TITLE: Kings Drop 11th Straight; Youngsters Finish Game, Cardwell Earns Contract, Hunter Exits Early
SLUG: kings-drop-11th-straight-youngsters-cardwell-contract-hunter-eye-injury
CONTENT:
The Sacramento Kings fell 114-111 to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night, their 11th consecutive defeat and the franchise’s longest skid since the 1991-92 season. At 12-41, Sacramento owns the NBA’s worst record and sits atop the Tankathon standings.
Young lineup closes the gap
Interim head coach Doug Christie used an all-young lineup—guards Devin Carter and Daeqwon Plowden alongside rookies Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell—for the game’s final stretch. “It’s extremely tough to lose, but the value for these young players is incredible,” Christie said. “I’m proud of them for continuing to compete in high-leverage moments.”
Cardwell posts career highs after roster promotion
Cardwell, an undrafted rookie center playing his first game since being elevated from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract, produced 14 points and 14 rebounds—both career highs—for his second double-double of the season. The 23-year-old signed a four-year deal earlier in the week.
General manager Scott Perry said Cardwell’s promotion became possible after Sacramento sent Dennis Schröder, Keon Ellis and Dario Šarić out in a three-team trade that brought forward De’Andre Hunter to the Kings. “He’s an energetic defender, a switchable big and already one of our top rebounders for the minutes he’s played,” Perry noted. “He’s quickly become a fan favorite.”
Hunter suffers left eye injury
Hunter’s second appearance with Sacramento lasted only 25 minutes. The forward left Friday’s contest with a left eye injury after shooting 1-for-8 from the floor and committing three turnovers. He had scored nine points in 26 minutes during his Kings debut against Memphis on Wednesday.
Friday’s loss leaves Sacramento three defeats shy of the franchise mark of 14 straight setbacks.
Source: Hoops Rumors
