[Game] 26/82: Kings @ Pelicans 12 DEC 2024, 5pm PT/8pm ET

[Double-K]

CJ didn’t hit on the 120 percent from 3 like I predicted but he still roasted us.

I mean, they shot 47% tonight as a team, and 36% from 3.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Is there any way we could make CJ forgive us?

 

[iowamcnabb]

Trey Murphy had 16 points in the first quarter and finished with 21. Whatever they did there worked

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

it’s nothing the Pels did other than CJ.

I don't see why that makes a difference: Kings had the advantage in nearly every statistical category and still almost lost. It's something about those New Orleans jerseys that just seems to do something to whoever's wearing a Kings jersey.

 

[Elektrik]

On a personal note, visited NOLA for the first time ever in my 68 years this past summer. Seediest, sketch, dirtiest city I’ve ever been to. I know that it’s known for that but DAAAAMNNNN…..Cafe Dumond was awesome though

 

[The_Jamal]

Keegan now has 3 games with 3 made three pointers. Had 2 all of November

He's up to 37.9% from 3 on 4.8 3PA/game in Dec. Ideally want that volume at like... 8? But obviously finding a much better comfort level with the shot

 

[iowamcnabb]

Is there any way we could make CJ forgive us?

he likes wine, could we give him a vineyard deal under the Sabonis brand? He gets his own signature Malbec in exchange he agrees to settle down.

 

[SacTownKid]

This was a strange game for the Kings. They literally only won by the numbers because they got 10 more looks. TO's and O boards sealed the game. That and DeMar going nuts for that stretch along the lockdown defense that Fox, Keon, and Len combo played in the 3rd.

 

[iowamcnabb]

This was a strange game for the Kings. They literally only won by the numbers because they got 10 more looks. TO's and O boards sealed the game. That and DeMar going nuts for that stretch along the lockdown defense that Fox, Keon, and Len combo played in the 3rd.

Monk and the bench had a total of 14 points. That probably played a role in this one

 

[NewArena]

Light the Beam!!! Holy moly, i almost died checking the score right now and I’m literally backstage at my own performance LOL. Looks like Sabonis went crazy - I’m going to enjoy being at Monday’s game a lot more now.

 

[dude12]

Pelicans had a chance only because CJ made anything he threw up there. Other guys got locked up in second half. Take the W and get out of there

 

[NewArena]

9 assists for Monk and that’s looking to be the norm now. Putting him in the starting lineup is more perfect this season than i think it ever could have been in the past

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

The Pacific is once again the only division in the NBA with no teams below .500.

 

[NewArena]

It's not exactly a fair indicator of the Pels the Kings had trouble with but yes, so far DeRozan helped BIG TIME.

For sure. People acting as if their entire squad is out right now and that just isn’t the case lol this very same roster would have killed us just a few months ago

 

[iowamcnabb]

Who gets DPOG? No real stand out but Derozan did have 4 steals. Monk sealed it and had a big contest earlier too. Kev with 3 steals. Not sure

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Just like 2021 or whatever the year was when Swipa was averaging like 40 per game against NOP — different season, different result. So glad to not have to hear about NOP having our number and being a bad matchup anymore.

No excuses about who did or didn’t play or who is or isn’t on these teams any more.

The last couple of seasons we owned the LA LeBron’s and the San Antonio Spurs, yet they already got one from us this season (two for the Spurs). Every season is different.

Moving on, while it was closer than I expected, I’m very happy they managed to pull this one out. Back to .500 and time to take care of business on the home court and push this to at least an 8-game win streak. Who’s with me?

 

[iowamcnabb]

For sure. People acting as if their entire squad is out right now and that just isn’t the case lol this very same roster would have killed us just a few months ago

I was actually worried about that. All the kings radio talk today was how the Pels suck and have 5 wins. Most failed to mention 4 of their starters had recently returned. We wouldn’t have won if Zion was in but that’s beside the point

 

[iowamcnabb]

We don’t play again until Monday which is insane so it’s nice to have a win before “break”

 

[NewArena]

We were NOT doing this last season

https://twitter.com/statuses/1867412266465034479

 

[PorchSurfin]

Too bad the Kings lost the trade.

Don't open old wounds.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

For sure. People acting as if their entire squad is out right now and that just isn’t the case lol this very same roster would have killed us just a few months ago

I mean, they're missing two All-Stars, and a defender that gives the Kings fits. And there were still parts of this game where it felt like they were going to kill y'all. It was an important win for Sacramento, but it wasn't exactly confidence inspiring.

Now, if the Kings can play like this against Denver and still win, that'll be something to get hype about.

 

[NewArena]

We don’t play again until Monday which is insane so it’s nice to have a win before “break”

Absolutely. It really sucks when the sky is falling and you have 3 days to sit with it lol

 

[SacTownKid]

We were NOT doing this last season

https://twitter.com/statuses/1867412266465034479

And that's the area where DDR has helped the most. Those free throws are DHO 3's last season. And yeah, against this team likely heavily contested 3's as they were tonight.

 

[sactowndog]

9 assists for Monk and that’s looking to be the norm now. Putting him in the starting lineup is more perfect this season than i think it ever could have been in the past

Yeah I was adamant against Monk in the starting line-up and boy was I wrong.

I like Malik at point better than Fox. He just has a knack for getting people the ball where they want it. I like Fox at the two focused on scoring and defense. It makes for a very small back court but so far it has worked.

Next 3 games are big.

 

[NewArena]

I mean, they're missing two All-Stars, and a defender that gives the Kings fits. And there were still parts of this game where it felt like they were going to kill y'all. It was an important win for Sacramento, but it wasn't exactly confidence inspiring.

Now, if the Kings can play like this against Denver and still win, that'll be something to get hype about.

Oh for sure! Just saying, this team couldn’t focus or come together big enough to get it done last season no matter who was available for that roster. I’d say it’s still encouraging that they can pull this off without Fox shooting well. Sometimes you need luck in these super long seasons

 

[SacTownKid]

I mean, they're missing two All-Stars, and a defender that gives the Kings fits. And there were still parts of this game where it felt like they were going to kill y'all. It was an important win for Sacramento, but it wasn't exactly confidence inspiring.

Now, if the Kings can play like this against Denver and still win, that'll be something to get hype about.

Yeah, the near meltdown at the end takes some of the thrill away. The pressure of a losing streak is at least over on paper so that's good.

 

[NewArena]

https://twitter.com/statuses/1867411960759038194

 

[sactowndog]

For sure. People acting as if their entire squad is out right now and that just isn’t the case lol this very same roster would have killed us just a few months ago

Yes and no. Not having Val killed them. Roster balances make a difference. New Orleans has a roster balance issue.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Oh for sure! Just saying, this team couldn’t focus or come together big enough to get it done last season no matter who was available for that roster. I’d say it’s still encouraging that they can pull this off without Fox shooting well. Sometimes you need luck in these super long seasons

Indeed. Like the Honky Tonk Man, sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

 

[iowamcnabb]

I mean, they're missing two All-Stars, and a defender that gives the Kings fits. And there were still parts of this game where it felt like they were going to kill y'all. It was an important win for Sacramento, but it wasn't exactly confidence inspiring.

Now, if the Kings can play like this against Denver and still win, that'll be something to get hype about.

and the reality is that’s part of the equation for the Pels and anyone that plays them. They are ALWAYS missing those guys. Zion, BI, Jose and McCollum are hurt for long stretches every year.

They can’t bail on Zion because he is their only hope for a chip. BI wants Giannis money but is worth Derozan level. They are in a tough spot, I just hope they figure it out enough for them to finish outside of the top 5 in the draft. Don’t need them landing another big time talent.