A Royal Pain
Fansided

Injuries Are A Blessing In Disguise For Sacramento Kings

By Anthony Cardenas

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 25: Richaun Holmes #22 and Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings react during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 25, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 25: Richaun Holmes #22 and Cory Joseph #9 of the Sacramento Kings react during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on November 25, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings Cory Joesph (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Cory Joseph and Yogi Ferrell

Both Cory Joseph and Yogi Ferrell have received extended minutes in the absence of De’Aaron Fox, and the results have been mixed.

Joseph has been applauded and revered for his defensive presence, having locked down some of the league’s top guards since Fox hit the injury list. Walton has had the confidence in him to stick him on the opposing team’s best player, especially in crunch time with the game on the line. He has performed very well in those situations.

But his offensive production is below average at very best. He is having his worst shooting performance since his rookie season when he played in just 29 games. He has committed game-changing turnovers in crunch time, and averages just 5.9 points per game in 26.3 minutes.

Ferrell is somewhat of a breath of fresh air in that respect. Despite receiving half of the number of minutes that Joseph does, Ferrell averages almost the exact same amount of points. He is a far better shooter, though his struggles from the three-point line this season are concerning. But he is making a career-high 45% of his field goals so far, a number that has helped soften the blow of missing Fox on offense.

Ferrell played just 25 total minutes in the nine games before the injury to Fox. It is likely that his minutes will diminish to something similar upon the starting point guard’s return, but it is Cory Joseph who Sacramento has truly learned about during this tough stretch. They now have a reliable backcourt defender to help out with the elite guard play in the Western Conference, one who can potentially play alongside Fox in crunch time.

The Fox injury seemed like it would derail any hopes of the Kings climbing back into contention, but the play of Joseph has helped to keep Sacramento competitive so far.

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