Kings Complete Sweep Of California Classic Behind 24-Point Showing From Keegan Murray

Jul 5, 2022, 4:49 PM | Updated: 4:50 pm

NBC Sports California

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

Tuesday afternoon’s Summer League matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers was an unofficial California Classic title game, setting the stage for a fun matchup between these two former rivals.

However, there weren’t many spectators at Chase Center in downtown San Francisco because the NBA categorized today’s games “as scrimmages”.

Although there weren’t any fans in attendance, Tuesday’s game was an exciting back-and-forth affair that ended with the Kings securing an 87-75 win over Los Angeles. With the win, Sacramento secured a perfect 3-0 record during the California Classic as the franchise continues to dominate the NBA’s Summer League scene.

Just an incredible sequence from Keegan Murray pic.twitter.com/p5mfSblKKH

— Kings Film Room (@SacFilmRoom) July 5, 2022

Sacramento and Los Angeles opened up the second half of play in a 43-43 gridlock before fourth-overall pick Keegan Murray and the Kings went on a run to create some separation.

Following a triple from guard Keon Ellis, Murray scored five-straight points to pace an 8-0 run that gave the Kings its biggest lead of the afternoon at 58-48 with less than four minutes remaining in the third quarter. During the closing moments of the period, Murray curled off of a screen to knock down another triple, giving himself 20 points on the night and Sacramento a 65-54 advantage heading into the fourth.

The Lakers took advantage of a rough defensive showing from the Kings bench during the opening minutes of the fourth as Los Angeles battled back to take a 70-69 lead with just over four minutes to go. Sacramento would put the game away with 45 seconds remaining emphatically as Murray’s breakaway jam secured a perfect 3-0 start to the summer for the Kings.

Murray did a great job of shaking off Sunday’s tough performance as the Iowa product led all scorers with 24 points on nine-of-16 shooting from the field, seven rebounds, and three steals over 31 minutes of play.

The 6’8 forward was able to do damage in each section of the floor on Tuesday, converting two of his four three-point attempts while also showing up his ability to convert in mid-range setups.

Keegan Murray made quite the first impression during the California Classic 🔥

19.6 PTS
7.6 REB
1.3 STL
51% FG
43% 3PT
29.9 MIN
3 Games

Summer League, sure. But it's hard to not be impressed with what Murray has done thus far.pic.twitter.com/CQBIsduOaI

— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) July 5, 2022

During his introductory press conference at Golden 1 Center last week, Murray told the media that he would like to model his game after Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton. During this past weekend’s games, the 21-year-old did his best K-Midd impression by acting as a versatile wing that can score in a variety of ways, whether it be in the paint, the mid-range, or on the perimeter.

There is still plenty of basketball to be played this summer as Sacramento will set its sights on defending their 2021 Las Vegas Summer League crown when they open up their next slate of games on Saturday afternoon at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Sactown Sports 1140 will be in Las Vegas from Friday, June 8th through Wednesday, June 13th to bring you exclusive Kings coverage. Be sure to stay tuned in to our social media channels and SactownSports.com for updates, news, recaps, and more!

Observations & Takeaways

Keon Ellis followed up a 17-point (six-of-eight from the field), five-rebound performance on Sunday with 10 points, four rebounds, and two steals over 29 minutes of action. Ellis has shown that he possesses a non-stop motor on both ends of the floor, most notably on the defensive end where he did a great job of creating stops and deflections during this three-game stretch.
Neemias Queta had his best showing of the Classic during Tuesday’s win, as the seven-footer tallied up an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double over 27 minutes of playing time. Queta continued to battle foul trouble and struggle from the field and force on the offensive end more than one would prefer, but the 22-year-old’s presence around the rim is imposing for opponents–something that the Kings hope that the big man can someday provide at the NBA level.
Stockton Kings guard Matt Coleman provided the Sacramento bench with a boost during the win, scoring 10 points (four-of-five shooting from the field) to go along with three boards, two assists, and one steal over 15 minutes.
After posting 10 points, seven rebounds, and three steals over 20 minutes during Saturday’s California Classic opener, forward Alex O’Connell received a DNP-CD on Sunday afternoon. The 23-year-old was inserted into the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game against Los Angeles but had a quiet afternoon with five points on one-of-six shooting from the field.