Fox, Sabonis share thoughts on Kings’ disappointing loss to Pistons
Feb 8, 2024, 9:14 AM | Updated: 9:15 am
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
It was a disappointing welcome home for the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night as they fell to the owner of the Detroit Pistons, the owner of the NBA’s worst record, in front of a sold-out Golden 1 Center.
The Kings, who recently completed an overall successful seven-game, two-week road trip, looked slow and sluggish out of the gates as the Pistons quickly asserted themselves on the offensive end.
By the end of the first half, Sacramento stared at a deficit. As the game moved into the third quarter, that deficit swelled to double-digits as the Kings were forced to scramble and make a run of their own to stay in the game.
At that point, too much damage had been done as Detroit opened up the fourth quarter with an aggressive approach that buried Sacramento and forced 17,000-plus to boo those on the hardwood as the Pistons celebrated their seventh win of the season.
All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis spoke to the media following the loss, and the big man made it clear that the Kings need to take the team standing across from them seriously each night, regardless of the personnel or record.
“We just got to come out and play,” Sabonis said postgame. “We just got to respect each opponent no matter who’s on the court and fight for your team, and we got to play to a certain standard that we believe we are.”
De’Aaron Fox shared a similar sentiment following the loss on a night that the reigning Clutch Player of the Year lacked his usual offensive punch.
Fox finished the night with 12 points on five-of-14 shooting from the field, including two-of-six during the fourth quarter.
While Fox’s offensive struggles highlighted his personal struggles, Sacramento was unable to collectively lock in on defense as the Pistons lit up the Kings for 17-of-31 shooting from three-point range.
“Well, I mean, we gave up 133 points,” Fox said when asked what concerned him about the losing effort. “They shot 56 (from the field), 55 (from three). We have to be better on that end of the court.”
The loss to Detroit comes at a rough time for the Kings as they prepare to enter the roughest stretch of their regular season schedule.
Over their next nine games, Sacramento will face Denver (three times), Oklahoma City, Minnesota, the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns.
More on Kings vs. Pistons
Ivey, NBA-worst Pistons throttle Kings in front of sold-out G1C
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will begin a brutal portion of its regular season schedule on Friday night when they face the defending champion Denver Nuggets at Golden 1 Center.
The Kings will face Denver (three times), Oklahoma City, Phoenix, the Los Angeles Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves over their next ten games.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Nuggets coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Upcoming Schedule
- Friday, February 9th – Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets – 7:00 PM PST
- Sunday, February 11th – Sacramento Kings @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 12:00 PM PST
- Tuesday, February 13th – Sacramento Kings @ Phoenix Suns – 7:00 PM PST
- Wednesday, February 14th – Sacramento Kings @ Denver Nuggets – 6:00 PM PST
- NBA All-Star break – February 15-21
- Thursday, February 22nd – Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs – 7:00 PM PST
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