[Game] Kings @ Grizzlies 1/1/2023 5pm Pacific 8pm Eastern

[SacTownKid]

U mean a legit 3rd option.

More like a 2nd in the sense that you can clear out for them. Sabonis is playing PG more than anything right now. He's also someone that doesn't take bad shots period. When he has the ball he looks for others, not to ram it down the other teams throat. That's why his efficiency has always been so high. Monk a lot of nights has really been taking the role of 2nd option and creating offense for himself or others which is also why you see such wild swings from the bench. Domas has always been that 15-18 per game guy. Heck, he's only taking 10 shots a game this season although he's turned it up lately. Per 48 Monk is taking 23 shots a game, Domas is taking like 15, less than Keegan Murray.

 

[KF8]

Welps on to the next game. If we can go 1-1 on this 2 game road trip it'll still be considered a success. Rather have the win for our upcoming game vs Utah since they are more closely aligned with us in the playoff race.

 

[Fantazija]

Ja Morant sure has developed into an unlikeable diva. He’s really, really good. But nowhere near as good as HE thinks he is.

Now being a highly marketable face of the league, he’s getting so many bogus calls due to name recognition. Much of the time he just runs full speed into the lane initiating contact amongst the trees and gets bailed out.

Then there are plays like the loose ball Davion had the inside track on but after both players collide it‘s Davion that gets called for the foul since he isn’t the BIG name. He had the same right to the ball Ja Morant did.

It’s getting maddening to watch.

Then there‘s the NBA allowing Steven Adams to hack anybody and everybody in going after rebounds and knocking the ball around for teammates to get. That dude should foul out of every game he plays.

Memphis is like San Antonio from the 2000’s, They’re allowed to play over-physical defense because the league doesn’t want to foul half the team out of the game each night. It complete BS.

I was wondering how awesome it would be if Domas would be allowed to get away with all the stuff Adams gets away with

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Ja Morant sure has developed into an unlikeable diva. He’s really, really good. But nowhere near as good as HE thinks he is.

Yeah he's not as maddening as Harden because at least he is driving but it's ridiculous how out of control he can be and still get the call. I guess moreso because we've seen Fox hacked up for so long without getting some really blatant hacks called his way. And Fox doesn't jabber at refs, he's actually really humble for a guy with his ability.

 

[SacTownKid]

Murray could be that guy but he won't be that guy for 2-3 years. It will be interesting what happens if we somehow bring Sasha over and re-sign Barnes.

True but IMO he won't be without the post game. That was a huge part of why he is probably the best shot the team has to be that guy when he was drafted. If Monte is truly Monte, I have no doubt he'll be looking to put the finishing touches on at the deadline. The question is whether or not he has the assets. Maybe on draft night he can attach that 1st with Holmes and clear some cap? That could change some things drastically. This team could be a legit option in FA for someone of value.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

he wasn’t great but I think they should stick with Holmes. Maybe if he’s actually given some time and enough reps he might find a rhythm with Monk and Davion on a pick n roll. Right now a lot of passes to him that get broken up just seem like bad chemistry.

I still wonder if Alex Len would provide more, if given all the backup 5 floor time. I thought he looked solid in his limited chance against Denver

 

[reptilexcq2]

The Kings lost the game when De'Aaron Fox keep lobbing the ball to Holmes and turnover the ball shifting the momentum of the game (i can count them at least 3 times). As soon as Sabonis sit and he came in...he started to turnover the ball multiple times. Being leader of the team, he needs to understand that and realize Holmes bread and butter play is the pick n roll and push shot, NOT alley-oop. Anyway, I thought Fox didn't play a great game...and for the Kings to have any chance of winning...he needs to play great...that mean stop turning over the ball as well....and it's not like those are forced turnovers...it can be avoided...just don't throw into tight coverage.

Also, why didn't Mike Brown hack a Steven Adams? Maybe it helps?

 

[jiimbob]

Hopefully Monte is starting to see what he's got. This team when faced with playoff basketball type games tends to rely far too heavily on the system 3's they generate. IMO, the best fix is to go get someone that can be a legit 2nd option type. Julius Randle may have unfortunately played up beyond being a possibility at this point but someone like that would take this team up beyond where they are in so many ways.

Never been a fan of Randle, but agree with you.
Sometimes one of our guys, usually a guard steps up and has a big game but from what I’m seeing its not consistant enough.
I’d be a lot more confident going into the playoffs with a legit 2nd option.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

True but IMO he won't be without the post game. That was a huge part of why he is probably the best shot the team has to be that guy when he was drafted. If Monte is truly Monte, I have no doubt he'll be looking to put the finishing touches on at the deadline. The question is whether or not he has the assets. Maybe on draft night he can attach that 1st with Holmes and clear some cap? That could change some things drastically. This team could be a legit option in FA for someone of value.

No I'm with you, if he can be a reliable inside-outside threat he is exactly what we need. Especially when the team can't shoot it's way out of a paper bag.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Yeah he's not as maddening as Harden because at least he is driving but it's ridiculous how out of control he can be and still get the call. I guess moreso because we've seen Fox hacked up for so long without getting some really blatant hacks called his way. And Fox doesn't jabber at refs, he's actually really humble for a guy with his ability.

Yep, the fact that Swipa gets just as much contact, if not more, yet doesn’t get half the same calls is what really irks me.

I mean, don’t get me wrong — I recognize how supremely talented Ja is. I was one that predicted he was going to be the best player from his draft while most were singing the praises of Zion.

But Swipa is also equally talented yet isn‘t permitted to do the same things or get the same treatment from the officials.

When I first started getting into basketball and learning the game, I remember G-Man talking about how superstars got calls that others didn’t. I remember asking my dad why that was. I didn’t get it then and still don’t.

I mean, if these guys are SO freaking good — they shouldn’t need those calls. Because they’re better than the rest. If anything, it’s the mediocre and scrubs that need the benefit of the doubt. To balance things out.

But when you give these calls to players that are always better than the rest — there’s no chance to win!

And then there’s cases like Ja and Fox and Domas and Joker. Much of what separates the players are the calls they get from the officials on a consistent basis.

It just shouldn’t be that way.

 

[iowamcnabb]

True but IMO he won't be without the post game. That was a huge part of why he is probably the best shot the team has to be that guy when he was drafted. If Monte is truly Monte, I have no doubt he'll be looking to put the finishing touches on at the deadline. The question is whether or not he has the assets. Maybe on draft night he can attach that 1st with Holmes and clear some cap? That could change some things drastically. This team could be a legit option in FA for someone of value.

who would you target in free agency if we have 25 or so mil to work with?

 

[SacTownKid]

who would you target in free agency if we have 25 or so mil to work with?

I'm not sure at this point. I'm not a huge fan of the class, I think the better bet would be maybe a non straight line approach and look for a trade, or to clear cap for another team with that space. Right now the player I was peeved Monte didn't hold the Pistons over a barrel for at the draft Jerami Grant might be an option. Of course that would probably mean we better hope Dame and the Blazers start tanking big time. Also, I'm not sold on him being that guy either but he'd work. Maybe you take a stab at Harden? That's a huge gamble obviously and he's probably taking as much dough as he can this time plus he's James Harden, lol, and not super long term.

The usual suspects of LaVine/Beal could be out there for trade if they want to shoot high but probably don't have the assets at this point. Just move Huerter more to the 3 and have a really deep bench.

 

[KF8]

Yep, the fact that Swipa gets just as much contact, if not more, yet doesn’t get half the same calls is what really irks me.

I mean, don’t get me wrong — I recognize how supremely talented Ja is. I was one that predicted he was going to be the best player from his draft while most were singing the praises of Zion.

But Swipa is also equally talented yet isn‘t permitted to do the same things or get the same treatment from the officials.

When I first started getting into basketball and learning the game, I remember G-Man talking about how superstars got calls that others didn’t. I remember asking my dad why that was. I didn’t get it then and still don’t.

I mean, if these guys are SO freaking good — they shouldn’t need those calls. Because they’re better than the rest. If anything, it’s the mediocre and scrubs that need the benefit of the doubt. To balance things out.

But when you give these calls to players that are always better than the rest — there’s no chance to win!

And then there’s cases like Ja and Fox and Domas and Joker. Much of what separates the players are the calls they get from the officials on a consistent basis.

It just shouldn’t be that way.

I feel like Ja is more aggressive when he attacks the rim and he also does it with more frequency... at least for this game that's what it was. Not sure what their overall stats are regarding attacking the rim, but for this particular game it was pretty clear to see if u look at the shot chart.

 

[iowamcnabb]

Alright I’ve cooled off a bit. Just one of those sloppy games. I’ll give Memphis credit for solid defense but we just couldn’t hit shots. Sabonis isn’t going to outmuscle aquaman with a bum hand. We didnt move the ball well. Wild high risk plays. 2 near 5 minute scoring droughts. I will call our coaching for that. A coach has to dial something up when a team is rudderless for that long. I will cut Brown a bit of slack for that considering that prob hasn’t happened all season. Also, I don’t recall if I mentioned this but I hate the Memphis Floppies.

 

[Woot!]

And Fox doesn't jabber at refs, he's actually really humble for a guy with his ability.

Fox jabbers all the time. And stops playing - or runs back slowly - all the time when he thinks he didn't get a call he deserves.

I wish he'd stop doing that.

I'm not a Michael Jordan fan. At all. But I respected the fact that Jordan saved his barking at the refs for stoppages in play. If the play was ongoing he hustled his A$$ back defensively first, complained second. Fox needs to Be Like Mike - at least in that respect.

 

[TaxMan]

I feel like Ja is more aggressive when he attacks the rim and he also does it with more frequency... at least for this game that's what it was. Not sure what their overall stats are regarding attacking the rim, but for this particular game it was pretty clear to see if u look at the shot chart.

Ja is at another level athletically than Fox….or probably 99% of the league. When he came into the league he seemed like a good kid and was super exciting to watch. Now seems like a diva and likely will be the ultimate villain in the playoffs. A lot of the time he is just super corny in his celebrations, dancing around, etc. Different, but similar to the arrogance that Curry displays. Both are certainly superstars and deadly players, but they elicit more eye rolls from me than any other players in the league (like they care about my eye rolls lol)

 

[macadocious]

There’s so much nitpicking. Kings lost because they didn’t make their shots. That’s really it.

 

[Tetsujin]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1609780509458206721

despite the Wizards and Hornets losses the Kings still doing a great job of taking care of business. And they’ve also played the teams ahead of them in the conference a bunch already.
Still haven’t played the Pels or Mavs yet but they also haven’t played the Rockets or OKC or Minnesota yet and still get the Spurs three more times this year in addition to their biggest competitors for the 5-6-7-8 slot in Phoenix and Portland and Utah.

 

[The_Jamal]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1609780509458206721

despite the Wizards and Hornets losses the Kings still doing a great job of taking care of business. And they’ve also played the teams ahead of them in the conference a bunch already.
Still haven’t played the Pels or Mavs yet but they also haven’t played the Rockets or OKC or Minnesota yet and still get the Spurs three more times this year in addition to their biggest competitors for the 5-6-7-8 slot in Phoenix and Portland and Utah.

Some of those losses in context:

@MEM
Nuggets
@ PHI
@NYK
@ MIL
Suns Booker Playing
@Celtics
@GSW Steph playing
@ MIA

0-4 start
@GSW Steph Playing
LAC
POR


Basically, losing to the top-tier basketball teams in the NBA on the road or 2 of the best West teams at home.The Knicks game (sans Fox) and the MIA are the only 2 I see in this list that stand out as poor losses.

 

[hrdboild]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1609780509458206721

despite the Wizards and Hornets losses the Kings still doing a great job of taking care of business. And they’ve also played the teams ahead of them in the conference a bunch already.
Still haven’t played the Pels or Mavs yet but they also haven’t played the Rockets or OKC or Minnesota yet and still get the Spurs three more times this year in addition to their biggest competitors for the 5-6-7-8 slot in Phoenix and Portland and Utah.

No one is going to believe we're for real until we play in a Finals game, and even then there will be naysayers. The Kings have been playing as well as any other team in the West after that 0-4 start. If that's not enough for some people than nothing will be. It's not like I'm unbiased, but when Stephen Adams is allowed to take 6 steps while screening Fox away from Morant and nothing gets called on the play, I'm just not drinking the "Memphis is elite" kool-aid. It must be hard to lose when you have that kind of help.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Fox jabbers all the time. And stops playing - or runs back slowly - all the time when he thinks he didn't get a call he deserves.

Ok maybe I don't see it but it feels like he might plead his case but not in the obnoxious way many of these other guys do where they are practically screaming at the ref every trip up the floor.

 

[Folsomkingsfan]

No one is going to believe we're for real until we play in a Finals game, and even then there will be naysayers. The Kings have been playing as well as any other team in the West after that 0-4 start. If that's not enough for some people than nothing will be. It's not like I'm unbiased, but when Stephen Adams is allowed to take 6 steps while screening Fox away from Morant and nothing gets called on the play, I'm just not drinking the "Memphis is elite" kool-aid. It must be hard to lose when you have that kind of help.

The blaming of refs here is way out of hand. Yes, Fox should probably get more calls, yes the other team sometimes gets favorable calls, but we're not losing games because of refs. We had one starter shoot over 40% from the field yesterday. That's awful and will never get it done. We're losing games because we start games slow way too often offensively, our only good defender comes off the bench, and our two wings are both really inconsistent.

 

[ESP47]

Fox just wasn't aggressive enough at getting in the paint and to the line. Morant got into the paint and just threw himself at defenders and got himself to the line about 10 times. Fox rarely even tried. Instead he just kept pulling up for midrange brick after midrange brick. Tired of JJJ blocking shots? Jump into him and get him a couple fouls that land him on the bench for extended time.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Fox just wasn't aggressive enough at getting in the paint and to the line. Morant got into the paint and just threw himself at defenders and got himself to the line about 10 times. Fox rarely even tried. Instead he just kept pulling up for midrange brick after midrange brick. Tired of JJJ blocking shots? Jump into him and get him a couple fouls that land him on the bench for extended time.

Fox generally has never gotten those calls. I'm not sure why he would suddenly, especially on Memphis's home court. That midrange shot has been automatic for him this season. He most certainly developed it because he doesn't get the calls. Feels very chicken and egg thing to me.

 

[hrdboild]

The blaming of refs here is way out of hand. Yes, Fox should probably get more calls, yes the other team sometimes gets favorable calls, but we're not losing games because of refs. We had one starter shoot over 40% from the field yesterday. That's awful and will never get it done. We're losing games because we start games slow way too often offensively, our only good defender comes off the bench, and our two wings are both really inconsistent.

This isn't about losing the game, it goes all the way back to the league anointing Golden State with "chosen ones" status 7 or 8 years ago and allowing them to get away with illegal screens to free up Steph and Klay basically every time down the floor. Did you watch the play where Steven Adams was allowed to take 6+ steps while screening Fox away from the ballhandler? In what world is that not an illegal screen? If it happens once or twice it's whatever but this has been going on for years and it's not called the same for every team.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

It alters the way teams play. The Kings 100% deserved to lose yesterday and I don't think anyone disputes that. But it would be nice if both teams were called the same way so that instead of settling for his usually reliable midrange shot Fox could barrel into the paint like Ja and be guaranteed free throws. If Sabonis isn't given two quick ticky tack fouls in the first 3 minutes, maybe he has a foul to give to make a point on the defensive end that it isn't a free trip to the bucket. Why is a guy like Sabonis who is so fun to watch taken out of his game if not taken out of the game so quickly by refs who seem to have a vendetta against him?

Just call it the same.

But yesterday we couldn't shoot and gave up far too many second chances. That's on us.

 

[Folsomkingsfan]

This isn't about losing the game, it goes all the way back to the league anointing Golden State with "chosen ones" status 7 or 8 years ago and allowing them to get away with illegal screens to free up Steph and Klay basically every time down the floor. Did you watch the play where Steven Adams was allowed to take 6+ steps while screening Fox away from the ballhandler? In what world is that not an illegal screen? If it happens once or twice it's whatever but this has been going on for years and it's not called the same for every team.

Doesnt change my point. Refs aren’t why we’ve lost games, the Kings overall play is. Refs aren’t the reason Fox is a lazy defender, or that Barnes is shooting 30% from 3 on the year, or that Keegan Murray doesn’t provide any benefit if he’s not hitting 3s. I think the refs suck too, but when I watch Kings games they aren’t the thing that stands out the most to me when we lose.

 

[Tetsujin]

People really need to stop getting riled up by people that only come out from under their bridges after a Kings loss.

 

[Tetsujin]

Fox just wasn't aggressive enough at getting in the paint and to the line. Morant got into the paint and just threw himself at defenders and got himself to the line about 10 times. Fox rarely even tried. Instead he just kept pulling up for midrange brick after midrange brick. Tired of JJJ blocking shots? Jump into him and get him a couple fouls that land him on the bench for extended time.

The issue is that refs simply aren't calling those fouls against JJJ anymore. Dude's foul per game numbers have plummeted since the Grizzlies got Ja despite his play style not necessarily changing in that same time frame.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I didn't really notice this was a thing until Ja kept doing it yesterday, but I wasn't paying attention to the clock. Why the hell don't they just start the shot clock after the ball has been inbounded if the clock is running. If the clock is stopped, they can walk the dog.