Light The Beam! The New-Look Sacramento Kings | by ayan nayak | SportsRaid | Mar, 2023
via Wikimedia Commons
The Sacramento Kings entered the 2022–2023 NBA season with a chip on their shoulders. They had missed the playoffs for the past 16 years and were determined to make a statement this year. And boy, did they make one.
Led by their star duo of Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox, the Kings put on an offensive performance that was simply unmatched. They lit up the scoreboard night after night, and before long, they had established themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
What made the Kings offense so special was its efficiency. Not only did they score a lot, but they did it in a way that was incredibly effective. Sabonis and Fox were the driving forces behind it, as they formed one of the most potent combinations in the league. Another key factor behind the Kings’ offensive success has been their three-point shooting. They are shooting a league-leading 42.2% from beyond the arc, making them the most accurate three-point shooting team in NBA history. Keegan Murray has been a revelation in this regard, shooting a scorching 49.5% from three-point range while averaging 14.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Murray has been a perfect fit for the Kings’ system, as his ability to stretch the floor and knock down open shots has been invaluable.
Sabonis, who was acquired in a trade with the Indiana Pacers, was a revelation for the Kings. He was already known as one of the best players in the league, but he took his game to another level in Sacramento. His passing ability was on point as he regularly found Fox and his other teammates for easy baskets.
Speaking of Fox, he was simply sensational. He’s always been known for his blazing speed and athleticism, but he’s developed into a true superstar this season. His scoring and playmaking were both at career highs, and he was the engine that drove the Kings’ offense.
But it wasn’t just Sabonis and Fox who were making things happen. The Kings had made some shrewd trades during the offseason, bringing in Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter to bolster their bench. Both players had struggled in their previous situations, but they found new life in Sacramento.
The monk, in particular, experienced a revival in Sacramento. He had always been a gifted scorer, but had never been able to put it all together on a consistent basis. That changed this season, as he emerged as the Kings’ sixth man and a legitimate contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Meanwhile, Huerter gave the Kings some much needed pitching. He was lethal from beyond the arc and helped stretch the floor for Sabonis and Fox to operate. His ability to knock down open shots was a key factor in the Kings’ success this season.
But perhaps the biggest surprise of the season was Keegan Murray. The rookie from Iowa was drafted with the 4th overall pick, and few expected him to make much of an impact. But he quickly proved his doubters wrong as he displayed a lethal three-point shot that rattled opposing defenses.
Murray’s exit was a testament to the Kings’ front office, who have once again shown their ability to find hidden gems in the draft. But it was also a testament to the team’s coaching staff, led by first-year coach Mike Brown.
Brown had joined the Kings this offseason after a successful stint with the Golden State Warriors, and he quickly made his presence felt. He was a defensive organizer but also had a keen eye for talent. He recognized Murray’s potential early on and worked tirelessly with him to improve his game.
Together, Sabonis, Fox, Monk, Huerter, Murray and Brown had created an offensive lineman that was simply unstoppable. They scored as they wished and did so in a way that was both beautiful and effective. They had become the darlings of the NBA world and their touching story had captivated fans across the country.
But as the season wore on, it became clear that the Kings weren’t just a flash in the pan. They are a legitimate championship contender and have the talent and desire to go all the way.
The Kings’ success this season has been a feel-good story for their fans, who have suffered through years of frustration and disappointment. The team’s new head coach, Mike Brown, has been instrumental in turning the Kings around, providing the team with a clear identity and instilling a winning culture. Brown’s emphasis on defense and team play has been critical to the Kings’ success as he has been able to get the most
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Brown_(basketball,_born_1970)#/media/File:Mike_Brown_NBA_cropped.jpg
