Kings-Blazers gameday live: Mike Brown says ‘let that thing fly’; goal is 40 3-point tries
Note: Come back to this story throughout the day for the latest news, notes and injury updates on today’s game.
Kings coach Mike Brown opened up a little bit of his playbook for the media Tuesday as his team prepared to play the Portland Trail Blazers in Wednesday’s season opener at Golden 1 Center.
Brown shared plans for his offense after practice and then invited the Kings press corps to participate in a media walkthrough to demonstrate the basics of his offense and defense. Brown said he believes in his shooters and his goal for the team is 40 3-point attempts per game, a big number that would have ranked third in the NBA last season, just behind the Golden State Warriors.
“I tell all our guys, I’ve taken a lot from Steve Kerr, and one of the things he always tells his guys is, ‘Hey, I want to play fast, I want to play loose, but disciplined,’” said Brown, who came to the Kings after six seasons as Kerr’s lead assistant. “I truly believe that can happen (in Sacramento). So, with the shooters we have on this team, with the guys’ ability to pass the basketball the way they do and the speed of (De’Aaron) Fox and Davion (Mitchell), if you’re open, let that thing fly. We’ve got confidence in you. Let it fly and knock it down and let’s go play some defense.”
Huerter’s status vs. Blazers
Kings guard Kevin Huerter was listed as questionable on the team’s injury report Tuesday, but Brown said he was a full participant in practice and would likely be available against the Blazers.
“Kevin went through a whole practice today,” Brown said. “He went through the noncontact and the contact portion, so he should be fine.”
Huerter missed Friday’s preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers and was limited in practice Monday due to left ankle soreness.
Keegan Murray update
Kings rookie Keegan Murray was still away from the team Tuesday, four days after entering NBA health and safety protocols. He has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Blazers.
Murray, who is viewed as a top Rookie of the Year candidate, led the team in scoring in two preseason games, averaging 16.0 points on 70.6% shooting from the field and 70% shooting from 3-point range. He missed the last two preseason games after contracting what was initially believed to be a non-COVID-19 illness.
“Keegan is still in protocol, but he’s getting better,” Brown said.
Trail Blazers at Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -2.0
Over/under: 226
Injury report
Blazers: OUT — Gary Payton II (return to competition reconditioning); Olivier Sarr (wrist); Trendon Watford (hip).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Kevin Huerter (ankle). OUT — Keegan Murray (health and safety protocols).
Upcoming schedule
10/19 vs. Trail Blazers
10/22 vs. Clippers
10/23 at Warriors
10/27 vs. Grizzlies
10/29 vs. Heat
