Anthony Slater on De’Aaron Fox excelling, Murray’s struggles, and more

Nov 20, 2024, 5:29 PM

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 18: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings shoots against Zacc...

Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings shoots against Zaccharie Risacher #10 of the Atlanta Hawks in the first half at Golden 1 Center on November 18, 2024 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

The Drive Guys, Kevin “Whitey” Gleason and Kyle Draper, play-by-play broadcaster for the Sacramento Kings, were joined by The Athletic‘s Anthony Slater on Wednesdays to discuss the current state of the team, what De’Aaron Fox going on a historic run could mean, Keegan Murray’s three-point struggles, and more.

Fox had a historic week ending with him earning honors from Western Conference Player of the Week. He and the Kings were 2-2 in those four games, which included two back-to-back showings. Fox averaged 40.5 points, 7.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and two steals on 57.4 percent from the field, 57.1 percent from three, and 81 percent from the free throw line on 10.5 attempts per game.

Slater discussed how that could change the leaguewide perception of the star guard and impact his chase for All-NBA to earn a supermax contract.

The other primary topic they discussed was Murray shooting just 29.9 percent from three to start the season. Is there a reason for long-term concern? Or is it simply a result of him being asked to do so many other things?

More Kings coverage from Sactown Sports

Staying ready at all times is an important aspect of professional sports, and Keon Ellis exemplified this on Monday night at Golden 1 Center.

The Sacramento Kings’ defensive specialist displayed his three-point shooting ability during a 109-108 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, scoring a career-high 33 points on nine-of-15 shooting from beyond the three-point line.

Ellis became just the third player in Kings franchise history to make nine or more triples in a single game, joining Keegan Murray (12) and Buddy Hield (who did it three times) on the exclusive list of Sacramento shooters.

When is the next game for the Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will enjoy a much-needed three-day break before facing the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome on Friday night.

The Kings and Clippers will cross paths in another NBA Cup group play game, with Sacramento (0-1) and Los Angeles (0-1) each seeking their first win in the Western Conference Group A standings.

Be sure to catch all of the Kings vs. Clippers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage starting at 2:00 PM PT on The Drive Guys before action tips off at 7:30 PM PT from Inglewood.