Tyrese Maxey’s shooting struggles continued, but his ability to contribute in other areas, such as free throws and defense, keeps him relevant in fantasy lineups. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered a solid outing with 14 points and four three-pointers, making him a viable short-term option.
Charlotte Hornets’ Frontcourt Dynamics
The return of Mark Williams was a notable development, albeit with limited minutes. This situation presents a sell-high opportunity for Nick Richards, who posted an impressive 22 points and 14 rebounds. While there’s a chance Richards could outperform Williams, the Hornets’ long-term plans likely favour Williams, making Richards a potential trade candidate for savvy fantasy managers.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
Keegan Murray is the Key to Saving the Sacramento Kings Season Matt George takes you inside Kings practice, where players and coaches are being very intentional about staying together through the early season struggles. Matt breaks down how Keegan Murray is the Kings turning around their season.
The Most Deflating Loss of the Sacramento Kings Season So Far Matt George reacts to the Sacramento Kings loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where the Kings dominated in so many areas but still lost thanks to 23 made three-pointers by the Spurs.
Who’s to Blame for Another Sacramento Kings Disaster Loss? Matt George runs through the list of names to blame for the Sacramento Kings embarrassing 115-106 loss in Portland.
