These are heady occasions for the Sacramento Kings, who’re 10 video games over .500 for the primary time since ending 50-32 in 2004-05.
The Kings will look to increase their successful streak to 4 video games on Tuesday once they conclude a three-game street journey in opposition to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The groups are assembly for the second time in three days after Sacramento defeated the Thunder 124-115 on Sunday night time.
De’Aaron Fox had 33 factors and eight assists to steer the Kings, who lead the league in scoring at 120.7 factors per recreation. Keegan Murray scored 20 factors within the victory, whereas Domantas Sabonis added 14 factors, 15 rebounds and eight assists.
Two days after outlasting the Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in double additional time, the Kings put collectively one other robust offensive effort in opposition to Oklahoma City.
Sacramento jumped to a 13-point lead in opposition to the Thunder and by no means trailed within the contest. The Kings shot 52.9 per cent from the sector and 18 of 43 (41.9 per cent) from 3-point vary.
“The effort it takes to defend them for 48 minutes is substantial because they play with great pace, they have good creators, and they’ve got shooting everywhere,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault stated. “So it’s not easy to do. But if you want to win the game, that’s what you have to do.”
Fox is averaging 34.4 factors, 6.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.9 steals during the last seven video games whereas taking pictures 57.9 per cent from the sector.
Sacramento, which at present holds the third seed within the Western Conference, believes they’ve the endurance to snap the longest playoff drought in NBA historical past after 16 consecutive dropping seasons.
“I think all of the guys in the locker room know we’re a really good team,” Murray stated. “We’re just trying to prove it to everyone else around the league.”
The Kings are searching for a three-game sequence sweep of Oklahoma City, which could possibly be with out All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the third straight recreation.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who ranks fifth within the league in scoring at 31.0 factors per recreation, is listed as day-to-day attributable to an stomach pressure and proper ankle soreness.
With Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, third-year guard Isaiah Joe has averaged 26 factors prior to now two video games. Joe is taking pictures 10 of 20 (50 per cent) from 3-point vary over that stretch whereas additionally contributing on the defensive finish.
“As I’ve said 100 times, he’s a complete player,” Daigneault stated. “You can’t just be one-dimensional and play in the NBA, especially at his size. He’s a feisty competitor, he knows the schemes. That’s what allows you to keep him on the court.”
Oklahoma City is using a three-game dropping streak, however the younger crew can level to a number of brilliant spots. Second-year guard Josh Giddey had 18 factors, seven rebounds and 5 assists in Sunday’s loss.
Even with Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench, the Thunder had been capable of keep inside hanging distance of Sacramento on Sunday. The crew’s constant effort made an impression on Kings coach Mike Brown.
“It doesn’t matter if they’re down 15, down 20, up 20, they’re playing the same way,” Brown stated. “They’re coming at you on both ends of the floor with physicality, that if you don’t match it, you’re going to get run out of the gym.”
