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.
Kings Triumph in Thrilling Showdown Against Rockets: A Glimpse of Playoff Intensity
The Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets treated fans to a spectacular display of basketball at the Golden 1 Center, leaving spectators yearning for a potential playoff series between these two teams. The Kings emerged victorious with a 132-127 win, showcasing their resilience and clutch performance in a game that felt like a postseason battle.
DeMar DeRozan shone brightest when it mattered most, delivering a stellar fourth-quarter performance with 16 points. His ability to take over in crucial moments proved invaluable, as he finished the night with 33 points on efficient shooting. DeRozan’s seamless integration into the Kings’ offense was evident, as he balanced his scoring prowess with playmaking, dishing out four assists.
While De’Aaron Fox may not have had his most prolific scoring night, his impact on the game was undeniable. Fox’s defensive efforts were particularly noteworthy, as he recorded four steals and a block. His willingness to defer to the hot hand in DeRozan during crunch time exemplifies the evolving dynamic between the two stars.
Keegan Murray’s breakout performance was a sight for sore eyes for Kings fans. The sophomore forward showcased his offensive versatility with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including three triples. Murray’s highlight-reel play in transition, featuring a behind-the-back dribble and acrobatic finish through contact, ignited the crowd and hinted at his untapped potential.
The Kings’ collective effort on the defensive end was crucial in securing the win. The team recorded five steals, with four coming in the decisive fourth quarter. This defensive intensity, coupled with perfect free-throw shooting in the final period, allowed Sacramento to withstand Houston’s late surge.
Doug Christie’s Impact
Head coach Doug Christie’s influence on the team’s performance cannot be overstated. His emphasis on instilling confidence in players like Murray has begun to bear fruit. Christie’s approach to empowering his shooters and encouraging aggressive play has breathed new life into the Kings’ offense.
The electric atmosphere at the Golden 1 Center played a significant role in the Kings’ victory. The crowd’s energy rivaled that of the legendary Arco Thunder days, providing a formidable home-court advantage that the team will need to capitalize on in their upcoming homestand.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Kings’ thrilling victory over the Rockets, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
• Keon Ellis’ ankle injury and potential impact on rotation
• Comparison of Rockets’ demeanor to previous matchup
• Upcoming schedule and importance of protecting home court
Jan 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Something I realized last night at the Warriors-Raptors game, perhaps more pressingly than the last time the team was in town a season ago — this thing isn’t going to last forever.
You wouldn’t get that impression from Steph Curry, who takes his pre-game warmup last and happily engages with the fans who show up an hour before tip-off to watch him. Curry’s off-court presence, compared to his superstar contemporaries, has always been demure and private, but watching him revel and work within that outsized adoration is a privilege in itself. No fan in attendance watching him take feathery lob after feathery lob, or take a volleyball spike to the basketball so he could meet it mid-air for a dunk, was thinking about the finite nature of Curry — performer or competitor.
Even if the underlying desire of proximity to greatness stems from the understanding that one day that greatness will no longer exist, that reality doesn’t translate in the moment. In the moment, there’s just Curry, laughing with his coaches, signing the backs of jerseys, going through footwork, prepping for the night’s game.
Where the impression of a dynasty in its final stages becomes more pronounced is through the words of Warriors coach, Steve Kerr. Asked about how difficult it is to maintain a dynasty, and Kerr reverted to Curry.
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.
Watch The Sacramento Kings outlasted the Houston Rockets in a thrilling game broadcast on national TV. Relive the exciting moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. (Sports Illustrated)
Injury A key player is ruled out during the Kings’ game against the Rockets, impacting their strategy and performance. Get the latest updates on the situation. (Sports Illustrated)
Ranking The NBA power rankings highlight a statement week for the Oklahoma City Thunder. See where the Sacramento Kings stand in the latest rankings and their performance metrics. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined and Return Timelines For Fantasy Basketball
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, injuries continue to play a significant role in shaping team dynamics and fantasy basketball strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful injuries across the league and their potential implications.
The Utah Jazz are once again at the forefront of injury-related drama. Lauri Markkanen’s back spasms and John Collins’ hip issue have raised eyebrows, with many speculating about potential load management strategies. Keyonte George’s heel soreness has kept him out for five consecutive games, while Jordan Clarkson’s plantar fascia injury could potentially end his season. The Jazz’s injury situation is one to monitor closely, as it could lead to increased opportunities for players like Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s knee injury has kept him out for four consecutive games. This absence highlights the risks associated with drafting Embiid in the first round of fantasy drafts. With a busy schedule ahead, including back-to-back sets, Embiid’s playing time could be limited even upon his return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into NBA injuries and their fantasy implications, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Portland Trail Blazers injury updates
• Phoenix Suns roster changes and injury concerns
• Orlando Magic’s lengthy injury report and fantasy implications
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
The New-Era Sacramento Kings Earn their First Win Matt George reacts to the Sacramento Kings ending their long six game road trip with a victory in their first outing since the De’Aaron Fox trade.
The Sacramento Kings Trade De’Aaron Fox for Zach LaVine & (Bad) Draft Picks Matt George walks you through all the details of the three team trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio and Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings.
The Sacramento Kings Are Just Depressing Now Matt George reacts to the least surprising blowout loss for the Sacramento Kings this season in Oklahoma City.
