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Luka and the Mavericks disrupt the Kings’ defensive rhythm with a dominant blowout victory.
The Kings showcased their strongest defensive performance of the 2023-24 NBA season throughout March, until they encountered Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite Dončić’s impressive 26-point first half during Sacramento’s 132-96 loss to Dallas at the Golden 1 Center on Tuesday night, the Kings largely adhered to their defensive strategy that had contributed to their recent defensive improvement over the past 13 games.
However, their defensive effectiveness waned in the second half, particularly against the Mavericks, whose potent offense exploited the Kings with a 38-point third quarter. Dallas outscored Sacramento 38-23 in the third quarter and 36-20 in the final period.
De’Aaron Fox, the Kings’ star point guard, acknowledged the setback, labeling the second half performance as one of the team’s worst of the season, even after discounting the Mavericks’ transition points.
Before the game, the Kings boasted the fourth-best defensive rating (108.9) in the league and led in limiting opponent fast break points, allowing only 9.8 per game in March.
An important contributor to the Kings’ defensive resurgence was guard Keon Ellis, whose increased playing time and impact had been beneficial. However, even Ellis’ contributions couldn’t stem the tide against the Mavericks.
Kings coach Mike Brown accepted responsibility for the defeat, emphasizing the simplicity and effectiveness of Dallas’ approach.
The Kings’ preferred style of play, characterized by speed and physicality, was notably absent on Tuesday night.
Fox noted the Mavericks’ superior physicality and their ability to secure loose balls, resulting in easy transition opportunities and a failure on Sacramento’s part to execute their offense effectively.
In addition to Fox, other primary ballhandlers such as Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk also struggled with turnovers, contributing to the team’s overall difficulties.
Dallas dominated the game statistically, shooting 55.4% from the field compared to Sacramento’s 38.9%, and outrebounding the Kings 50-42.
Both teams were on the second night of back-to-back games, but the Mavericks, despite traveling from Utah, appeared fresher and more energetic than the Kings.
Brown highlighted the Kings’ lackluster transition play and turnovers as key factors in their defeat, emphasizing the need for improvement in these areas.
Looking ahead, Brown emphasized the importance of how the team responds to adversity, particularly as they prepare for a rematch against the Mavericks, a pivotal game in their season.
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