Matt George on the Kings’ 0-3 start: ‘Trading 3’s for 2’s” isn’t working’

The Sacramento Kings tightened their defense after halftime, fought back to tie the game, and had a chance to take control. But by then, Memphis had already built its advantage from three-point range.

Sacramento fell 123-112 to the Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on Sunday night, dropping to 0-3 on the young season.

On Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast, part of Sactown Sports, George said the difference between Memphis’ first- and second-half shooting showed how one of the Kings’ biggest problems keeps costing them.

The Grizzlies made 12 three-pointers before halftime, including a barrage during their 42-point second quarter. They made only three after the break, giving Sacramento a chance to climb back into the game.

“The pick-and-pops, in particular, were killing the Kings, especially in that first half,” George said. He saw better perimeter defense and closeouts from Sacramento after halftime, though Memphis also missed shots it had made earlier.

(The Matt George Podcast is brought to you by IBEW Local 340 & Power Business Technology)

The Sacramento Kings made two more field goals overall, but Memphis finished with five more made threes. Sacramento went 10-for-33 from deep.

George tied that gap to a problem he’s discussed since the season opener: Sacramento has struggled to keep pace with opponents from beyond the arc. Recalling Zach LaVine’s comments after the loss to the Clippers, George said, “If we’re trading threes for twos, mathematically that ain’t working for us.”

He expanded on the idea with a simple comparison: “It’s like trading $1 for 75 cents. You’re losing money in that trade.”

The Grizzlies’ second-quarter run extended another concerning trend: the Kings have allowed a 40-point quarter in each of their first three games. Sacramento’s defensive scheme often collapses to protect the paint, George said, leaving opponents with open looks outside.

The improved second-half defense nearly gave the Kings a chance to steal the game. LaVine scored 37 points, and rookie Darius Acuff Jr. had 22 points and seven assists. Sacramento tied the score at 106 with 5:41 remaining, but Memphis raised its physicality and scored 11 straight points.

The Grizzlies finished the game on a 17-6 run.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 25: Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Jerami Grant #3 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half at Golden 1 Center on October 25, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

George also pointed to Memphis’ 18 offensive rebounds, which became 30 second-chance points. That made the first-half deficit even harder to erase.

The second half showed that Sacramento can make adjustments and get back into a game. But George’s concern remains:

“Until the Kings can find out how to lower the gap in made threes between themselves and their opponents, they are going to really struggle to win basketball games.”

For the Sacramento Kings, the rally was real. So was the math they couldn’t overcome.

Listen to all episodes of The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Sam Amick on Doug Christie’s job security & Zach LaVine’s trade value
• Mark Jones on the Kings’ keys to success in 2026-27
• Sacramento Kings fans rank 6th in Nielsen NBA Fandom Index
• Kenny Caraway wants to see an aggressive Zach LaVine

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Saturday, October 31st @ Memphis Grizzlies (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Monday, November 2nd @ Dallas Mavericks (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Wednesday, November 4th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7:00 P.M. PT)

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