Despite a history-making start to the season, Zach LaVine has been in a bit of a slump since returning from injury. But in the Sacramento Kings' loss to the Utah Jazz last night, LaVine dropped 34 points and got his groove back. Hopefully, it's here to stay because the Kings need him in top form.
During the first few games of the season, Zach LaVine was on an absolute tear. He shot 30 or more points in five out of six games, and quickly became the Kings' most potent offensive threat. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to get wins as the Kings went two and four during that run.
Since that early stretch of shooting greatness, LaVine has been really hot and cold. For the most part, he's been cold. There have been four games in the single digits and none in back in the 30s. It's important to keep in mind that he did miss a couple of games due to injury.
After returning, he definitely seemed off his game. That all seemed to change last night against the Jazz. The Kings lost by nine points, but LaVine finished 34 with a field goal average of 52.2% and went four for nine from three. There's actually a good reason why his pace picked up.
Zach LaVine was playing angry
Under head coach Doug Christie, the Kings' focus is on defense. The problem for LaVine is that he's a shooter who doesn't play defense particularly well. As such, it puts him in a difficult position as he's being asked to do something that he simply can't, a frustration he has discussed.
It's also hard to play for a franchise that you know wants to trade you and a fan base that doesn't seem to want you. The Kings are looking at a rebuild and need to move LaVine to make it work. And the hometown fans have been getting frustrated with his lack of defense, leading to one ejection.
LaVine probably walked out on the court against the Jazz with something to prove to himself, the entire Kings' organization, and the fans in the stands. He's incredibly frustrated, too, and probably had a little anger to work through on the court. Dropping a 34-piece on your opponents helps that.
Whether the Kings find a trade now or let him walk when his contract's up, Zach's time in Sacramento is limited. If he can keep pulling off performances like this, he might finally find himself on a team that fits him better, like the Milwaukee Bucks.