Mike Brown Says Kings ‘Didn’t Compete The Right Way’
Oct 20, 2022, 9:38 AM
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 19: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots over Davion Mitchell #15 of the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on October 19, 2022 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)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Following Wednesday’s home opening loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, new Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown said he’s excited to watch game film.
“I’m excited to go watch the film, as crazy as it sounds because I did not recognize the team that was out there most of the night,” Brown said in his post-game press conference.
The Kings committed 25 fouls in their 115-108 loss, with starter KZ Okpala registering three fouls in just over eight minutes.
“For us, tonight, I watched us do stuff in this game that we haven’t done all of preseason, all of training camp,” Brown said. “The one thing we have done is fouled and that was no different tonight. We gave up 33 free throws and if you give up 33 free throws and 11 offensive rebounds, and you have 16 turnovers for 18 points, right there, the possession game is out the window and you’re not giving yourself much of a chance to win.”
Areas the Kings did excel at were three-point shooting (just under 40%) and field goals (46%). But, Brown said missing the little things hurt the team.
“I thought the guys tried to compete, but they didn’t compete the right way and we lost the game because of it,” Brown said.
Sacramento Kings newcomer Kevin Huerter went 3-9 from the three-point line, scoring 23 points in his first regular season game for the Kings. De’Aaron Fox had a big night too, leading the team in scoring with 33 points.
