Four games in and the Sacramento Kings have yet to put together a complete game and as a result the Sacramento Kings are still winless. Seven Memphis Grizzlies finished in double digits, led by Desmond Bane's 31 points, and the Kings fell 125 to 110.
Sacramento got off to a great start. Their new starting lineup featuring Keegan Murray was playing well on both ends of the court and got out to a 23-13 lead with 4:58 to go. However it got a little messier for Sacramento as both teams went to their bench. By the time the quarter was over, the Kings found themselves down by four and would never lead again.
Defense was supposed to be the team's calling card this season but for the third time in four games, the Kings allowed their opponent to shoot over 50% from the field and 40% from three. While the effort seems to be there, the execution is sorely lacking for the most part. Memphis seemingly got whatever they wanted on offense, either in the paint where Sacramento's lack of a rim protector has never seemed more glaring, or wide open from beyond the arc when a switch gets miscommunicated. To make matters worse, you have guys like Desmond Bane going 6-8 from three even when he was guarded closely. Sacramento's lack of defense meant that every time they made a run or had a cool highlight like the back-to-back Kentucky connection, the Grizzlies were able to reset and reestablish their lead. They kept the Kings at arms length for the rest of the game.
Sacramento's depth is also looking a lot shallower than it was in the preseason. The Kings bench had just 5 points at halftime and if you take away Malik Monk's 15 points (who played much of the second half with the starting unit as Kevin Huerter dealt with a shoulder injury sustained in the end of the first half), they scored just 12 points compared to 35 for Memphis.
De'Aaron Fox had yet another good game overall, leading the team with 27 points, but he can't do everything himself. The team needs more offense from Domantas Sabonis. Yes, he had a near triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists, but he took just 6 shots the entire game. That's too few for your second best player. Still, Sabonis finished the game at a team-high +7 in 31 minutes. So much of the gameplan seems to revolve around his passing and setting up things that it's tough when the team doesn't really have anyone else that can replicate that.
Yes, the Kings have played probably the toughest schedule in the league so far. Yes, the officiating has felt very one sided at times during these games. But at some point the Kings have to stop making excuses and go out and win ballgames. Playoff teams can win these games. Playoff teams don't let double-digit leads evaporate in two minutes.
Right now the Kings aren't playing like a playoff team, and the schedule won't do them any favors as they try to figure things out. Next up is a very good, veteran Miami Heat team that comes into town on Saturday night.
Tonight’s Operation: M.C.N.A.I.R. donation of $10 goes to The Child Abuse Prevention Center (@CAP_Center)!
If you’re donating tonight, please feel free to post yours below!
Link: https://t.co/IDMD3dgS3m#SacramentoProud #OperationMCNAIR
— Will Griffith (@WillofThaPeople) October 28, 2022
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