Thunder 112, Kings 105: Thunder OutShai-n Kings


Despite stellar performances from De’Aaron Fox and Keon Ellis, the Kings could not secure a victory against the Thunder, losing by a final score of 112-105. The strategy of leaning heavily on three-point shots was evident as the team attempted 58, making 20, which isn’t a bad clip in a vacuum. However, this approach highlighted the overreliance on the dynamic duo of Ellis and Fox, who both achieved career highs in three-pointers made, with eight and seven, respectively.

The Kings’ defense put up a commendable effort for much of the game, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive 40-point performance on just 22 shots proved too challenging to overcome. On the defensive end, Oklahoma City effectively limited the Kings’ offensive gameplan, especially in neutralizing Domantas Sabonis’s influence in the paint and playmaking.

Although the Kings dominated the rebounding battle 56-42, their shooting inefficiency and lack of shot variety were key factors in the Thunder’s win, with a field goal percentage of 48.8% compared to the Kings’ 34.4%. Additionally, the significant difference in points in the paint, 42-26, underscores a missed opportunity for the Kings. Despite their advantage in offensive rebounds (21-6), opting for three-point attempts over converting easy putbacks following rebounds contributed to the eventual downfall.

Game Journal

I thought it could be interesting to document my inner musings and spontaneous “play-by-play” commentary as thoughts arise. So, here’s an attempt to navigate through the turmoil and melancholy inside me.

First Quarter Highlights:
  • 5:03  – Fox hits his fourth three-pointer. What is happening!?!?
  • 5:25 – Keon Ellis banks his fourth three-pointer of the quarter,, making it 4/4! My excitement scares my puppy.
Second Quarter Action:
  • 10:38 – Fox adds another three to his tally, reaching 17 points. Trying to stay calm, there’s plenty of game left.
  • 3:05 – Concerns arise as Fox seems too reliant on threes, missing his last two shots.
  • 2:02 – Keegan lands a three-pointer, and Malik’s purple and yellow polo stands out.
  • 1:00 – Keegan scores another three, extending our lead to 19 points (61-42).
Third Quarter Drama:
  • 9:24 – Anxiety kicks in as Chet starts with consecutive threes and an SGA mid-range shot, cutting our lead to 10.
  • 7:09 – We’ve gotta get Barnes out of this game. He missed another shot and fumbled another rebound.
  • 6:08 – Our 19-point lead dwindles to just two.
  • 4:23 – Kings rally with a 9-0 run, pushing the lead back to 11. Praise Zorp the Surveyor!
  • 0:28 – A missed shot by Keegan and a quick counter by Shai narrows our lead to five.
  • 0:06 – A turnover and technical foul by Fox, followed by a Dort fast break, reduce our lead to three (87-84).
Fourth Quarter Rollercoaster:
  • 12:00 – Why is Barnes back?
  • 10:40 – Wallace’s three-pointer flips the lead to 89-87.
  • 7:58 – Fox takes his first free throws of the game amidst a physical match.
  • 6:26 – Fox’s sixth three ties the game at 97.
  • 4:36 – Fox’s seventh three keeps us close, trailing by one (102-101).
  • 3:53 – Fox’s trip to the line ties the game at 102.
  • 2:47 – Keon’s three-pointer regains a slender lead, I’ve accidentally awoken my wife!
  • 1:41 – Davion excellently contains SGA but he continues to hit tough shot after tough shot down the stretch
  • 0:18 – A critical turnover with the Kings trailing 110-105.
Dope

Foxy has become the sixth player in the history of the Kings to hit 200 three-pointers in a single season.

Lately, Davion has shown remarkable improvement, not only enhancing his three-point shooting, which has received much attention but also demonstrating newfound confidence and accuracy in driving to the basket. 

Hurts my brain and my soul

Sabonis’s impressive streak of 61 consecutive games with a double-double will sadly end. During the game, his performance was below par, shooting 2-7 from the field, making 4 out of 7 free throws, and committing 6 turnovers against 5 assists, leading to a game-low -18. Despite facing constant pressure and double teams from OKC, we had high hopes for our star center to stand out, especially against his fellow Gonzaga alum in one of the season’s key matchups.

As for Barnes, he struggled significantly, shooting just 1-8 from the field. Although he managed to draw fouls and convert 8 out of 10 free throws, his defensive efforts were lacking, and his choice of shots was questionable throughout the night.

Conclusion

With the Kings dropping to a 45-34 record and only three games remaining in the season, the race for playoff and play-in spots intensifies. The Kings find themselves in the 8th position, trailing the Suns by a game and a half in the 6th spot, who might extend their lead as they face the Clippers tonight without James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Meanwhile, the Lakers, with a 45-34 record, are battling the Warriors minus Anthony Davis, offering Sacramento a chance to possibly edge ahead by a half-game by the end of the night (keeping my fingers crossed). Facing the Suns, Pelicans, and Trailblazers in the final three games, securing anything less than a 2-1 finish could jeopardize Sacramento’s position in the play-in tournament.





Source link

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR