Kings have shown elite clutch defense during win streak
Throughout most of their early season struggles, the Sacramento Kings were struggling to execute in the clutch despite having De’Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan.
In the 32 games they played prior to their active seven-game win streak, the Kings had a 6-13 record in clutch games, per NBA Stats. Clutch games are considered games with five or fewer in the final five minutes.
Their 13 clutch losses led the NBA for a while, largely due to their defense down the stretch.
At that point, Sacramento had a 119.0 offensive rating (8th) but a 118.3 defensive rating (25th) in those moments. Their lackluster defense in those moments was something that former head coach Mike Brown even emphasized.
Well, that’s turned around during this seven-game win streak under interim head coach Doug Christie.
Four games during that streak reached clutch scenarios, where they always emerged victorious thanks to stellar defense.
Recording a 65.1 defensive rating (1st) in the clutch during that stretch is almost unfathomable. While their opponents (Philadelphia, Memphis, Miami, and Chicago) were far from offensive powerhouses, holding any opponent to 26.5 percent from the field is absurdly impressive.
The second-best defensive rating over that span is owned by Chicago, which has a 76.7 defensive rating and more than 12 points per possession behind Sacramento’s league-best.
Keegan Murray missed two games with a left ankle sprain, and his return to the lineup was De’Aaron Fox’s first of a three games absence. That left five games where a closing spot was up for grabs, and Keon Ellis seized those opportunities.
Look at the fourth-quarter lineup statistics when Ellis filled that hole:
- Fox/Monk/Ellis/DeRozan/Sabonis (14 mins): 146.4 ORTG, 90.3 DRTG, +56.1 NET RTG
- Monk/Ellis/DeRozan/Murray/Sabonis (12 mins): 128.0 ORTG, 79.2 DRTG, +48.8 NET RTG
Unsurprisingly, the lineup featuring both Ellis and Murray — two of Sacramento’s best defenders — gave opposing offenses problems. Big fourth-quarter scoring outputs from Fox and DeRozan have helped, but you’ve got to be able to get stops, and the Kings seem to have embraced that as of late.
Keeping teams out of a rhythm leading up to late moments has been crucial, as well as their ability to end defensive possessions with a rebound and securing 50/50 balls.
Their season-long clutch reality is somewhere between their 6-13 start and the current 4-0 run, but positive progress is always encouraging and was much needed for the once-fallen Kings.
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While interim head coach Doug Christie is dealing with the same Sacramento Kings roster Mike Brown was, he’s slightly adjusted the rotation. That’s not to say that is the sole reason for their current seven-game win streak, but it’s definitely helped.
First, two important factors need to be mentioned. Throughout this win streak, they’ve played three games without De’Aaron Fox (right glute contusion) and two without Keegan Murray (left ankle). There was no overlap between their injuries.
Missing two guys who are top-25 in minutes per game leaguewide this season will mean other players get more opportunities.
The fact that they played a double overtime game against Miami inflates the numbers a bit as well.
All that being said, there are still some notable takeaways in Christie’s direction throughout it all.
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will look to secure an eighth straight win on Tuesday when they face two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the final game of a three-game road trip.
The Kings haven’t won eight consecutive games since November 14-30, 2003, when head coach Doug Christie was manning the starting shooting guard position for Sacramento.
Be sure to catch all of the Kings vs. Bucks drama right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage starting at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before action tips off at 5:00 PM PT from downtown Milwaukee.
Sacramento Kings 2024-25 Schedule
- Tuesday, January 14th – @ Milwaukee Bucks – 5:00 PM PT
- Thursday, January 16th – vs. Houston Rockets – 7:00 PM PT
- Sunday, January 19th – vs. Washington Wizards – 6:00 PM PT
- Wednesday, January 22nd – vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PT
- Thursday, January 23rd – @ Denver Nuggets – 6:00 PM PT
