Game 29 Thread - Kings (16-12) vs Hornets (7-22)

[codydaze]

Kings look to start off the 2 week homestand on a positive note against a struggling Hornets team with Lamelo Ball back on the floor.

Things I'm looking for tonight:
1. Protect the house. This is a very important 2 week homestand for the Kings as we look to keep momentum building into the new year. In the first matchup of the year, the game was closer than it should have been with only a seven point victory where we had to claw our way back from a fifteen point deficit after the first half and they didn't even have Lamelo. After closing out the road trip with a close game against Detroit, I would like to see a wire-to-wire and stress free win.

2. No easy looks. Charlotte comes into the game tonight with the worst team 3P% in the league. We need to protect the line and not let them get off any easy looks from deep because even with the league worst percentage from deep, they have guys that can knock down the long ball and the last thing we want to do is let them catch a groove. If we can run shooters off the line with hard closeouts or at least be up in the jersey without fouling on three point shots, we can make things difficult and look to get out in transition.

3. Control the glass. With missed threes will come long rebound opportunities and Charlotte is one of the top offensive rebounding teams in the league and rank fifth in second chance points. It will be important to find a body when those shots go up and secure the defensive rebounds. While it certainly doesn't feel like it at times, we are actually fourth best in the league at limiting opponent second chance points so we will need to continue that trend tonight. Another 20 rebound night from the Ox incoming?

[City of Trees]

I think I heard it's sold out tonight.

[City of Trees]

I like your keys to the game codydaze.

I will add #4 Melo-out the Kings have put a lot of energy towards the refs these last 6 games. I would like to see them focus less on what calls they didn't get and redirect that energy towards the game.

[City of Trees]

Purple v Teal jersey is irritating me. No home jersey? Lol

[City of Trees]

What an ugly game so far.

[BoogieTime]

never heard of this Richards guy and he is annihilating us.

[City of Trees]

Gotta figure out how to stop Wilt

[codydaze]

Can't be giving up 40 point quarters. Need to step up the defense.

[City of Trees]

Time to dial it up

[BoogieTime]

Domas is playing like a top ten player

[City of Trees]

Domas is playing like a top ten player

Yes he is

[BoogieTime]

we still are going to need to play defense though, so many layups and dunks

[codydaze]

We've been a lot better in third quarters this year so let's hope we come out strong and take control of this game.

[City of Trees]

Things aren't looking good

[BoogieTime]

hornets seem a lot better than their record, must've had some injuries

[City of Trees]

hornets seem a lot better than their record, must've had some injuries

LaMelo was hurt to start the season. He's played in like 6 games

[BoogieTime]

double ball please

[codydaze]

We just decided to not make free throws tonight apparently.

[City of Trees]

13-26 from the line is game over.

[BoogieTime]

and its Kevin Huerter... after playing bad for the game and the last month... missing those crucial two...