Kings-Spurs gameday live: Sacramento’s offense surging; latest on Keegan Murray’s injury
Note: Come back to this story throughout the day for the latest news, notes and injury updates on today’s game.
Former Kings center Harry Giles III couldn’t help but reminisce when he saw what Sacramento did to the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday in a nationally televised game on TNT.
The Kings finished one point shy of the Sacramento-era scoring record in a 153-121 victory over the Nets. Giles harkened back to the 2018-19 season, when Iman Shumpert declared “The Scores is here” as the Kings averaged 114.2 points per game to finish ninth in the NBA in scoring.
Giles tweeted: “The Scores back huh? #SacramentoProud”
The Kings (7-6) are No. 2 in the NBA in scoring at 119.5 points per game as they prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs (6-9) on Thursday at Golden 1 Center. They have won four in a row and seven of nine.
The Kings also rank second in the NBA in offensive rating (116.5), field-goal percentage (.493) and true shooting percentage (.611). They are third in effective field-goal percentage (.578) and assist ratio (19.9); fourth in assist percentage (.658) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.92); and seventh in 3-point percentage (.381).
The Kings averaged 113.0 points while going 0-4 to start the season and 114.3 points over their first nine games. They’ve averaged 130.5 points per game during their current winning streak.
Sacramento scored 127 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, 120 against the Los Angeles Lakers, 122 against the Golden State Warriors and a whopping 153 against the Brooklyn Nets. The Kings have scored 120 points or more six times this season, including each of the past four games. They also had a 119-point performance in a win over the Miami Heat.
Kings coach Mike Brown likes what he has seen from his team’s offense, but he wants to see more on defense, where Sacramento ranks 27th in opponent points per game (117.0).
“We have guys that can really shoot the ball, and they have a great feel and all that other stuff,” Brown said. “It’s great to be top 10, top five in anything, but the reality of it is, you’ve got to defend on this level. If you have a great offensive team, you’re going to win some games, especially during regular season and the preseason, and it’s going to be fun to watch.
“Fans can enjoy it … but at the end of the day, we have to figure out how to stay there offensively, but bring our defense up at the same time because games usually come down to one, two, three possessions, and you’ve got to be able to garner some stops then. If you get enough stops on the defensive end of the floor, then you’ve got a chance to be pretty good. So, I applaud the guys. It’s not a minor fete at all. It’s a great fete to be a top-10 offensive team, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to be able to defend in order to win at a high level in this league, and that’s what we’re working on.”
Murray questionable
Kings rookie Keegan Murray’s status for Thursday’s game against the Spurs is uncertain due to a back injury suffered in Tuesday’s win over the Nets.
Murray is listed as questionable against the Spurs. The injury is being described as lower back soreness and is not believed to be serious.
Murray was said to be in good spirits Wednesday while getting rest and treatment from the team’s medical staff. The team will continue to treat and evaluate Murray leading up to Thursday’s game.
Murray update
The Kings said Murray was continuing to progress Thursday, and his injury was not believed to be a long-term issue, but he was downgraded from questionable to doubtful following the team’s morning shootaround.
Final update
Murray has been ruled out along with center Richaun Holmes, who will miss Thursday’s game due to a non-COVID-19 illness. Keon Ellis and Chima Moneke of the G League Stockton Kings will be active.
Spurs at Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: Kings -7.0
Over/under: 238
Injury report
Spurs: OUT – Malaki Branham (ankle); Zach Collins (fibula); Romeo Langford (health and safety protocols); Blake Wesley (MCL).
Kings: QUESTIONABLE — Keegan Murray (back). OUT — Keon Ellis (G League); Chima Moneke (G League); Neemias Queta (G League).
Upcoming schedule
11/17 vs. San Antonio Spurs
11/20 vs. Detroit Pistons
Nov. 22 at Memphis Grizzlies
Nov. 23 at Atlanta Hawks
Nov. 25 at Boston Celtics
This story was originally published November 17, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
