For Doug Christie's “first” at home, the Kings did not miss out. Despite a failed start to the game, the Californians were able to react to win without artifice (110-100) facing a very weak Texan team. In addition to Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving (shoulder), Klay Thompson (illness), Naji Marshall (suspension) and Derek Lively II (hip) were all missing.
These numerous absences did not prevent the visitors from starting the game without complexes, taking advantage of a great number signed by PJ Washington. The latter showed insolent skill from the start – 4/4 from afar – signed 19 points in a first quarter (23-37) during which the Mavs had a lead of up to 18 units.
The beautiful atmosphere, despite the current dynamic, observed within the Golden 1 Center at the opening of the debates, was spoiled. A few boos even started to descend… But the locals quickly reacted by seriously tightening their defense and displaying a good dose of physical commitment. Getting closer to the circle in attack, De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis finished the first period strong to reduce the gap to just four units (56-60).
However, the Texas dike had not yet given way. Much less successful, PJ Washington did it again while Spencer Dinwiddie increased his passes to the free throw line to maintain a few possessions in advance. But boosted by the entries of offensive X-factor, Trey Lyles, and defensive, Keon Ellis, the Kings regained the advantage at the end of the third quarter (83-77).
De'Aaron Fox was responsible for putting on a boost, at 3-points or at the finish of an “alley-oop” on the counter-attack, while DeMar DeRozan made his art speak in the middle of distance. Overtaken on the rebound, the Texans did not have the means to contain the Californian weapons and especially to respond to them, apart from the Washington – Dinwiddie pair.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The splits on the offensive rebound. Incredible but true: with his two offensive rebounds, De'Aaron Fox did as well as… the entire opposing team in this area. This abysmal gap (18 to 2) testifies to the level of desire of the locals (but also to their clumsiness). Daniel Gafford (5 blocks) and his team, however, compensated by taking out the slap box: 13 blocks to 1!
– Already have defensive effects? With 100 points conceded, the Kings signed one of their best defensive performances of the season. After this missed first quarter, Sacramento only conceded 23, 17 and again 23 points in the following periods. This is precisely a factor that Doug Christie emphasized.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
