Kings gameday live: Fox says team looks ‘completely different’ going into game vs. Nets

The Kings have looked like a different team since making a blockbuster trade to acquire two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis.

De’Aaron Fox looks different, too. The smile has returned. The burst of speed is back. Fox looks refreshed as the Kings prepare to visit the Brooklyn Nets on Monday at Barclays Center in New York.

Fox was asked if he feels reinvigorated after the Kings posted back-to-back victories over the Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards.

“Losings takes a big toll on guys,” Fox said. “Those types of things happen, but we all agree the team looks completely different from a roster standpoint. They came in with a great energy and that’s what it’s been. It just feels different.”

The Kings (22-36) are still 1 ½ games out of the final play-in spot in the Western Conference heading into their game against the Nets (29-27), but there are early indications they could be much improved. They scored 132 points in their win over the Timberwolves and 123 against the Wizards, posting some of the best offensive numbers in the league in their first two games with Sabonis despite limited practice time.

The sample size is small, but the results are encouraging. In those two games, the Kings were No. 1 in the NBA in true shooting percentage (.658), No. 2 in effective field-goal percentage (.617), No. 3 in field-goal percentage (.538) and offensive rating (127.5), No. 4 in 3-point shooting (.414) and rebounding percentage (.561), and No. 5 in scoring (127.5 ppg) and assists (29.5).

“It’s just fun when you have a high level of communication,” Fox said. “The ball’s moving, everybody’s cutting, everybody’s getting involved. I think everybody can agree that it’s fun to play basketball like that.”

Note: Check back throughout the day for updates on tonight’s game between the Kings and Nets.

Sacramento Kings at Brooklyn Nets

When: 4:30 p.m.

Where: Barclays Center

TV: NBC Sports California

Radio: Sports 1140 KHTK

Odds: Kings -2.0

Over/under: 228

Injury report

Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Jeremy Lamb (ankle). OUT — Terence Davis (wrist).

Nets: QUESTIONABLE — James Johnson (ankle). OUT — Kevin Durant (MCL); Joe Harris (ankle); Kyrie Irving (ineligible to play); Ben Simmons (reconditioning).

This story was originally published February 14, 2022 at 10:38 AM.

Jason Anderson

The Sacramento Bee

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Jason Anderson has been the Sacramento Kings beat writer for The Sacramento Bee since 2018. He is a Sacramento native who is proud to provide coverage that is as passionate and dedicated as the loyal Kings fan base.