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 Shut Down Steph Curry, Secure Victory Against Warriors
The Sacramento Kings pulled off an impressive 123-117 win against the Golden State Warriors at the Golden 1 Center, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive resilience. Despite a sluggish start, the Kings managed to turn the game around in the second half, largely due to their ability to contain Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.
Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, was held to just two points in the second half, shooting a mere 1-of-5 from the field. This defensive masterclass was primarily orchestrated by the tandem of Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis, who took turns guarding the Warriors’ sharpshooter. Their length, agility, and relentless pressure forced Curry into a facilitator role, limiting his scoring opportunities and disrupting the Warriors’ offensive flow.
The first half was a different story, with the Kings struggling to find their rhythm. We were down by 17 points at halftime, reminiscent of our early-season woes. Our defense was lackadaisical, allowing the Warriors to shoot 53% from beyond the arc. Offensively, we couldn’t buy a bucket, shooting a dismal 39% from the field.
However, the second half saw a complete turnaround. Our defensive intensity skyrocketed, forcing 12 Warrior turnovers and converting them into 21 points. We dominated in transition, outscoring the Warriors 28-0 in fast break points for the game. This renewed energy translated to our offense as well, with the team shooting 60% from the field in the second half.
DeMar DeRozan’s Perfect Third Quarter
DeMar DeRozan’s third-quarter performance was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 19 points on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting from the field, including a deep three-pointer. This offensive explosion was crucial in erasing the Warriors’ lead and setting the stage for our comeback victory.
DeRozan’s ability to take over when the team is struggling offensively is precisely why we acquired him. His mid-range game and clutch scoring provide a reliable option when our transition offense is stifled, solving a problem that plagued us in previous seasons.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Kings’ victory over the Warriors, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Listen, it might not happen. LaMelo Ball currently leads the Eastern backcourt by a billion fan votes, giving him a substantial leg up in the race to be an All-Star starter. But that’s only half the accounting. He’ll have to do better than last year’s seventh-place voting among both media and players to snag himself a spot as a starter, or else his selection falls to the mercy of coaches who have historically valued winning.
But Ball undoubtedly is better than he was last year, or the year before, or even the year before that, when he did make the All-Star game as a reserve in just his second season. Health is a major reason; Ball played just 58 games in those two non-All-Star seasons, and he’s played half that many this year alone.
Is better enough? The progression isn’t linear; Ball has skipped into a whole new chart entirely, leaving behind the constraints of a two-dimensional line graph for a multi-dimensional view. That can confuse people, and confusion breeds distrust. He inspires a special dislike in people who consider themselves real basketball fans. They take the game Seriously and expect Ball to do the same.
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 Mike Shearer of Basketball Poetry takes a look at who actually deserves to be in the 24-man All-Star game based on their season to this point.
Preview The Kings face off against the Warriors, looking to capitalize on Golden State’s current struggles. Sacramento aims to solidify their position with a strong performance. Read the detailed preview for insights into the matchup.
Analysis Sacramento’s star power was on full display in their recent victory over the Warriors. Key players stepped up, showcasing the team’s depth and talent. Analyze their performance in the detailed report. (Sports Illustrated)
Rumor A new report suggests potential trade discussions between the Kings and the Nets. This could be a significant move for both teams. Explore the trade rumor for more details. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Midseason grades are in for every NBA team, with the Kings receiving detailed evaluations. This report card examines their performance and areas for improvement. Check out the Kings’ grade in the full analysis. (Bleacher Report)
Honor Two Kings players have been selected as starters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, highlighting their outstanding performances this season. Celebrate their achievement with detailed coverage. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Kings battle the Nuggets in Denver at 9:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Fantasy Basketball Thursday Preview: Injury Updates, Streaming Options, and Key Matchups
Jan 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after greeting court-side friends following the victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol/Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The NBA slate for Thursday features nine games, including an early start in Paris between the Spurs and Pacers. As we look ahead to the action, there are several key injury updates and streaming options to consider.
In the Spurs-Pacers matchup, Jeremy Sochan is the only player currently on the injury report, with indications he may return. For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith’s recent return impacts the minutes distribution for players like Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell. Keep an eye on Stephon Castle as a potential streaming option for the Spurs.
The Blazers-Magic game has a lengthy injury list. For Portland, Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons are questionable, while Matisse Thybulle is out. On the Magic side, Jalen Suggs is out, Goga Bitadze is doubtful, and Franz Wagner is questionable to return. This game presents numerous streaming opportunities, with Robert Williams and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as intriguing options.
Jimmy Butler Suspended
In an unsurprising turn of events, Jimmy Butler has been suspended for two games for missing a team flight. This situation continues to be frustrating for the Miami Heat and fantasy managers alike. With Butler out, look for increased opportunities for players like Caleb Martin and Nikola Jović.
Injury Updates and Streaming Options
As we approach Thursday’s games, it’s crucial to stay updated on injury reports and be prepared for early lineup locks, especially with the Paris game starting at 2 PM Eastern.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Thursday’s NBA action, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
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.
