Kings’ skid continues despite Sabonis’ return; Schröder, Ellis and Achiuwa in focus
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Domantas Sabonis re-entered the Sacramento Kings’ lineup on Sunday night, yet the team absorbed a second straight lopsided defeat at Golden 1 Center, falling 144-117 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 10. The three-time All-Star had missed the previous two games with a left ribcage contusion but logged 30 minutes, finishing with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
“You don’t want to keep losing games,” Sabonis said before tipoff. “I love the game and we’re not winning, so you want to try to turn things around.”
Through the season’s early weeks, Sabonis is averaging 15.3 points—his lowest mark since arriving in Sacramento—and shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 15.4 percent from beyond the arc, both significant drops from last year.
Shooting slump hampers Schröder
Guard Dennis Schröder, acquired in an offseason sign-and-trade deal, continued to struggle with his shot, going 1-for-8 against Minnesota and 1-for-16 over the past two games. “I don’t feel comfortable, and when I don’t feel comfortable it’s just not effective,” he told KCRA News, adding that he plans to study film and focus on defensive impact while his offense rounds into form.
Ellis waits for bigger role
Home fans chanted for second-year guard Keon Ellis, but he didn’t enter until the fourth quarter. Interim head coach Doug Christie cited a “logjam” in the backcourt. “Trying to play 10 players and finding a rhythm for that is difficult,” Christie said, acknowledging the team’s defensive issues and promising Ellis will “get his opportunity.”
Achiuwa impresses in first start
Precious Achiuwa made his first start since joining the Kings, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds in 29 minutes. Christie praised the forward’s physicality and aggression, saying, “There’s some grown-man things that Precious does out there, and I’m all for it.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
