Chris Duarte and Malik Monk preview tomorrow’s home opener against Golden State
Oct 26, 2023, 3:02 PM
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 15: Chris Duarte #3 of the Sacramento Kings dribbling the ball while defended by Gary Payton II #0 and Dario Saric #20 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA game at Golden 1 Center on October 15, 2023 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Following their practice on Thursday afternoon, Chris Duarte and Malik Monk spoke with the media about their win over the Utah Jazz. They previewed their upcoming home opener against the Golden State Warriors and gave an update on their current health.
Before his preseason debut with the Sacramento Kings, Chris Duarte had not played in an NBA game in 209 days due to injuries. Bumping his left knee with an opponent early in preseason sidelined him for a few days. Still, he managed to suit up for game one of the regular season but admitted his initial fear when the contact occurred.
“I got scared. I just came back from an injury,” Chris Duarte said. “209 days without playing and getting hit like that, of course, anybody would get scared. Nobody wants to go through that. But, thank god nothing happened.”
Duarte’s knee feels good after game one wearing royal purple, and he’s since transferred his focus onto Friday’s matchup with Golden State. “We all know they have two of the greatest shooters in NBA history,” he said. “Those guys never stop moving, and they’re a great team. They have one of the best coaching staffs, too. We’re just getting ready for that. Our mindset has to be locked in, chase those guys, and be physical and match their energy.”
Monk shared a similar mindset. Physicality remains their primary point of emphasis, and last year’s postseason battle with the Warriors may have been the root of it all. After falling to them in game seven of the first round, a brewing rivalry may exist within Northern California. Their two preseason battles had great energy, and Monk expects that same intensity on Friday.
“The preseason game was almost like that, too,” he said. “We got a little thing going on, and I think everybody likes it, so we’re just bringing the best out of each other and looking forward to tomorrow.”
The Kings are off to a good start in the 2023-24 NBA season, but there are 81 games left to play. Given the long road ahead, consistency on the defensive end will be essential for their continued success.
When Is The Next Kings Game?
Sacramento will return home to face the rival Golden State Warriors on Friday night in a game that ESPN will carry nationally.
The meeting between the Kings and Warriors will mark the 11th time over Sacramento’s past 15 games that these two Northern California heavyweights have met.
Friday’s home opener will be the Kings’ first of three matchups against Golden State during the season’s opening month, with the teams set to meet in Golden State next Wednesday, November 1st.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Warriors coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Sacramento Kings 2023-24 Regular Season Schedule
- Friday, October 27th – Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST (Home Opener)
- Sunday, October 29th – Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 6 PM PST
- Wednesday, November 1st – Sacramento Kings @ Golden State Warriors – 7 PM PST
- Saturday, November 4th – Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets – 5 PM PST
- Monday, November 6th – Sacramento Kings @ Houston Rockets – 5 PM PST
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