Ten Takeaways: The Sacramento Kings’ Season Opener
By Matt Broad
Oct 28, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) drives in sending Los Angeles Clippers forward Josh Smith (5) to the ground ahead of Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Sacramento Kings 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
DeMarcus Cousins Still Hasn’t Learned What It Takes to Win
Despite an impressive stat line—32 points, 13, boards, 3 assists, and 4 treys—DeMarcus Cousins still seems to want to “get his,” so to speak. After the Kings tied the game up, DMC first forced an ugly turnover (intercepted cross court bounce pass to the wing) on a play drawn out of a timeout.
On the following offensive sequence, he pulled up for a contested eighteen footer over DeAndre Jordan. The latter effectively sealed the Kings’ fate. I can’t help but think this sort of play differentiates the boys from the men.
The Kings need to 1) capitalize on plays drawn up out of timeout (which they seemed to do in the Preseason); and 2) run plays for Boogie in the low post. If he’s going to be our guy who takes closing buckets, I’d rather have him backing down players in the post and forcing double teams than settling for long 2’s.
Next: Ben McLemore Lacks Direction