Improvement On Defense Is A Must For Sacramento Kings

After playing their first two preseason games in India, the Sacramento Kings understand that their defense still needs work.

The festivities in India are over and the Sacramento Kings are back home. The next time the purple and white will be on the court is Thursday when they will host the Phoenix Suns, as it will be their third preseason match of the campaign.

During the first two matchups, the Kings were solid. Offensively, the team collectively looked sharp as their fast-paced offense and lethal shooting from beyond the arc gave the Indiana Pacers fits during parts of the game. But on the defensive side of the ball, it was quite the opposite.

Although the Kings showed some encouraging flashes of defensive efficiency, the last two games showed that it is still an aspect of the game that they struggle in, especially during the later stages of the game. In a recent interview from head coach Luke Walton, he talked about how there was no doubt his team looked bad on defense and that it is something they will address going forward.

Improvement On Defense Is A Must

The Kings’ offense is quite the sight to see. Their ability to run the floor and make perimeter shots at a high clip makes it entertaining for any basketball fan to see and a nightmare for any team they face. But with their high-powered offense comes along a weakness in their game which is their defense. Yes, the Kings can score a ton of points a contest, but they also allow a lot as well.

In the last two preseason games, the Kings allowed an average of 131 points, 124 points if you do not account for their overtime period. That is not new as the Kings have struggled on defense for the last couple of seasons. Last season (2018-19), they allowed over 115 points a game. The year before that (2017-18), over 105 points. And in the 2016-17 season, over 106 points a night. Each time they were unable to finish in the upper part of the league in points allowed per game.

Final Thoughts

The Sacramento Kings have the athletes, the length, and basketball IQ to be a good defensive team. Now, it is about having the energy and motivation to do so. It will be hard since the team utilizes so much energy offensively already, but it is possible with their personnel.

If the Kings can find a way to better their defense, while continuing to score points at a fast rate, they will be a tough beat for ANY team during the regular season. And in the playoffs, they will tire out their oppoent as the series goes on.