Game 1: Kings (0-0) vs Wolves (0-1) [Opening Night!]

[codydaze]

Kings basketball is back! We are tipping off the season at home in the top rated arena in the league, according to ESPN, against a Wolves team that lost their opener to the Lakers. This a new look Wolves team as well after trading Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle just a couple weeks ago.

For the Kings, it sounds like Huerter and Lyles are back and expected to be in the rotation tonight with Huerter likely getting the nod as the starting 2 guard. While I do feel Keon is the better fit with the starting unit, Huerter can find himself getting a lot of open looks in this offense and has always thrived in the DHO heavy actions with Sabonis. Let's hope for a bounce back year for Red Velvet.

Let's get the season started on the right track and Light The Beam!

[KF10]

Good opening night matchup against the Wolves. It will be tough but excited to watch this team again.

GO KINGS!

[blind prophet]

Unusual year for me. Didn't watch any summer league (Carter was hurt)

Didn't watch any preseason games either, was probably for the best.

On top of that we added DDR

So more excited than usual.

[BoogieTime]

good start!

[BoogieTime]

timberwolves 7-14 from three, its been tiresome yesterday

[BoogieTime]

love going into half with the lead

[BoogieTime]

and I think you all know my opinion about Anthony Edwards... most overrated player going with his inefficiency and lack of team bbiq/floor game

[KF10]

Solid first half. Hot first quarter but things slowed down a bit in the second quarter.

It looks like there is a short leash on Huerter. He missed 2 straight 3pt attempts, Brown took him out immediately.

[KF10]

and I think you all know my opinion about Anthony Edwards... most overrated player going with his inefficiency and lack of team bbiq/floor game

I’m happy with Ant is simply choosing to jack up 3s instead of attacking the rim lol

[LightTheBeam]

YESSSS. What a joy tonight has been not watching Barnes. Derozan has been as advertised. Now if we can just defend the 3 and put Keon over huerter I'll be over the moon!

[codydaze]

17 3PM for the Wolves vs just 8 for us is the difference right now. Hard to believe we're only down 1 with that discrepancy but we've played well so far. Need to take control and close this out, we've had opportunities to put them away just need to capitalize.

[KF10]

Randle is always been a certified Kings killer. No surprise there.

Ant stepped up in the second half and no one was able to stop him.

[codydaze]

Our key guys all produced well but we need those other role players to give us something, only 10 points out of Huerter/Lyles/Keon/Len isn't going to get it done.

Most importantly though we need to defend the damn three point line! We already don't have any rim protection, we can't allow 40%+ from deep every night.

[blind prophet]

One of the things I was looking for tonight was how we would handle potential scoring droughts. They were concerning last season. Optimistic DDR could help with that.

First half was great. Didn't have one.

Then here we go again in the end of the third. Noticed DDR was taken out of the game before the drought.

Again in the 4th we got in trouble again but this time around DDR got to the line and helped minimize the damage.

I think this could help us significantly this season.

Ball movement was fantastic at times, so were the cuts & finds.

[blind prophet]

Our key guys all produced well but we need those other role players to give us something, only 10 points out of Huerter/Lyles/Keon/Len isn't going to get it done.

Most importantly though we need to defend the damn three point line! We already don't have any rim protection, we can't allow 40%+ from deep every night.

We need Keon to bring it defensively most of the time he comes in.

I think we are ok if just one of Huerter/Lyles/McBuckets shoots well. But all 3 off? Not going to get it done.

[codydaze]

Keegan a +9 in 43 minutes and Derozan a +8 in 42 minutes, those bench minutes killed us.

[blind prophet]

Keegan a +9 in 43 minutes and Derozan a +8 in 42 minutes, those bench minutes killed us.

I didn't realize it was that bad.

Thanks for pointing it out. Wonder if this is an issue where Brown's rotational choices could make a difference?

I don't see much benefit to McBucekts/Huerter/Lyles being on the court if they can't hit shots.

Nobody left on the bench to use really as a better option. McLaughlin is not going to see many minutes positionally.

[Klomp]

Fun game, folks!

[BoogieTime]

Keegan a +9 in 43 minutes and Derozan a +8 in 42 minutes, those bench minutes killed us.

I didn't realize it was that bad.

Thanks for pointing it out. Wonder if this is an issue where Brown's rotational choices could make a difference?

I don't see much benefit to McBucekts/Huerter/Lyles being on the court if they can't hit shots.

Nobody left on the bench to use really as a better option. McLaughlin is not going to see many minutes positionally.

McLaughlin can see Keon’s minutes for me

[Jkam31]

We desperately need a capeable SG Keon isn’t gonna cut it and Huerter got benched which begs why the **** did he start. He would get shots coming off the bench mind boggling decision

Fox needs to do better man I’m sorry we need him yo b as good as even Brunson he took over for a minute then stopped guys like Brunson and ain’t don’t do that

Keegan Murray is an absolute monster