That pretty much sums up this past week, no? Let's hear what the "experts" say!
Sports Illustrated
#21 (NC)
Tyrone Corbin is daring to dream big, stating the Kings’ goal is to force opponents to shoot “42 percent or below on a nightly basis.” The Warriors, who lead the league in that category (Sacramento is No. 13), hold opponents to 42.1. Good luck with allllll that.
USA Today
#22 (-1)
With Michael Malone coaching DeMarcus Cousins, they started 9-6. They have gone 7-21 since.
NBA.com
#24 (NC)
Pace: 97.3 (8) OffRtg: 103.0 (16) DefRtg: 105.7 (25) NetRtg: -2.7 (20)
The Kings had been defending pretty well for a six-game stretch or so, holding both the Cavs and Mavs under a point per possession a couple of weeks ago. But they had lost four straight games that were within five points in the last five minutes and, then, Klay Thompson happened on Friday. They've lost six straight, shooting 26 percent from 3-point range.
This week: @ NYK, @ TOR, @ CLE, @ IND
CBSSports
#22 (+3)
Since firing Mike Malone, a team that prided itself on a defense that rests 28th in points allowed per possession. So ... that worked out well.
Yahoo! Sports
#24 (-4)
DeMarcus Cousins is averaging 24.2 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. The Kings' record is the only thing hurting his All-Star bid.
ESPN
#24 (-2)
Can the NBA's only player who ranks in both the top five in points per game and rebounds per game really be snubbed out of the All-Star Game? In the case of Boogie Cousins, in this Western Conference, I fear the answer is affirmative with the Kings in a six-game skid and mired at a lowly 16-27.
Hollinger Daily Rankings
#24
Rating: 96.714
Mean Ranking: 23
The national narrative seems to be shifting from "DeMarcus should totally be an All-Star to, well, his team is sucky." Sad.
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