I honestly didn't know if I'd make it back to this blog after Friday's game, but here I am. After a typical Kings-esque loss to the Spurs to open the bubble season, I am giving these knuckleheads another chance to redeem themselves and my weekend. With only seven games remaining to earn a chance at the playoffs, every game moving forward feels like a must-win for the Kings.
The Backdrop
The Kings entered this game 0-1 in the bubble, 28-37 overall, and seeded at the 12th spot in the Western Conference.
The Magic entered this game 1-0 in the bubble, 31-35 overall, and seeded at the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference.
While the 7th & 8th seeds are still up for grabs in both conferences, the battle in the West is much tighter. The Magic are likely to grab one of the last spots in the East with just a few wins, but the Kings are in desperate need of any wins they can get.
The last time these two teams met was January 13, 2020 at the good ol' Golden 1 Center. And like the recently cancelled Grant Napear used to say, it was quite a dandy. The game came down to final possessions, with Nemanja Bjelica and De'Aaron Fox hitting big time shots to give the Kings a 1-point lead with 15 seconds left. But, of course, the basketball gods looked down upon us and for the 1,736th time said, "these Kings fans haven't suffered enough yet," and gave Aaron Gordon the power to bury our hopes and dreams yet again. The Kings lost 114-112.
For the Kings to earn this desperately needed win, De'Aaron Fox will need to have another great performance and someone, anyone, it could even be you, Buddy Hield, will need to help carry the load.
Quick Stats
Because numbers make things make sense.
Outcome: Kings lose, 116-132
Sacramento Kings: 116 PTS, 49.5% FG, 28.6% 3PT, 30 AST, 14 TO
Orlando Magic: 132 PTS, 52.4% FG, 47.4% 3PT, 31 AST, 17 TO
Harry Giles III (SAC): 23 PTS, 8 REB
With this embarrassing loss, it might be best for everyone if the Kings just packed their bags and went home. If this is how they are going to perform over the next six games, they become classified as an unnecessary risk by remaining in the bubble.
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
Because all three are consistent parts of Kings basketball.
The Good:
It's Over: The only good thing about today is that a basketball game is only 48 minutes long. Had this game continued any further, the Magic were likely to score 200 points and I would be blind from clawing my eyes out.
The Bad:
Disgraceful Defense: I will give credit to the Magic on their shooting performance - Orlando shot an overall 52% from the field and nearly 50% from the 3-point line. But they didn't have to work very hard to get open looks. All it takes is one on-ball screen and the Kings' defense completely breaks down. Whether it's a miscommunication on a switch or overcompensating on the help side, the Magic easily capitalized on these mistakes and the Kings looked like they've never worked on how to defend a pick and roll.
Turnovers: Especially in the first half, the Kings committed turnovers that not only depleted their chances to score, but gave the Magic the momentum to score off of their mistakes. Sloppy passes, attacking gaps that weren't there, and mid-air passes that got picked off were all converted into fast break points for the Magic.
The Ugly:
First Quarter, AGAIN: Wow, I'm almost speechless. I didn't think the Kings could give up more than the 43 points they let the Spurs dump of them in the first 12 minutes of Friday's game. But, guess what? I am an idiot. Because as the final seconds ticked away to conclude the first quarter, Markelle Fultz, who entered the league barely able to make a free throw, OF COURSE drained a 3/4 court heave to give the Magic a 44-point quarter. OF COURSE.
Royal Court Jester
Because there's always someone actin' a fool.
It pains me to delegate this title to the one who made us all so proud at All-Star Weekend by bringing home the 3-point champion crown, but Buddy Hield is today's Royal Court Jester. Although he found some rhythm and success as the game went on, his start and overall performance has still been disappointing. We should have known how this game was going to go when Buddy's first shot got stuck in the corner of the rim, or as Gary Gerould explained in his sweet old grandpa voice, "we got a wedgie."
What's more frustrating than Buddy just being in a slump is watching him try to dig his way out of it by excessively dribbling and forcing shots up. It's not just frustrating, it's foolish - hence the reason Buddy is today's jester.
The King of Kings
Because at least one person does at least one good thing, usually.
The pickings for this one were slimmer than slim, but I will give some praise to Harry Giles III. Even when the Kings were down by more than 30 points, Harry led the bench squad in bringing consistent energy. With his energy, he contributed a career-high 23 points in 20 minutes. I respect anyone who knows how to humbly compete no matter what.
Up Next
Tuesday, August 4th vs. Dallas Mavericks @ 11:30 A.M. (PT)
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