3 Takeaways From Kings' Preseason Loss Against the Lakers
The Sacramento Kings are off to a rough start in their preseason action, going 0-2 with losses against the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers. Although they are winless through the first two games, it is what the organization can take away from these games that matters.
All-Star G De'Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings in Wednesday's loss against the Lakers with 18 points and five assists. All-Star teammate C Domantas Sabonis contributed with a double-double, as he tacked on ten points and 16 rebounds.
While the Kings took the loss 109-101, there are a few key takeaways as the team moves forward:
Oct 11, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Max Christie (10) during the first half at Honda Center.
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Malik Monk's cold streak continues
After signing with the Kings in the 2022 off-season, G Malik Monk has proven valuable to the Kings' second unit. While it was unknown whether he would win the starting job over G Kevin Huerter heading into the 2023-24 season, the early preseason action suggests he will remain the sixth man.
In Sunday's loss to the Raptors, Monk struggled, shooting 0-4 from the field and tacking on two turnovers. Monk finished the game with a +/- of -22 as he could not find his groove on either side of the ball.
Against the Lakers, Monk's struggle continued, shooting 2-9 from deep with three turnovers.
In two preseason games, Monk has eight points, eight assists, five rebounds, two steals, and five turnovers while shooting 2-13 from the field and 2-11 from deep.
Cold streaks happen to everybody, and we would not be surprised to see Monk turn it back around as early as the next game.
Oct 8, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Sacramento Kings guard Chris Duarte (3) shoots against Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (4) in the second half at Rogers Arena. Raptors won 112-99.
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Chris Duarte is taking time to get comfortable
Kings off-season acquisition G Chris Duarte seems to be getting used to his new home in Wednesday's loss. Shooting a perfect 4-4 from the field, Duarte finished with ten points, one steal, and two rebounds.
Duarte is coming off a tough game against the Raptors, where he shot 2-9 from the field and 0-6 from deep. While that was Duarte's first game in a Kings jersey, he worried fans who were initially excited about his arrival.
While Duarte still showed weaknesses in his game, his bounce back after struggling in the preseason opener is a good sign.
Duarte, 26, should continue to improve and get more comfortable within the Kings system and will ultimately be a valuable piece on the Kings' bench.
Oct 8, 2023; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Sacramento Kings center JaVale McGee (00) reacts after making a layup against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Rogers Arena.
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JaVale McGee is what the Kings needed
Signing free agent C JaVale McGee might have been the best move of the Kings' off-season. After struggling with interior defense and rebounding throughout the 2022-23 season, Sacramento brought in McGee, and it appears he is exactly what they were looking for.
McGee, 35, might not have the endurance or durability he once did, but he is still a force to be reckoned with. In two preseason games, McGee has 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three blocks.
While the Kings will likely want McGee to grab more boards throughout the season, his interior presence is something the Kings have lacked before. McGee gives the Kings a lob threat and an elite shot blocker coming off the bench.
McGee still needs to improve in many ways if the Kings want to get the most out of the talented big man, but his play throughout the first two preseason games is a good start.
McGee and C Alex Len might still be fighting for bench minutes, but it seems as if McGee is making the most of his opportunity.
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