Ford, Daum shine as Kings drop back-to-back games in Summer League

Jul 11, 2023, 9:30 PM | Updated: Jul 12, 2023, 10:27 am

Kessler Edwards slides after being fouled in the second half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game again...

Louis Grasse/Getty Images

Sports Editor/Writer

The Sacramento Kings’ third Summer League game of 2023 was a contest of runs. And unfortunately, they were on the wrong end of one to close out the night.

The Sacramento Kings (1-2) lost their third Summer League game of 2023 Tuesday night, falling to the Chicago Bulls (2-1), 107-99. Sacramento was ahead in the first half but couldn’t keep their foot on the gas as Chicago stormed ahead with a barrage of three-pointers.

The Kings took the lead early, before giving up a 14-3 run to end the first quarter. Sacramento native, point guard Jordan Ford, got going early, scoring nine of his 25 points in the first period.

But that wasn’t enough to show the Bulls, taking the lead, 26-21 after one quarter.

Sacramento got back into in the second, thanks in large part to Ford’s play. Hitting an array of floaters, layups and three-pointers, Ford finished the first half with 17 points.

Jordan Ford left it all on the floor tonight ⤵️

👑 25 PTS
👑 8 AST
👑 4-7 3FG pic.twitter.com/LWxw6l1ud8

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) July 12, 2023

Still, that wasn’t enough to hold off Chicago, hitting 9 of 14 shots from deep to have a 55-48 lead at half.

The same occurred after the intermission, with the Bulls’ offense churning out threes and buckets around the rim to keep Sacramento at bay. Eventually, the Kings turned to Ford once again, delivering back-to-back buckets to up his tally to 22 points on the night.

That helped spark the Kings’ offense at the end of the third, going on a 17-4 run to take a lead, 79-77, into the fourth quarter.

Sacramento picked up where they left off a few minutes later, hitting a few shots to take the lead up to six. Then, the offense fell apart.

Chicago began to hit shots again, while Sacramento struggled to play team basketball down the stretch. Allowing a 14-0 run was enough to seal the result for the Kings, unable to outscore the Bulls.

PG Jordan Ford was one of the few bright spots on the night, scoring 25 points and eight assists Tuesday. His ability to push the pace and create for others was noticeable, potentially meaning a roster spot on the main roster down the line.

Forward Mike Daum was also impressive against the Bulls, hitting 5 of 9 from deep. He finished with 22 points and seven rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench.

Mike Daum tonight vs the Bulls

22 PTS
7 REB
7-12 FGM
5-9 3PT

Absolute sniper tonight from deep🔥

— KingsMuse (@kings_muse) July 12, 2023

For Chicago, guard Javon Freeman-Liberty led the way with 28 points, a game high for both squads. As a team, the Bulls shot 52.9% from the field, including an absurd 53.3% from behind the arc.

Sacramento’s second loss in two days means their hopes for the Summer League playoffs are out the window. The Kings last won the Summer League title in 2021.

Other standouts from Tuesday’s game include first-year guard Colby Jones, and second-year guard Keon Ellis.

Injury Update

The Sacramento Kings will be without center Neemias Queta for the remainder of the 2023 Summer League, suffering a right foot injury. KCRA 3’s Michelle Dapper reported that the Portuguese big man is dealing with a stress reaction in his foot, while an x-ray revealed no fractures at this time.

According to a league source, Sacramento Kings center Neemias Queta (right foot soreness) will not play vs. the Chicago Bulls tonight and has been ruled out for the remainder of the Las Vegas Summer League.

— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) July 12, 2023

Queta averaged 17.7 points per game and 8.7 rebounds for the Stockton Kings in the G-League last season. Entering Year 3, it’s now or never for the big man to have an impact on the Kings’ main roster.

Next Game

The Summer League Kings likely play against the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday night. You can catch the action on NBA TV at 6:30 p.m. PST.

Be sure to get all of your Kings vs. Timberwolves coverage right here on Sactown Sports 1140 with live tweets, a postgame recap on the website following the game, and analysis the following morning on The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.

Sacramento Kings NBA 2K24 Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

Thursday, July 13th – Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – 6:30 PM PST – NBA TV
Final game TBD based on performance in first four games