[Game] Kings vs. Cavaliers, 11/09/2022 7pm Pacific 10pm Eastern
- Thread starter Tetsujin
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One thing I haven't had to question with this team through 10 is effort and hustle. Man, it's been refreshing, but Brown has these guys fully bought in. Even that Warriors game where we let them drop 89 in the 1H, they still found a way to come out and fight the 2nd half to at least make it somewhat interesting into the 4th quarter.
I honestly think that was step 1 to fix with this franchise. Far too often it felt like guys were coasting or you didn't see anyone really giving it 100% out there besides Richaun Holmes. That's drastically changed this season and we've seen it top to bottom where everyone is going hard and looking to make a spark play. It may not always work (Or a lot of the time, especially tonight in the paint), but they still come fire back on the offensive end.
I honestly think that was step 1 to fix with this franchise. Far too often it felt like guys were coasting or you didn't see anyone really giving it 100% out there besides Richaun Holmes. That's drastically changed this season and we've seen it top to bottom where everyone is going hard and looking to make a spark play. It may not always work (Or a lot of the time, especially tonight in the paint), but they still come fire back on the offensive end.
During the broadcast, someone mentioned that many players in this Cavs team are settling in for the long haul because they just signed new contracts. In a way, this Kings team is a little similar, guys we brought in like Monk, and Huerter are coming in on their fresh contracts, while the younger ones like Keegan and Davion are still playing out their rookie contracts, no one is eager to move on (Buddy), only the even-keeled Barnes is in the last year of his contract, which probably makes the Mike Brown buy-in much easier to follow.
Rely less on him being the secondary drive and dish guy and just let him get into the flow rather than trying to create the flow. There's been too much movement out of him this season. Once he gets settled then he'll start moving again. They really gave his looks last season to Murray early on. Tonight was the first time it looked like they can both find a middle ground and play the spacer role and grow from there.
This is the offensive balance that I’ve been waiting for. Kings can do some damage when both Barnes and Murray have good offensive games. Domas seems completely settled back into form. Fox consistent. Huerter consistent. Just need to be able to count on the forwards.
Monk was co-player of the game. Just a lot of high impact plays on both ends. Definetly 6th man of the year caliber talent. Probably could be a starter too if Barnes is more likely to struggle most nights. Also a good personality. Enjoying his post game interview.
Harrison is other player of the game. 20-9 is a great showing. If he can just give us a not too labored 12-16 points range a night with the occasional 20+ point burst then the Kings will be in very good shape. The Kings have been waiting on him.
Keegan returned to form. Shot the ball with confidence. Attacked the rim a few times with confidence though came up empty handed. Played defense with confidence. So perhaps Keegan has to get used to the road trips and grind and might show out more for home games for awhile.
Sabonis is playing great. No surprise the Kings were 0-4 when he played mediocre but 4-2 since he’s returned to form starting with the first Heat game.
Fox had a more quiet offensive game than I realized he was having until I looked at the box score and I thought something might’ve been wrong when he was still sitting near the 2 minute mark but he came in and made a big defensive play immediately.
Huerter had a big 4th. His cluster of points put the game on ice.
Mitchell played very well. Playing great defense in the 4th and made a couple nice baskets. Brown kept him in as long as he could to the point I was worried he was going to forget to put Fox back in. Bought Fox a lot of rest that paid off immediately.
Trey Lyles another strong game off the bench.
Metu also continues to earn some minutes. His streak of amazing +/- ends but he played well.
Kings match up very well with the Lakers. I expect them to win that game.
Monk was co-player of the game. Just a lot of high impact plays on both ends. Definetly 6th man of the year caliber talent. Probably could be a starter too if Barnes is more likely to struggle most nights. Also a good personality. Enjoying his post game interview.
Harrison is other player of the game. 20-9 is a great showing. If he can just give us a not too labored 12-16 points range a night with the occasional 20+ point burst then the Kings will be in very good shape. The Kings have been waiting on him.
Keegan returned to form. Shot the ball with confidence. Attacked the rim a few times with confidence though came up empty handed. Played defense with confidence. So perhaps Keegan has to get used to the road trips and grind and might show out more for home games for awhile.
Sabonis is playing great. No surprise the Kings were 0-4 when he played mediocre but 4-2 since he’s returned to form starting with the first Heat game.
Fox had a more quiet offensive game than I realized he was having until I looked at the box score and I thought something might’ve been wrong when he was still sitting near the 2 minute mark but he came in and made a big defensive play immediately.
Huerter had a big 4th. His cluster of points put the game on ice.
Mitchell played very well. Playing great defense in the 4th and made a couple nice baskets. Brown kept him in as long as he could to the point I was worried he was going to forget to put Fox back in. Bought Fox a lot of rest that paid off immediately.
Trey Lyles another strong game off the bench.
Metu also continues to earn some minutes. His streak of amazing +/- ends but he played well.
Kings match up very well with the Lakers. I expect them to win that game.
It was really nice to see a tight 9 man rotation. I really like Terrance Davis. I'm a big fan of Holmes. We have a lot of depth. But I am a big fan of picking 9 guys and letting them find defined roles and rotations. Giving TD 8 minutes doesn't help us if that takes Monk or Huerter out of a rhythm. We played 9 guys tonight and they all did their job. I don't mind benching Holmes and TD and using them only in case of injury, foul trouble, or need for a spark, if it means that the other 9 are going to get consistent run.
I like TD, but man he is a loose cannon. He can shoot you in or out of a game and his hot head has drawn a couple of technicals that really hurt us in a couple of games already.
Until TD can show consistency and a level head, I would keep giving more minutes to Monk and Mitchell. TD may need to get his minutes playing some backup small ball 3.
Until TD can show consistency and a level head, I would keep giving more minutes to Monk and Mitchell. TD may need to get his minutes playing some backup small ball 3.
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