Kings gameday live: Luke Walton braces for ‘long flight home’ after loss to Timberwolves
The Kings set out to find themselves during a four-game road trip that took them to San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Detroit and Minnesota. Instead, they’re desperately searching for answers.
The Kings failed to build on Monday’s win over the Detroit Pistons, falling 107-97 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night at Target Center. The team will return to Sacramento for a difficult four-game homestand after going 1-3 on the road. The ride could be particularly uncomfortable for Kings coach Luke Walton, whose job security was called into question earlier this week amid reports he could be on the hot seat if the team’s struggles continue.
“It’s going to be a long flight home after that one,” Walton said. “A lot to think about and reevaluate after watching the game over.”
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points, Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 and D’Angelo Russell added 17 for the Timberwolves (5-9), who had lost eight of their last nine games.
De’Aaron Fox had 28 points to lead the Kings (6-9), who have lost five of their last six after going 5-4 to start the season.
The Kings answered Walton’s call to crash the boards, outrebounding the Timberwolves 47-35, but they committed 20 turnovers while shooting 36.6% from the field and 26.3% from 3-point range.
“We finished the game with 20 turnovers,” Walton said. “In the first half, however many we had at the half, 13 or something, all (of them) from our starting five. All 13 turnovers. We have a job to do here and we have to take care of the ball.”
Chemistry test
Fox and Tyrese Haliburton have flatly rejected the notion that there’s some kind of chemistry issue between them.
The question of compatibility came up in social media debates, sportstalk radio discussions and postgame news conferences while the Kings were mired in a four-game losing streak. It continued to be a topic of conversation as the Kings prepared to visit the Timberwolves.
Haliburton dismissed the idea entirely after he and Fox combined for 36 points, 19 assists, eight rebounds and five steals in a 129-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night at Little Caesars Arena.
Fox had a strong game, posting 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds and three steals with zero turnovers in 33 minutes. Haliburton was terrific, too, finishing with 17 points, 10 assists and two steals while making 7 of 11 from the field and 3 of 3 from 3-point range.
“I thought we both played well,” Haliburton said. “I don’t think either of us or anybody here feels like we have a chemistry issue. I feel like I was asked that question last game and I feel like it’s a nonexistent thing. It does not exist. I don’t really have to say much. You guys can read the box score and tell me how that chemistry issue is looking.”
Fox was asked if he had any thoughts on the subject.
“Naw,” he said.
Fox watch
This perception is partly a product of the way Fox struggled early this season after averaging 25.2 points and 7.2 assists in 2020-21.
Haliburton came off the bench last season. He’s starting this season, and sharing primary ballhandling duties with Fox, leading some to wonder if Fox’s early shooting woes had something to do with the adjustment.
Over the first seven games, Fox averaged 17.7 points while shooting 36.4% from the field, 15.4% from 3-point range and 63.2% at the free-throw line. Over the last seven games, he’s averaging 21.9 points while shooting 45.7% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 78.9% at the line.
Going big with Metu, Bagley
Walton said Marvin Bagley III would play again Wednesday after making his first appearance since Oct. 22 in Monday’s win over the Pistons. Bagley finished with two points, five rebounds and one assist in 11 minutes.
Walton said Chimezie Metu will continue to start at power forward for at least three more games and Bagley will continue to get minutes in an attempt to improve the team’s rebounding. Walton said he would reevaluate after getting a five-game sample size, but in the meantime he will use bigger lineups with fewer three-guard sets.
“Marvin’s playing again tonight,” Walton said. “We’re putting our biggest and best rebounders out there on the floor. Everyone on the team understands the messaging and whatnot, how important this is going to be for our success going forward, so we’re going to continue to play bigger lineups for now and we’ll see where that gets us.”
Sacramento Kings at Minnesota Timberwolves
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Target Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sports 1140 KHTK
Odds: Timberwolves -2
Over/under: 222.5
Morning injury report
Kings: OUT — Louis King (G League); Neemias Queta (G League); Robert Woodard II (G League).
Timberwolves: QUESTIONABLE — Josh Okogie (back); Naz Reid (foot). OUT — Leandro Bolmaro (G League); McKinley Wright IV (G League).
This story was originally published November 17, 2021 at 4:00 AM.
