Kings-Magic gameday: Mike Brown questions defensive commitment; Malik Monk, Bol Bol status
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 didn’t try to hide his disappointment in his team’s defense in a 136-134 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday. He called attention to it.
Brown questioned the team’s commitment to defense after the Kings gave up 70 points in the paint while allowing the Lakers to shoot 61% from the field.
“We have to figure out, collectively as a group, how to defend, but more importantly than that, we have to commit to defending for 48 minutes,” Brown said. “We can score, but we’re terrible defensively.”
The Kings (20-18) are fifth in the Western Conference as they prepare to face the Orlando Magic (15-25) on Monday at Golden 1 Center. Malik Monk is expected to return for Sacramento after missing Saturday’s game due to assorted boo-boos.
Bol Bol is out for Orlando due COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Jonathan Isaac (knee) and Chuma Okeke (knee) are out as well.
The Kings rank second in the NBA in scoring (118.3 ppg) and fifth in offensive rating (115.5), but their defense has regressed in recent weeks. They have fallen to 25th in defensive rating (114.6) and opponent points per game (117.3). They are 29th in points in the paint, allowing an average of 55.2 per contest.
Brown was asked if the team’s defensive issues are correctable or if he needs help in the form of roster changes. The Kings are already bringing defensive-minded guard P.J. Dozier in on a 10-day contract. They will also explore trade possibilities leading up to the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
“I love our guys, and they’re more than capable of doing it,” Brown said. “I just don’t know if they’re used to doing it for 82 games. When I look at our roster, not that I’m asking for help — I love our roster — but as the season goes along, you have to be committed to the defensive end of the floor.
“I’ve had people tell me, ‘Hey, let’s just outscore people’ because our offense is that good. Maybe our guys think that, too. I don’t know, but we have to commit to that side of the ball. The tough part about it is, we do it in stretches, and then we go away from it. There has to be some consistency on that side of the floor.”
Magic at Kings
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Golden 1 Center
TV: NBC Sports California
Radio: Sactown Sports 1140
Odds: TBD
Over/under: TBD
Injury report
Magic: Bol Bol (health and safety protocols); R.J. Hampton (G League); Kevon Harris (G League); Jonathan Isaac (knee); Chuma Okeke (knee).
Kings: OUT — Keon Ellis (G League); Neemias Queta (G League).
Upcoming schedule
Jan. 9 vs. Orlando Magic
Jan. 11 vs. Houston Rockets
Jan. 13 vs. Houston Rockets
Jan. 15 at San Antonio Spurs
Jan. 18 at Los Angeles Lakers
This story was originally published January 9, 2023 at 4:00 AM.
