Game 29 Thread - Kings (16-12) vs Hornets (7-22)
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2022 11:59 pm
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?
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?