A disappointing loss is an understatement for Kings fans in attendance tonight at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings were coming off an impressive victory on the road and they did the complete opposite tonight against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as they suffered a 101-91 defeat without DeMarcus Cousins.
Just when we thought the Sacramento Kings had turned the corner, they took a huge step back tonight against a very young Timberwolves team. A loss is a loss, but the way they lost was very frustrating to watch.
“We just don’t have a luxury without Cuz playing to not give an effort defensively,” said a frustrated George Karl.
It sure seemed that way tonight. The Kings felt superior to Minnesota and lost a game they needed to win. But you have to give these young Timberwolves credit.
“We need to give them credit. They played hard tonight,” said Kosta Koufos. “They are a talented team, but that was a very winnable game for us. At the same time, we have to turn the page and move on and learn from our mistakes.”
We can agree that Rudy Gay wasn’t himself tonight and he would be the first to admit it. Let’s just leave it at that.
The biggest positive once again was Rajon Rondo. It just seems that this team doesn’t function the same when he takes a breather. And not having Cousins doesn’t help either.
Rondo’s leadership on both ends is priceless and this team needs to figure out how to get in the right positions on the floor to get quality shots when he takes a breather.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, no Kings player since 1977-78 (when individual turnovers were first recorded on NBA box scores) has recorded 16 points, 16 assists and no turnovers in a game before Rondo tonight.
We will find out what this team’s true character is tomorrow night against the undefeated Golden State Warriors.
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