A Royal Pain
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Opinion: Consistent Ben McLemore Can Take Kings To Another Level

By Rafe Wong

Jan 21, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) and guard Ben McLemore (23) celebrate after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Atlanta Hawks 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) and guard Ben McLemore (23) celebrate after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Atlanta Hawks 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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There haven’t been many times this season where the Sacramento Kings and their fans have seen Ben McLemore play a solid all-around game, but when he does, it takes the Kings to a whole another level, and last night’s performance proved that.

When Rudy Gay was sidelined in last night’s contest against the Atlanta Hawks, the team needed someone to step up and try to make-up, at least, some of the production that would be absence without Gay.

Enter Ben McLemore.

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Overall, McLemore had an exceptional game on both ends of the court and played a big part in the Kings being able to beat the Hawks in a close game 91-88, adding on to their now four-game winning streak.

Offensively, he was aggressive in looking to score and was also seeking to set up others to score as well. He finished the game with 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.

On the defensive end, McLemore was also aggressive as well. By showing a high level of energy defensively, McLemore was able to display what kind of defender he can be by hustling for plays, sticking with defenders, and creating turnovers that lead to Kings points. He finished the game recording 2 steals and one insane block.

Jan 21, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) blocks a shot by Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Atlanta Hawks 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) blocks a shot by Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Atlanta Hawks 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

So far this season, McLemore has not lived up to the expectations of being a starting two guard.

The problem that McLemore seems to encounter almost on a gamely basis is his consistency. You just do not know what you are going to get from the third-year pro game by game, and because of that, it holds his team back.

If the Kings can have a version of McLemore that they can rely on a consistent basis, it will help the Kings immensely going forward into the second half of the season.

On the offensive end, he needs to stay aggressive. He didn’t have the best numbers shooting last night (5-14), but it sure beats having him being non-existent on the court.

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Defensively, he needs to continue to show high energy. It’s strange how with McLemore’s length and athleticism that he is not a better defender, but last night he showed what kind of potential he has and needs to be constant in this part of his game.

The days of hoping Ben McLemore would eventually become an All-Star seem to be over, but it does not mean that McLemore cannot still be an effective player for his squad.

Based on his level of energy and aggressiveness from last night, if he can keep that part of his game consistent for the remainder of the season, it will contribute greatly for a Kings team that playoff hopes seem to be getting brighter as the season progresses.

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