2 Studs, 2 Duds from Kings brutal loss to Warriors

Dud from Kings’ brutal loss to the Warriors: Kevin Huerter

Huerter had by far his worst game so far as a member of the Sacramento Kings. He finished with 6 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 3-14 from the field, including 1-8 from behind the arc. Almost all of his counting stats were recorded in the fourth quarter as the Kings made their little push.

In the three quarters leading up to the finale, Huerter couldn’t get his shot to fall. This is going to happen to him. Kings fans knew it coming in, as Atlanta Hawks fans had made it well-known how frustrated they were with his inconsistent play.

It’s going to happen. When it does happen, he has to find other ways to positively impact the game. It can’t be a matter of finding the shot no matter how long it takes. Whether getting in on the boards, making plays for others or bringing an extra level of energy on defense there has to be something he does to help his team when it isn’t in the form of knocking down shots.

He is the starting shooting guard, so increased consistency is expected. He won’t be perfect in that area, though, so making up for it is key. Huerter was only a shooter for much of this game. The problem is, he wasn’t a shotmaker.

Stud from Kings’ brutal loss to the Warriors: Malik Monk

Huerter’s ‘partner is crime’ in terms of new additions that play the shooting guard position ended up on the other side of the spectrum in this one. Ironically, his biggest issue will also be with consistency on a nightly basis.

He was a dud in each of the team’s first two games, scoring six total points across them while shooting 2-11 from the field. In this one, he got it going from the field and that got his entire game going.

He was a spark when he checked into the game, and ended up seeing 29 minutes of action because of how well he played across the board. Ultimately, he finished with 16 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds.

He also chipped in 3 steals and wound up with a +/- of +2. Not a wild number, but given the result of the game, a solid one to have at the end of the night. He wasn’t just on the court at the right time, either, he was providing much of the positive play that was seen.

Monk showed he can be the sixth-man instant offense guy that the Kings want him to be. What he did everywhere else and on the defensive end is a huge cherry on top and would be a blessing for the Kings to get moving forward. Next up, he has to do it in a game that is more competitive.