NBA 2020: Sacramento Superteam

[Byrne]

Kings down Warriors behind Fox, stout defense

In one of the NBA's most anticipated matchups this season, the Sacramento Kings absolutely suffocated the defending NBA champions en route to a 108-83 victory. DeAaron Fox posted a new career high with 41 points, while Harry Giles kept his double-double streak going with a 19/16 line. On Golden State's side, nothing was really working all night. Stephen Curry led the team with 20 points on 8-22 shooting, and teammate Kevin Durant struggled mightily to just 11 points on 5-16. He was hounded all night by Justin Jackson and Harry Giles whenever he dared enter the paint. Many around the league have begun to accept that this Kings team may be the favorite to win the title this year.

Next up is the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by the combo of Russell Westbrook and Paul George that has flourished since his trade over from Indiana.

[Byrne]

Fox's legendary game leads Kings past Thunder in overtime classic

In what easily qualifies as the NBA's finest performance thus far this season, DeAaron Fox dominated to the tune of 52 points on 19-36 shooting with a whopping 17 assists (both career highs). The Kings fell behind big after losing the 2nd quarter 40-15, but Fox was dominant in the second half and overtime as he kept the Kings in it. Harry Giles also had a massive game with 25 and 18. The other team had some nice performances as well, as Paul George led the Thunder with 30 points and costar Russell Westbrook scored 29 with 11 assists. The now 5-0 Kings will look to stay perfect next weak at New Orleans.

[Byrne]

Trade Alert: Kings acquire C.J. McCollum, Blazers get Bridges

With the trade deadline coming in a few weeks, it will be interesting to see what teams make moves. The Kings made a big splash by acquiring Blazers Shooting Guard C.J. McCollum along with young guard Collin Sexton for a package of George Hill, Miles Bridges, and two 2nd round picks. With huge pay days incoming, the Kings are going to have to pick which young players to build around. The Blazers were reportedly very high on Bridges, and trading McCollum allows them to begin retooling their roster, as he often clashed skills-wise with franchise point guard Damian Lillard. The Kings acquire a high volume scorer who can pick up the slack when DeAaron Fox sits, and they free up some minutes for some of their other young prospects like Skal Labissiere. The Kings are deep at forward and center, and shouldn't have a problem filling the hole left by Bridges' departure. They had to say goodbye to fan favorite George Hill, but McCollum is a similar player who should provide higher production across the board, giving the Kings a direct upgrade. This could be a move to try and win now for the Kings front office, as the roster may look a bit different next year as Fox, Harry Giles, Justin Jackson, Buddy Hield, AND Willie Cauley-Stein all coming off cheap deals simultaneously.

[Byrne]

Kings lose first game of season at Pelicans, fall to 5-1

DeAaron Fox scored 35 and new King C.J. McCollum was great with 26 on 9-16 shooting, but the Kings still fell against the New Orleans Pelicans to drop to 5-1. Surprise star Jrue Holiday was great, dueling Fox and posting his own 31 and 10 line. Harry Giles had a disappointing night against the Pelicans' esteemed front court, scoring just 11 points with a season-low 7 rebounds. This is the first game of the season that Giles has not recorded a double double. DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis were simply too strong on the boards tonight. The Kings will look to bounce back next week as they face their recent trade partner, the Trailblazers, at home.