Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings

I have always felt a deep connection with the Sacramento Kings.

In the early 2000s, when Rick Adelman was at the helm, they showcased the most aesthetically pleasing and fundamentally sound basketball that era had to offer. It’s widely believed that the 2014 Spurs, under Pop, drew inspiration from their offensive approach.

It was hard not to empathize with them after they were robbed of a critical playoff series by the Los Angeles Lakers. Many believed it was only a matter of time before they claimed championship glory, especially with the deteriorating relationship between Kobe and Shaq becoming increasingly public.

With a sharp and likeable head coach, selfless players, I often found myself rooting for the Kings whenever the Spurs were out of the playoffs. They were the antithesis of the glitz and drama associated with the Lakers, and the prevailing trend of iso-ball.

Similar to the Spurs, they represented the opposite of the Lakers’ style of play and off-court controversies.

However, the Kings never quite recovered from that loss to the Lakers. Injuries, free agency, and the refusal to extend Adelman led them into a downward spiral that lasted for decades.

Despite previous attempts to move the team, the Kings’ passionate small-market fans successfully thwarted it, a rare feat in professional sports.

The revival of the Kings coinciding with the first true rebuild of the Popovich era feels strangely poetic.

The Spurs have suffered four consecutive losing seasons, matching their longest stretch without success. One more would set a dismal record during the reign of their most successful head coach.

The Kings fans should savor this moment, as the Spurs are unlikely to remain in a slump for long.

Sacramento Kings at San Antonio Spurs

November 17th, 2023 | 6:30 PM CT

Watch: Bally Sports Southwest|Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs Injuries: Devin Vassell – Out (Hip), Tre Jones – Doubtful (Leg), Keldon Johnson – Probable (Knee), Sandro Mamukelashvili – Probable (Back)

Kings Injuries: Alex Len – Out (Ankle), Trey Lyles – Out (Calf)

What to watch for:

Front-court Adjustments

Keep an eye on the Spurs’ frontcourt lineup, as it has been leaning towards using two big men. However, they might be tested in this game, given the Kings’ tendency to play small and exploit speed to break down San Antonio’s perimeter defense.

Sharpshooting Sochan

Jeremy Sochan’s remarkable improvement in long-distance shooting has largely gone unnoticed. His work ethic has earned him a 42% shooting rate from beyond the arc, a significant leap from his previous percentage. Kings fans can visit The Kings Herald for a different perspective on the game.

For the game thread, join PtR’s Twitter feed to follow along with the action through social media.