For the first time since the 2003-04 campaign, the Sacramento Kings are 2-0 to start the NBA season.
Point guard D’Aron Fox had 24 points and seven assists, while Marvin Bugle finished third in his second double double with 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Kings beat the Phoenix Sons 106-103.
Like the season-opening win over the Denver Nuggets, the game was close to a draw. This time, it was the center Rich Unn Holmes that came up big to help seal the win.
Sacramento: 499-17 with 1:43 left when Holmes missed Harrison Barnes again and completed a three-point game to lead the Kings to five. Chris Paul responded with a jumper and a free throw to cut the lead, but Holmes stepped forward once again.
He corolled Buddy Hild Miss with seconds and seconds left in the game and was appalled at his put-up attempt. Holmes threw both free to lead Leeds to four, and the Kings never looked back.
Sacramento once again dominated the board. The team finished with 15 offensive rebounds and also took an overall advantage over Phoenix, leaving the Suns behind 56-40.
We’ve only had two games this season, but Kings Orlando looks like a completely different team than what we saw during the NBA restart. Fox is playing with an all-star level of confidence and breaking down the defense with ease.
Barnes has been the team’s best player while Holmes, Bagley and free-agent acquisition Hassan Whiteside – who have eight points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes – have dominated the glass.
The most encouraging part of the 2-0 start is that Sacramento have beaten the two teams included in the Upper Achelon of the Western Conference. When the Suns took the lead late in the third quarter, the Kings did not go under pressure. They went toe-toe with the Phoenix and did enough plays to avoid another win.
Sacramento’s team defense looks even better in the place of head coach Luke Walton last season. The Kings ’rotation has become faster and they are pushing opponents on tougher shots, something they couldn’t do consistently enough a season ago.
Again, it’s only two games, but Sacramento is off to a great start.
What is your main takeaway from the win?
