California Classic Day 2: Ellis duo lead Kings past Spurs
Jul 7, 2024, 9:06 PM | Updated: Jul 8, 2024, 7:33 am
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
Two games, two wins for the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center leg of the 2024 California Classic.
While the fireworks of Saturday’s DeMar DeRozan-fueled opener had subsided, fans in attendance on Sunday were treated to another complete effort from the Summer League Kings that included more solid stretches from emerging guard Keon Ellis, and a defensive exhibition from head coach Doug Christie’s squad.
Sacramento picked up its second win in as many days on its home floor in blowout fashion, defeating the San Antonio Spurs 85-59 in a game that was in the Kings’ control from the opening tip.
Mason Jones is a menace 😡 pic.twitter.com/HXoAD36QGy
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) July 8, 2024
California Classic Day 2: Notes & Observations
As was the case in Sacramento’s California Classic opener on Saturday, Keon Ellis and Mason Jones led the way early as the Kings took an early lead over the Spurs.
Ellis continued to showcase his ability to create his own offense, scoring 10 points on four-of-eight shooting to lead both teams in first-half scoring.
Jones, who has turned heads since inking a two-way deal with Sacramento in the latter half of the regular season, scored eight points on three-of-four shooting–including two made triples–to go along with three boards and three assists over 16 minutes.
The Kings’ two-headed monster of Ellis and Jones, coupled with a Doug Christie-led defense that held San Antonio to 34 points on 11-of-37 (29%) from the field and four-of-19 (21%) from deep put Sacramento ahead 44-34 heading into the second half.
That Ellis-Ellis defense 😤 pic.twitter.com/8DIccsUfRD
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) July 8, 2024
USC product Boogie Ellis found his stroke during the third quarter, knocking down two deep triples en route to an eight-point period as the Kings continued to add to their lead.
Sacramento’s defense was too strong for a Spurs team that was without fourth-overall pick Stephon Castle as the Kings held San Antonio to 22 percent shooting from the field and six-of-35 (17%)
Boogie Ellis scored 12 of his 17 points during the second half, finishing the night six-of-10 from the field and three-of-six from downtown over 21 minutes. Keon Ellis (13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists) and Australian center Joseph Lual-Acuil (13 points and 7 rebounds) contributed during teh win.
Mason Jones finished the night with 11 points (four-of-eight shooting), six rebounds, and five assists over 28 minutes.
When is the next Sacramento Kings off-season date of interest?
The 2024 California Classic will continue on Tuesday night as the Kings face the Charlotte Hornets at Golden 1 Center.
Sactown Sports 1140 will have all of your Sacramento Kings coverage for the California Classic, Summer League, free agency, and much more!
Sacramento Kings 2024 Summer Schedule
California Classic | Golden 1 Center | Sacramento, CA
- Tuesday, July 9th – vs. Charlotte Hornets – 7:00 PM PDT
California Classic | Chase Center | San Francisco, CA
- Wednesday, July 10th – vs. Golden State Warriors – 7:00 PM PDT
NBA 2K25 Summer League | Thomas & Mack Center/Cox Pavilion | Las Vegas, NV
- Friday, July 12th – @ Memphis Grizzlies – 3:00 PM PDT (NBA TV)
- Monday, July 15th – vs. Utah Jazz – 7:00 PM PDT (ESPNU)
- Wednesday, July 17th – @ New York Knicks – 12:30 PM PDT (NBA TV)
- Thursday, July 18th – vs. Washington Wizards – 4:00 PM PDT (ESPN)
- Final game TBD
NBA Offseason Schedule
- Saturday, July 6th – Free Agents can officially sign contracts
- July 12-22nd – Las Vegas Summer League
- July 27-August 11th – 2024 Olympic Games
- Friday, September 27th – NBA training camps begin
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