What we realized as DeRozan’s Kings debut spoiled in loss to T-wolves initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
SACRAMENTO – Kings basketball is again and so are the infamous late-game collapses.
Sacramento’s 2024-25 season opener got here all the way down to the wire, however a late rally led by Anthony Edwards lifted the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 117-115 win over the Kings on Thursday evening at Golden 1 Middle.
After finishing the primary half with simply 9 factors, Edwards got here alive within the second — ending with 32 factors on 10-of-24 taking pictures from the sector and 5 made 3-pointers, additionally going an ideal 7 of seven from the free-throw line. He added seven rebounds, 4 assists and one steal in 39 minutes.
And he wasn’t even the main scorer for Minnesota.
As a substitute, it was new Timberwolves ahead Julius Randle who completed with a game-high 33 factors on an environment friendly 13-of-17 taking pictures from the sector and 5 of 6 from past the arc, including 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 35 minutes.
Regardless of holding a 12-point lead within the third quarter, Sacramento repeated an analogous sample from final season and collapsed late within the contest — and continued a development in latest residence openers.
The Kings now are 1-10 in residence openers over the past 11 seasons, together with 1-3 within the earlier 4.
There have been vivid spots of the loss, reminiscent of a assured taking pictures evening from Domantas Sabonis and the continued development of soon-to-be two-way star Keegan Murray. To not point out the official Kings debut of DeMar DeRozan.
But it surely’s not the preseason anymore, and there aren’t any ethical victories within the common season.
Listed here are the takeaways from Sacramento’s collapse within the season-opener:
DeMar’s debut spoiled
Simply earlier than group introductions, DeRozan took the mic at mid-court and addressed Kings followers – whom he known as one of the best within the league. He mentioned he was excited for the brand new season earlier than signing off with a loud and proud: “Go Kings!
The six-time NBA All-Star formally made his Kings debut as he enters his sixteenth season. And that pleasure earlier than the sport immediately carried over into the competition.
Thirty-four seconds into his Kings debut, DeRozan knocked down his first shot as a Sacramento King. As the sport carried on, so did his affect.
He was resilient. He drove to the basket. He made performs. He bought to the free-throw line. All issues Sacramento anticipated of the veteran star after they acquired him this offseason by way of a sign-and-trade deal.
At one level within the second quarter, with Fox sitting, DeRozan made or assisted six straight factors for Sacramento. He had simply 4 factors within the first quarter after which took it upon himself to get going with the star level guard getting some relaxation, including 10 extra factors.
He completed his debut with a team-high 26 factors on 7-of-18 taking pictures from the sector and 12 of 14 from the charity stripe, with eight rebounds, two assists and one steal in 43 minutes.
He’ll have to attend to gentle the beam for the primary time, and he and the Kings hope that point comes quickly.
Two key items return
Sacramento entered Thursday’s recreation as wholesome because it has been shortly. From damage rehabs from final season to a slew of recent minor accidents via coaching camp – the Kings bought many of the band again collectively simply in time for his or her season opener.
Kings heart Orlando Robinson (MCL sprain) and Rookie guard Devin Carter (shoulder) had been the one gamers on the damage report, with the latter seemingly out till no less than January.
However the Kings bought a pair of great reinforcements again Thursday, every of whom will play a pivotal function in Sacramento’s deep playoff run aspirations.
Kevin Huerter reclaimed his function within the beginning lineup and, for probably the most half, appeared like a participant who has missed a big period of time as a consequence of damage.
It’s regular, and shouldn’t be a trigger for panic – for now.
Huerter completed with simply two factors on 4 makes an attempt however contributed 4 rebounds and was a plus-nine in plus/minus score via 19 minutes.
Brown by no means has been the kind of coach to grade one’s efficiency off what number of factors they end with, however quite how they discover different methods to contribute and affect the sport. He’ll must ease his means again in, however on the finish of the day, the Kings want their sharpshooter to knock down pictures. He’s a key ingredient to Sacramento’s offense.
Additionally returning for the Kings was Trey Lyles, who was out for coaching camp and the complete five-game preseason slate with a left groin pressure.
Lyles performed simply over 10 minutes and completed with three factors on 1-of-4 taking pictures, with one rebound and one help.
Sacramento’s sixth man
Even with DeRozan making his official Kings debut, the return of Huerter, the intros of Sacramento’s stars Fox and Sabonis, or the deafening “Keegan Murray” chants — no cheer was as loud because the one which got here when Monk stepped onto the ground for the primary time on the 5:42 mark of the primary quarter.
And to return the favor for the nice and cozy welcome again, Monk checked in and had 4 fast factors in a few minute.
The power Monk brings off the bench would possibly sound like a damaged file to these not watching, however his electrifying affect is evident as day to those that are.
The 26-year-old completed the sport with 17 factors on 6-of-9 taking pictures, with one rebound and 4 assists in 26 minutes, main the group off the bench in scoring by a big margin.
The remainder of Sacramento’s bench completed with a mixed eight factors.
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