Malik Monk is the exception if the Kings have changed their player selection criteria. The former Lakers wild card has quickly adapted to his new formation, where he brings a spark with his points and good mood.
A boon for the Kings, who needed a scorer off the bench. Malik Monk and De'Aaron Fox played together in Kentucky, and their complementarity is visible on the field. He logically invites himself into the race of best 6th man.
Able to line up big series in a short time off the bench, he is the symbol of this diversity of threats in the offense that makes Sacramento strong. The game against the Raptors is a great example.
Kings: PG Fox, SG Davis SF Barnes PF Murray C Herrera. Kevin Huerter est absent aujourd'hui et remplacé par Terence Davis.
Raptors: PG VanVleet, SG Trent Jr., SF S.Barnes PF Siakam C Young
After a balanced first act concluded by a 7-0 of the locals (23-31), Toronto resumed the second quarter with the same enthusiasm since it is an 8-0 initiated by Hernangomez's two dunks that embarrassed Sacramento (23-39).
De'Aaron Fox sounded the Kings' revolt with two three-point missiles before receiving support from Hector, who made two mid-range shots in a row. The Kings managed to get back in front, with De'Aaron Fox again at the helm, to add a 2+1 or serve Keegan Murray to put his back in front.
Fred VanVleet had to put things back in place to give the Raptors the lead at the break with three back-to-back baskets (62-59). Everything had to be redone for Toronto when the locker room returned. FVV had to multiply the exploits to keep the Raptors in the lead. But Sacramento didn't crack, between three-pointers from Keegan Murray, Malik Monk, and Trey Lyles and precious home goals from Hector, Davion Mitchell, and Richaun Holmes to stay in touch with 12 minutes left (88-94).
Another three-point salvo revived the Kings, with Terence Davis and Malik Monk twice to put Sacramento back in front (106-104). At the best time, it was the turn of our favorite Mexican to dominate, to find Harrison Barnes, or score twice, as the Raptors began to have garbage near the rim (114-110).
Scottie Barnes took responsibility for a three-pointer in the corner, but Pascal Siakam missed the opportunity to put Toronto back in front despite an ideal position under the basket. In reality, Hector was good because that's when he decided to make his only block of the match.
Harrison Barnes took the opportunity to kill the suspense on free throws, and De'Aaron Fox with a sublime left-hand drive followed by a mid-range shot. The Raptors struggled to the end, but Hector stole the last attempt. The Kings won 124-123. It's complicated for opponents when Hector, De'Aaron, and Malik are in that form.
De'Aaron was there from the beginning of the game to launch his own and essential at the end, with shots that put the Raptors' head underwater. It leaves an impression of ease, of being one step ahead.
Malik Monk is the X-factor, a real walking firecracker who showed the extent of his abilities in this game. In the absence of Kevin Huerter, his contribution was paramount in allowing the Kings to maintain a threat on offense regularly for 48 minutes.
This is one of the differences from last season. NBA teams are in eternal arms race off the bench. In the Warriors dynasty, Curry, Thompson, and Green were often talked about, but the strength of their bench was the best during that time: Livingston, Iguodala, Payton, and many others.
The Kings have invested in having a bench that can keep up with the starters, and Monk is proving to be one of the top scorers in this 6th man role.
And Hector? Mr. efficiency! 21 points on 10/13 on goal on the court, 7 assists, and especially 20 rebounds! That's more than half of those taken by the entire opposing team. Equally important on both ends of the court, he made a crucial block on Siakam and killed hopes on the Raptors' final possession by anticipating the pass and stealing the ball to leave no chance.
Monk and Fox scored 24 and 27 points, respectively. VanVleet and Scottie Barnes were huge, with 37 points for VanVleet and 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists for Barnes, but it wasn't enough to avoid defeat.
The Kings will win their next game against the Pistons and now have a record of 16 wins and 12 losses and are firmly installed in the top 8 of the Western Conference.