Kings preseason final thoughts: Davion Mitchell’s shooting, Keegan Murray’s two-way game, more

The Sacramento Kings celebrated a much-needed preseason victory on Thursday night, defeating the Utah Jazz 116-113 at Golden 1 Center. Despite ending the preseason with a 1-4 record, there are several key takeaways to examine from these five games. Let’s delve into a few of them.

Colby Jones Impresses:

Coach Mike Brown had high praise for rookie Colby Jones prior to the Kings’ preseason finale against the Jazz. Brown admitted feeling pressure to give Jones more playing time, acknowledging his exceptional performance. Brown stated, “It’s going to be hard to keep (Colby) off the floor…If Colby keeps doing what he’s doing, it’s going to be hard to keep him on that bench.” Jones showcased his skills during the game, finishing second in scoring with 19 points, including five 3-pointers, alongside three rebounds, three steals, and two assists. What sets Jones apart is not just his stats but his remarkable understanding of the game and his composure on the court, despite being a rookie. While Jones is still eager to learn and improve, his early contributions are promising for the team.

Mitchell’s Improved 3-Point Shooting:

Davion Mitchell, known as “Off Night” for his ability to disrupt opponents, has shown tremendous growth in his 3-point shooting. During the preseason, Mitchell sought out opportunities to take and make 3-pointers, a notable improvement from his performance last postseason. In one game against the Golden State Warriors, Mitchell went 4-for-4 from behind the arc in the first half. He finished with a total of 10 successful 3-pointers on 26 attempts throughout the preseason, shooting at an impressive 38.4 percent. This development in his shooting abilities will not only enhance his offensive game but also provide spacing for the team, allowing De’Aaron Fox to focus on offense while Mitchell guards the opposing team’s top guards.

Fox’s Defensive Intensity:

De’Aaron Fox has demonstrated an increased focus on defense during the preseason. While he has always had an average of 1.3 steals per game throughout his career, his attention to detail and consistency in defensive efforts have stood out. Fox’s defensive prowess was evident through his four preseason games, resulting in four steals and two blocks. Coach Mike Brown commended Fox’s defensive skills, stating, “The dude can’t get screened if he doesn’t want to, he’s that good. You couple that with the way he can be defensively and add that to his development offensively, man. (Fox) still has room to grow on both ends.” It will be interesting to see how Fox’s intensified defensive efforts will impact his overall game this season.

Murray’s All-Around Growth:

Keegan Murray’s growth on both ends of the court has been a notable highlight during the offseason. Not only has he displayed an impressive skill set, including dunking on opponents and showcasing a variety of shots, but he has also demonstrated improvement in stealing and blocking the ball. Murray’s increased abilities can be attributed, in part, to the time he has spent with De’Aaron Fox, who has been a mentor to the young player. Murray’s confidence and aggressiveness on the court have been encouraged by the coaching staff. It seems that the infamous “Murray wiggle” mentioned last season is here to stay.

Huerter’s Struggle at Shooting Guard:

Kevin Huerter, who held the starting shooting guard position last season, has been facing difficulties with his 3-point shooting. Including the postseason, Huerter has made only 13 of his last 61 attempts from behind the arc, resulting in a shooting percentage of 21.3 percent. The team will need to explore other options for the starting position and find a player who can provide consistent scoring from the perimeter.

In conclusion, the Sacramento Kings’ preseason games have revealed several promising developments for the team. Rookie Colby Jones has impressed with his performance, Davion Mitchell has shown significant improvement in his 3-point shooting, De’Aaron Fox has intensified his defensive efforts, Keegan Murray continues to grow on both ends of the court, and the team is assessing options for the starting shooting guard position. As the regular season commences against the Utah Jazz, fans and analysts eagerly anticipate how these players will contribute to the team’s success.

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Emily Turner

Emily Turner is your source for everything NBA. As a dedicated basketball enthusiast, she offers insights into NBA games, player highlights, trade rumors, and the league’s evolving dynamics. Emily’s love for the sport shines through in her comprehensive NBA coverage.