Welcome to 2021, Kings fans! Congratulations on making it here, past a historically horrendous year AND all while remaining and feeling the woes of being a die-hard Kings fan. I think it's safe to say that there is truly nothing that could ever bring you down. Through it all, YOU. WILL. PREVAIL.
I hope everyone had a safe New Year's Eve and a survivable hangover through New Year's Day. After such a tough year, capped off by a such a tough Kings loss, I don't blame you if you spent the first day of this year wrapped up on the couch, sipping Gatorade, and popping Tylenol. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for me, my boyfriend got forced into a night shift at work on New Year's Eve. And since I am still just one baby step away from allowing myself to get hammered alone on a Thursday night, I just took my bleeding purple heart to bed and missed the ball drop. So, lucky for you, I've got a clear and sober mind to share more dumb and dramatic thoughts about our beloved Sacramento Kings.
Although we ended the year in a very on-brand way for 2020, the feeling was different from past losses. Yes, it was disappointing to lose after being very much in winning range for all 48 minutes, but the aftertaste of that loss just wasn't as sour. The Kings showed consistent energy and effort and have played as a more cohesive unit in all of their first five games. So far, the Kings have given everyone reason to take notice, but now they must continue to compete if they want us all to believe this is for real.
The Backdrop
The Sacramento Kings entered this game 3-2 and seeded at the 7th spot in the Western Conference.
The Houston Rockets entered this game 1-2 and seeded at the 13th spot in the Western Conference.
This afternoon's matchup is the second of a two-game series matchup in Houston. The Rockets were led to victory on Thursday night by James Harden and John Wall, who combined for 55 points on 44 attempts. While Wall was consistently attacking and scoring throughout the game, Harden had a slow start and ultimately put the dagger through our hearts in the 4th quarter, scoring 16 of his points and either scoring or assisting on every Rockets' point in the final four minutes. Wall built the coffin through three quarters and Harden hammered in the nails in the 4th. In an unexpected game-time decision, James Harden was included on the injury list with an ankle sprain. If the Kings can contain John Wall and prevent Eric Gordon and Christian Wood from filling Harden's void, they put themselves in a good position to win this afternoon.
The Kings will be heavily relying on Richaun Holmes' ability to control and dominate the inside game against the Rockets. Bagley is too weak and Whiteside is too slow, so Holmes will need to keep himself out of foul trouble and put up big numbers for the Kings to win today. Marvin will have to swallow some humble pie after Thursday's game and recognize his disadvantage in strength against the Rockets - instead of forcing weak moves to the basket that either get stripped or come up short, Marvin will need to adjust and find other ways to contribute for his team.
And because it's a new year, but we are still Sacramento Kings fans, it was reported last night that Tyrese Haliburton was evaluated and found to have a left wrist bone bruise and will be out until he can be re-evaluated back home next week. #NewYearSameHeartbreak. The basketball gods just couldn't help themselves. This will likely mean more minutes for Cory Joseph and Glenn Robinson III. A bone bruise doesn't sound too serious, but I will still burn some kind of Lakers item later as a sacrificial ritual to the basketball gods and make sure Tyrese comes back to us soon.
Quick Stats
Because numbers make things make sense.
Outcome: Kings lose, 94-102
Sacramento Kings: 94 PTS, 38.9% FG, 32.1% 3 PT, 11 AST, 14 TO
Houston Rockets: 102 PTS, 45.0% FG, 31.7% 3 PT, 15 AST, 13 TO
De'Aaron Fox (SAC): 23 PTS, 4 AST
John Wall (HOU): 28 PTS, 6 AST, 3 STL
Who cares about an Achilles injury? Certainly not Mr. John Wall. I could have easily pointed this out on Thursday night, but man, John Wall is a PROBLEM. De'Aaron is often clearly the fastest player on the floor, but Wall gives him some serious competition for that title with his quickness in transition and explosiveness in his attacks. After a long and steady battle with injury, dating back to 2015, I think it's safe to say that John Wall is all the way back. Even though De'Aaron had a steady performance, John won today's battle between the two point guards.
As expected, without James Harden, the Rockets were fueled by John Wall, Eric Gordon, and Christian Wood. The Kings failed to execute any defensive strategy to minimize the impact of these three, as they combined for 69 points. And on the offensive end, we saw a lot of what felt like old Kings basketball, heavy on isolations and light on chemistry and movement. This loss evens the Kings record to 3-3 and is starting to make me question if their strong start was just another sick joke.
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
Because all three are consistent parts of Kings basketball.
The Good:
Offensive Boards: The Kings stayed active on the offensive boards, securing 14 for the game. And, boy, did they need it. When their offense was turbulent and lacking any momentum, they managed to keep themselves in the game with their second chance points.
Bagley Recognizing Matchups: Marvin found a way to contribute more today, with 12 points and 9 rebounds. The main adjustment he made was in recognizing and taking advantage of opportune matchups. He still got stripped plenty of times in foolish attacks against Eric Gordon and PJ Tucker, but he showed more awareness and intention in his successful attacks against matchups with John Wall and Sterling Brown. Bagley will have to continue to build on this recognition until he is able to get stronger and more formidable as an inside force.
The Bad:
Bagley's Bunnies: These were those misses that make you scream on a Saturday afternoon in your living room. Too many times we saw Marvin Bagley given a rare free lane straight to the basket only to see him somehow bounce it off the rim. Especially in a game where his inside presence is limited, these free points are crucial in giving him confidence and momentum. As a young player, still establishing himself and his identity in the league, Bagley is vulnerable to these kinds of misses thwarting his confidence and development.
The Ugly:
Discordant Offense: Just five games in, and I had already become so used to the new offensive chemistry the Kings were showing, highlighted by Tyrese's spark and playmaking ability. But without Tyrese, and especially when Fox was getting wind, the Kings' offense was disjointed, discordant, and downright ugly. The Kings racked up only 11 assists, far fewer than the 25 assist average they maintained in their first five games. The cohesive chemistry on offense cannot be limited to and reliant on just six players. The Kings will need to find a way to bridge the gap as a team and develop a more seamless offense.
Royal Court Jester
Because someone is always actin' a fool.
Today's pick for Royal Court Jester is unique and fueled by a lot of old emotions. It is unique because today's Royal Court Jester goes to an opponent - Demarcus Cousins. I feel that it is acceptable to cross boundaries here and hand the cap to Cousins since he spent six years on the Sacramento Kings. Had I the time, knowledge, and seasoned dramatics to start this blog back then, Demarcus SURELY would have gotten a few Royal Court Jester titles. So I don't feel bad about this quirky pick and I trust that my two and half loyal readers will not judge me for it.
Demarcus has been seeing limited floor time since his return from injury, playing only 14 minutes on Thursday and 11 minutes today. While he's been able to showcase that he's still got some of the best skills at the center position, he's also made it very clear that he has not lost his heckling habit.
Almost every play that Demarcus is involved in ends with him mean mugging the refs and loudly verbalizing his discontent with either the call or the lack of one. This is a familiar scene for Kings fans and it evokes some long-lost feelings. As I watched Boogie throw his hands up and pout down the floor, I could feel the frustration and desire every Kings fan felt for six years. We felt frustrated to see Demarcus constantly complain and sour his favor with every ref in the league. And we felt such strong desire for him to just grow out of it and further his dominance as the best center in the league. So for seeing that he has still not been able to grow out of his worst habit, Demarcus is today's fool.
The King of Kings
Because at least one person does at least one good thing, usually.
Today the Sacramento Kings family mourns together, as former head coach, Paul Westphal, has passed away at the age of 70 years old. Coach Westphal led the Kings from 2010-2012. As Sacramento's team and fanbase were finally accepting their identity as a perpetual "rebuild" team, Coach Westphal led us all into the abyss with the utmost grace. Although he was ultimately let go, Coach Westphal maintained a calm and professional presence throughout his tenure, even when managing aggressive personalities such as Demarcus Cousins and draft disappointments such as Jimmer Fredette.
Anyone who has shared their experiences with Paul Westphal today has spoken of his kindness, compassion and humanity, all of which further complemented his successful career as a player, coach, and broadcaster. For his dedication to this beautiful game and to being the best kind of human, Coach Paul Westphal will always be remembered as a King of Kings.
Up Next
Monday, January 4th @ Golden State Warriors @ 7:00 P.M. (PT)
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