Kings notes: Team is forcing turnovers but not cashing in

Kings coach Keith Smart is big on tracking all aspects of his team's defense.

Statistics for deflections and proper defensive rotations aren't routinely kept by the NBA. But forced turnovers are tracked, and the Kings are among the best in the league.

Entering Wednesday's game against the Lakers at Sleep Train Arena, the Kings were tied for eighth in the NBA, forcing 16.3 turnovers per game.

But the Kings aren't doing enough with those turnovers for Smart's liking.

The Kings have struggled to score for most of the season, and Smart would like the team to convert turnovers into more fast-break chances.

"We create the turnovers, but our return rate is not high," Smart said. "We get the turnovers, which is a huge positive. We've got to keep doing those things to create second and third opportunities."

The Kings score 17.7 points per game off turnovers, which is 10th in the NBA.

Smart, however, noted all that the Kings have done wrong with those scoring opportunities.

"The finish rate of not making the layup, a turnover," Smart said. "It's something that you don't get the opportunity when your defense has done something well for you."

Rotation change – One change in the player rotation during Sunday's loss to Atlanta was Jimmer Fredette being the first point guard off the bench to replace starter Aaron Brooks, who was new to the starting lineup.

Isaiah Thomas was the first point guard off the bench against the Lakers on Wednesday night. Fredette didn't play until there were 7.7 seconds left in the first half.

Fredette managed to record an assist in that time to give Sacramento a 42-41 halftime lead.

Medical report – Kings forward-center Chuck Hayes left the game in the first quarter to receive stitches under his right eye. Hayes was injured when he accidentally butted heads with teammate Jason Thompson.

Hayes returned to the game with a bandage covering his stitches.

Mike D'Antoni coached his second game with the Lakers since being hired Nov. 11. D'Antoni is recovering from knee replacement surgery and sat in a chair for his pregame media session. Coaches usually stand.

Family time – The Kings usually leave in the afternoon for trips that are relatively close, like Friday's game at Utah.

But with it being Thanksgiving, the Kings' charter flight won't depart until 8 p.m. today.

• Read more articles by Jason Jones

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