Kings reconnect defensively in revitalizing road win over Jazz

Kings reconnect defensively in revitalizing road win over Jazz originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There’s nothing like winning basketball, especially when there’s a formidable defensive element to it.

Despite wins and a sound defense missing two games into the season, the Kings proved they’re back on track in both categories in their 113-96 win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night at Delta Center.

A lot can be said about Domantas Sabonis’ 28 points, 11 rebounds and four assists and DeMar DeRozan’s 20 points, eight assists and four rebounds, but perhaps nothing quite stands out like Keon Ellis’ defensive shift in Sacramento’s second consecutive victory.

In 17 minutes of play, the third-year NBA guard demonstrated his well-known defensive prowess, registering two steals and three blocks. Deservingly so, Ellis earned the Kings’ Defensive Player of the Game and received high praise from six-time NBA All-Star teammate DeRozan.

“His activity,” DeRozan told reporters when asked what problems Ellis poses defensively. “He’s great at ball handling, Anticipation, defensively, is through the roof [and] the awareness. And when you got a player like that, it’s scary.

“You see it. He just knows where to be and when to be there. [He’s] got great hands, great anticipation. A guy like that, building on that, the more his confidence comes the better defensive player he’s going to continue to become and make us better.”

Following back-to-back losses to start the season, Sacramento’s defensive credibility took a hit, despite it playing a vital role in coach Mike Brown and Co.’s late run during the 2023-24 NBA season.

Less than a week later, Ellis’ impressive defensive basketball did not only revive the two-way style that general manager Monte McNair envisioned for the Kings this season. It also earned assistant coach Luke Loucks recognition for his recent work as the team’s defensive coordinator.

“Oh, for sure,” DeRozan told reporters on whether or not the Kings have improved defensively. “For sure, it’s been a constant thing every single day – day in and day out. If it’s film. If…

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Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-10-30 07:11:00

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