VS. Lakers

I haven’t written a post in a long time, but last night’s game was enough to bring me out of hibernation.  Here’s a reflection of the game and my thoughts on the season so far.

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The Sacramento Kings have big shot takers and Bogdan Bogdanovic proved once again to be a big-time shot maker.

After trailing big to the Los Angeles Lakers, Bogdanovic shot the Kings back into the game late. With 4.5 seconds remaining on the clock, the sophomore wing got the inbounds pass, made a move and blew the top off of Golden 1 Center with a game winning 3-pointer.

Here are three takeaways as the Kings found a way to beat the Lakers by a final of 117-116 to improve to 19-16 on the season.

The Shot

With Buddy Hield struggling, Joerger turned to Bogdanovic for much of the fourth quarter. The 26-year-old Serbian was incredible down the stretch, including a haymaker as time expired.

Bogdanovic finished the night with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting and was mobbed by his teammates after the win.

Battle at the point

The connection between De’Aaron Fox and Lonzo Ball will likely last throughout their careers. Take No. 2 and No. 5 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, their rivalry dates back to their college days.

Ball got the best of Fox Thursday evening at Golden 1 Center, although it was close. The Lakers starter finished the night with 20 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds.  He added nine rebounds and four assists in the loss.

Fox answered with 15 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, barely missing the triple-double. Fox lost the battle, but with a little help from Bogi, he won the war.

Ball also came down with one of his mysterious “injuries” that he always seems to get when he has to faceoff against Fox… how bizarre.

Killer Kuzma

With Marvin Bagley on the shelf, the Kings lack length at the four. Kyle Kuzma took advantage of the situation, especially in the first half.

Dave Joerger tried Nemanja Bjelica and Justin Jackson on the versatile forward. In the end, Sacramento had no answer.

The Lakers’ big posted 23 of his 34 points in the first half. He added nine rebounds and four assists in the loss.

Bogie Nights

Obviously the big hero of the night was Bogdan Bogdanovic.  But his contributions on the floor go beyond being a clutch scorer.  He also has been a facilitator on offense, snagging a few rebounds, and been a tough defender down the stretch.

The Team Overall

Without Bagley, obviously there is a glaring hole at PF.  But, overall, the team is greatly on track.  With multiple players in double digit scoring last night, the Kings are really a prime example of “share the sugar” on the floor.  The team as a whole, is playing better basketball than they have in a long time, and honestly, is more fun to watch. (it’s been since the Bibby era that it’s been this much fun to watch) They run the floor, don’t back down, and have one immeasurable that has been their greatest ally:  HEART.  Don’t ever tell this team they’re done, because they’ll prove you wrong.  Comeback Kings!!!

 

Question of the Day

This team is a few pieces away from being an even more serious threat in the West.  What is the number 1 need they must fill at this point in the season? (comment here or answer on my Instagram). @guythatdrumsandstuff