For the first time since the 2003-04 campaign, the Sacramento Kings are 2-0 to start an NBA season.
Guard De’Aaron Fox had 24 points and seven assists, while Marvin Bagley III finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double in as many games as the Kings defeated the Phoenix Suns 106-103.
As with the season’s opening win over the Denver Nuggets, this game has ended. This time, it was pivot Richaun Holmes who stood out to help seal the victory.
Sacramento led 99-97 with 1:43 left, when Holmes recovered from Harrison Barnes’ failure and completed a three-point play to put the Kings on five. Chris Paul responded with a jump and a free throw to cut the lead, but Holmes went back up.
He cornered a Buddy Hield fault 50 seconds from the end of the game and was fouled in the bounce attempt. Holmes hit both free throws to increase the lead to four, and the Kings never looked back.
Sacramento was dominant on the boards once again. The team ended with 15 offensive rebounds and also had the overall advantage over Phoenix, overcoming the Suns by 56-40.
We’ve only been two games in the season, but the Kings look like a completely different team than we saw during the NBA restart in Orlando. Fox is playing with an All-Star confidence level and continues to break the defense with ease.
Barnes has been one of the best players on the team, while Holmes, Bagley and Hassan Whiteside, who had eight points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes – won the free agent, dominated the score.
The most encouraging part of the 2-0 start is that Sacramento defeated two teams designed to be among the top echelons of the Western Conference. When the Suns took the lead at the end of the third quarter, the Kings did not give up under pressure. They fought head to head with Phoenix and made enough moves to escape with yet another victory.
The Sacramento team’s defense also looks much better than under coach Luke Walton last season. The Kings’ spins have been faster and are forcing opposition to tougher pitches, something they haven’t been able to do consistently for a season.
Again, there are only two games left, but Sacramento got off to a great start.
What are your main conclusions of the victory?