It is this Thursday that the NBA must unveil the list of replacements designated to participate in the 2024 All-Star Game. As is the case every year, there will be many contenders to complete the Western roster.
In addition to Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Paul George and Rudy Gobert, we find among the favorites the 1-5 axis of the Kings, De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.
For the Sacramento leader, participating in the all-star meeting is not really on his list of priorities, as he admitted yesterday.
“I don’t really care about being an All-Star, plus it’s cold in Indiana”, he said. “I don’t really know what to say, I can’t control the way I feel about things.”
Other ambitions in sight?
For their part, the Kings hope that the work of their tandem will be recognized for its true value. It must be said that De'Aaron Fox once again panicked the scorers in the first part of the season, with record figures in terms of scoring and 3-point skill in particular (27.2 points on average, 38% 3-point skill). -points in 8 attempts per game).
Same thing for Domantas Sabonis, who has never displayed such complete stats at all levels (20 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists on average, 45% 3-point success). Without forgetting that he remains on a series of 28 double-doubles, and that he has already signed 13 triple-doubles! So, even if De'Aaron Fox would be a little reluctant to make the trip, this distinction would reward their efforts.
“I think we see their contributions from a statistical point of view”underlined Harrison Barnes. “I think you see where we are collectively. Anyone who watches the Kings knows how important these players are, especially when they play well for us. For me, we wouldn’t be here in the West without these guys playing at this level.”
De'Aaron Fox must undoubtedly be more concerned about the Kings qualifying for the playoffs for the second year in a row without going through the play-in rather than the symbolic splendor of the All-Star Game.
What is the best duo in the NBA?
Two and a half months from the end of the regular season, Sacramento is far from assured for the moment, with 27 victories, as many as New Orleans, currently 7th.
“Our two best players, Sabonis and Foxy, are as good as anyone. They are the main part of the engine that makes this team work. I think over time the league is starting to feel it and see it. But we must continue to play our role at a high level. But it's not limited to the regular season. We have to do it in the playoffs too,” recalled coach Mike Brown.
The end of the suspense is approaching…
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
