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’ Win Streak Snapped: Lessons from Milwaukee Loss
The Sacramento Kings’ impressive seven-game win streak came to an end against the Milwaukee Bucks, but this loss shouldn’t overshadow the team’s recent progress. As we reflect on the game, it’s clear that the Bucks came prepared, recognizing the Kings’ recent success and determined to prevent them from establishing their rhythm.
The absence of Malik Monk due to right groin soreness undoubtedly impacted the Kings’ performance. However, it’s important to note that his absence alone doesn’t account for the 47 points conceded in the first quarter. This game served as a wake-up call, highlighting areas where the Kings still need improvement, particularly in containing opponents early in games.
Despite falling behind by 28 points early in the second quarter, the Kings showed resilience, narrowing the gap to 16 points before halftime. They continued to fight back, reducing the deficit to 11 points midway through the fourth quarter. However, the combined efforts of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard proved too much for Sacramento to overcome.
This loss exposed the Kings’ ongoing struggles against teams with size, length, and physicality. The team’s limited options for defending against players like Giannis resulted in foul trouble for key players like Domantas Sabonis. While it’s unrealistic to expect any team to completely neutralize a player of Giannis’ caliber, this game highlighted a clear area for improvement in the Kings’ roster.
Looking ahead, it’s crucial to view this loss in the context of an otherwise successful road trip. The Kings managed to climb back to .500, an achievement that shouldn’t be overlooked. As they return home for a three-game stand, there’s an opportunity to build on this progress and create a buffer before a challenging stretch of away games.
The upcoming matchup against the Houston Rockets will be a test of the team’s ability to bounce back under Doug Christie’s leadership. How the Kings respond to this adversity will be telling of their growth and resilience.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Kings’ performance and future prospects, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
• Doug Christie’s positive messaging approach and its impact on the team
• The need for roster improvements to address size and physicality issues
• Domantas Sabonis’ All-Star candidacy and improved performance this season
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
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
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
Analysis Jerry Reynolds provides an insightful review of Doug Christie’s tenure with the Sacramento Kings. Reynolds discusses Christie’s coaching philosophy, team dynamics, and the broader impact on the Kings’ performance. (The Kings Herald)
Opponent The Milwaukee Bucks ended the Sacramento Kings’ winning streak. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance was pivotal in the Bucks’ strategic gameplay, showcasing the challenges the Kings faced against elite competition. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis The matchup between De’Aaron Fox and Damian Lillard was a focal point in the Kings’ game against the Bucks. The analysis delves into their head-to-head performance and its implications on the game’s outcome. (Sports Illustrated)
Trade The lifting of trade restrictions on players like Tyrese Maxey and OG Anunoby could impact the market, with potential implications for the Sacramento Kings considering future trade opportunities. (Bleacher Report)
Trade Analyzing who is truly untouchable in the NBA, the report suggests the Sacramento Kings might reassess their roster strategy ahead of the trade deadline, focusing on key players’ value. (Bleacher Report)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
Making Sense of This Sacramento Kings Season with Morgan Ragan Matt George is joined by Sacramento Kings television host/analyst & co-host of the Deuce & Mo Podcast Morgan Ragan to discuss the ups and downs of this Kings season, the incoming trade deadline, and how postseason expectations have/haven’t changed.
The Sacramento Kings are Exploring Trading De’Aaron Fox Matt George reacts to the breaking news that the Sacramento Kings have had trade conversations involving De’Aaron Fox and that Fox has a preferred destination in mind.
De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis Silence the Critics in Brooklyn Matt George discusses De’Aaron Fox’s bounce-back performance after facing heavy criticism, and another monster triple double for Domantas Sabonis, who continues to be disrespected around the NBA.
