We knew the Kings were in danger in Atlanta, and in front of their home crowd, the Hawks ended Mike Brown’s 7-game winning streak. Back-to-back, the Kings had heavy legs, and like De’Aaron Fox, they couldn’t keep up with the Hawks who had decided to bet everything on the fast game. It was in the 2nd quarter, notably in the wake of active players Jalen Johnson and AJ Griffin, that Atlanta made the break. At the break, the Sacramento defense has already conceded 72 points, and the Hawks lead by 15 points.
Back from the locker room, Trae Young takes care of containing the Kings’ comeback attempts with 10 points in the quarter alone, including a rare 5-point action. At his side, Clint Capela is responsible for launching the fast game, and we even find him finishing on the other side of the field. In the 4th quarter, always the same scenario with the Kings trying to close the gap. Each time, they are punished by Trae Young and his super distant 3-pointers. The first, four minutes from the end, gives a 13-point lead. The second in the last minute ensures victory (115-106).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A 5-point action. At the start of the 3rd quarter, Young increased the gap from +12 to +17 with a single action! At the start, there is a 3-pointer on the right side, and the referee whistles a touchdown from Fox. It’s severe, but it already gives an And-1. But Fox groans, and takes a technique. That Young is in charge of transforming for an And-2.
– The return of Kevin Huerter. Traded this summer to Sacramento, against Justin Holiday, Maurice Harkless and a future first round Draft, Huerter was back for the first time in Atlanta. The shooter was not the most deserving with his 13 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
– Attack game. The most prolific attack in the NBA with nearly 121 points per game, Sacramento scored only 106 points tonight. It is his lowest total of the season. Opposite, the Hawks continue their series of matches at 100 points and more: 39 games in a row, and it is the longest current series in the NBA.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Trae Young. It is on this kind of meeting that we see how precious Dejounte Murray is for Trae Young. The Hawks shooter can focus on scoring and “spacing”, and there remains a permanent danger even at 8-9 meters. In the 4th quarter, he punishes the Kings from very far, or he serves Murray in the corner, and Sacramento did not find the parade.
✅ Clint Capela. The Swiss is the stabilizer for the Hawks. Never a gesture too much, and he is always alert to fill a breach or protect the circle. Sabonis did not weigh as usual in attack, and it is a sign.
✅ Malik Monk. By far, the best of the Kings tonight with crazy efficiency: 12 of 18 on shots in 26 minutes. He’s the only one who brings a spark, and like a Lou Williams or a Jordan Clarkson, he can become unstoppable. The real concern is that he is one-dimensional and defense is not his forte. But clearly, he didn’t have heavy legs.
⛔ Keegan Murray. The Kings rookie is not at his best in November with a point average halved compared to October. Tonight, he did not score a single basket, and this is a first for him this season.
THE FOLLOWING
Atlanta (11-7) : traveling to Houston on Friday.
Sacramento (10-7) : new big piece with a trip to Boston on Friday.
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