Postgame: Kings fall 128-110 to the Nuggets

The Kings continue to be allergic to playing defense

The Sacramento Kings returned to the hardwood on Thursday night following the All-Star break in what was arguably a tone-setting, must win game in Sacramento against the Denver Nuggets.

Domantas Sabonis started this game off scorching hot, finishing the first half with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Unfortunately, the team’s defense was still the issue as the Nuggets scored on 53.2 of their shots in the first half led by the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, who finished the half 15 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Will Barton would also finish with 15 points in the half for Denver. De’Aaron Fox had himself a nice first half himself, as he scored 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting.

Nuggets would lead heading into the halftime break 63-58.

The 2nd half begins right where the first half left off, as the Kings looked to keep feeding their Ox, Sabonis, quickly getting him to his double-double. Denver then decided it was time to turn up the heat defensively. Sacramento struggled to take care of the basketball and find efficient baskets off their offensive sets. As the third quarter progressed the Nuggets were able to increase their lead to as much as 13.

After a mid quarter substitution to add the defensive presence of Davion Mitchell, the Kings found their offensive rhythm to head into the 4th quarter trailing by just 5 (92-87). Turnovers plagued the Kings both in the first quarter and early in the third quarter, but Sacramento stayed scrappy to keep the score close.

The fourth quarter, however, was the Nuggets’ quarter as they went back to a double digit lead and never looked back falling 128-110. The offense was there, but the Kings had no answers defensively for the Joker and his Nuggets. Sacramento will look to bounce back on Saturday in Denver facing off against the same team. Richaun Holmes (back) who missed tonight’s game could be back in time for that one. His defense and energy on the glass was surely missed tonight.

Sacramento still trail 4 games out of the 10th seed (the final spot for the play-in) as the Blazer also got destroyed by the Golden State Warriors. Every game will continue to be “must-win” for the Kings as they try to break their playoff slum.