Sacramento Kings statistical comparison: Offense, defense last season vs. this season
The Kings went into the All-Star break with the same record they had at this stage a year ago, but they haven’t always looked like the same team after taking the NBA by storm last season with the top-rated offense in league history.
Kings coach Mike Brown’s emphasis on defense has brought about some marginal improvements, but there have been noticeable declines in the team’s shooting and scoring. Sacramento’s scoring average has fallen by 2.3 points per game. The Kings’ field-goal percentage is down 1.2% and their free-throw shooting has plummeted nearly six points to 73.2%.
Here’s a statistical breakdown showing how the Kings compare to last season’s team.
Record/standings
Last season: The Kings were third in the Western Conference with a 31-23 record after 54 games last season.
This season: The Kings are eighth in the West despite posting an identical 31-23 record over their first 54 games. The conference has gotten stronger with the ascent of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Scoring
Last season: The Kings led the league in scoring, averaging 120.7 points per game. The Golden State Warriors were second at 118.9 followed by the Atlanta Hawks (118.4) and Boston Celtics (117.9).
This season: Sacramento is eighth in the NBA in scoring at 118.4 points per game.
Scoring defense
Last season: The Kings ranked 25th in scoring defense, allowing opponents to score 118.1 points per game. They gave up 11.2 more points per game than the Cleveland Cavaliers, who led the league at 106.9 ppg.
This season: Sacramento is 22nd in the NBA in scoring defense, giving up 117.9 points per game.
Offensive rating
Last season: The Kings recorded the highest offensive rating in NBA history at 118.6. Offensive rating measures the number of points a team scores per 100 possessions.
This season: Sacramento is 14th in the NBA in offensive rating at 116.6.
Defensive rating
Last season: The Kings were 24th in the NBA in defensive rating at 116.0. Defensive rating measures the number of points a team allows per 100 possessions.
This season: Sacramento is 18th in defensive rating at 116.1.
Net rating
Last season: The Kings were eighth in the NBA in net rating at +2.6. Net rating measures a team’s point differential per 100 possessions, meaning the Kings scored 2.6 more points per 100 possessions than their opponents.
This season: Sacramento is tied for 16th in net rating at +0.5.
Shooting
Last season: The Kings ranked second in the NBA in field-goal percentage at 49.4%, trailing only the Denver Nuggets, who shot 50.4% from the field.
This season: Sacramento is 11th in shooting at 48.2%.
3-point shooting
Last season: The Kings were ninth in the NBA in 3-point shooting, making 36.9% on 37.3 attempts per game.
This season: Sacramento is 12th in 3-point shooting, hitting 37% on 40.0 attempts per game.
Free-throw shooting
Last season: The Kings were 12th in the NBA in free-throw shooting, converting 79% on 25.1 attempts per game.
This season: Sacramento is 30th in free-throw shooting, making 73.2% on 21.8 attempts per game.
This story was originally published February 16, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
