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Sacramento Kings: Breaking down Willie Cauley-Stein’s monster game against the Mavericks

By Jonathan Roberts

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 21: Buddy Hield #24 and Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings high five during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 21, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 21: Buddy Hield #24 and Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings high five during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 21, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Taking the court against the Dallas Mavericks, Willie Cauley-Stein turned in one of the best performances of his career for the Sacramento Kings in a 116-110 victory.

With his future with the Sacramento Kings uncertain, each game we get closer to the potential end of Willie Cauley-Stein’s tenure in Sacramento, but that didn’t stop him from turning one of the best games of his career on Thursday against a reeling Dallas Mavericks squad.

The Dallas Mavericks are just 1-9 in their last 10 games, but they hung around for a majority of the contest, though Cauley-Stein wouldn’t let the Sacramento Kings lose another game as their non-existent playoff hopes gets closer to a permanent end.

In 32 minutes of action, his most since Feb. 27, Willie Cauley-Stein pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds, adding in 10 points, three assists and two steals on 62.5 percent shooting.

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In a game full of storylines for both sides, with Justin Jackson and Harrison Barnes playing their former teams for the first time since their February trade; Luka Doncic vs. Marvin Bagley III part I; the Sacramento Kings fading playoff hopes and Buddy Hield’s pursuit of Sacramento Kings history, Willie Cauley-Stein made his presence known.

Cauley-Stein, who is much maligned for his defense and rebounding ability (or lack thereof), has always been an exceptional passer for a big-man, and that passing earned some praise from Kings Head Coach Dave Joerger post game.

"“I told [Buddy Hield] he needs to take Willie out to dinner, Willie got him two or three looks.” said a Joerger to KHTK’s Matt George following the game."

Still, Cauley-Stein’s incredible effort on the boards got plenty of praise from Kings fans on social media, and even though he picked up his sixth technical foul on the season, fans lauded his effort and intensity throughout the game, a drastic change from most of the season.

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Willie Cauley-Stein’s time in Sacramento may be coming to an end, and it might not be, but if it is, he’s doing everything he can to make sure he goes out on a high-note. Cauley-Stein has been derided for some of his comments to the media, his effort level and his inconsistent play, but he has embraced this city since he arrived and represented a beacon of hope when DeMarcus Cousins was traded in 2017. So whatever the future holds, it’s nice to see Willie Cauley-Stein finding success on the court, and whether he remains in Sacramento or not, we wish him all the best.

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