NBA Summer League: Kings unable to mount comeback vs. Wizards

Jul 18, 2024, 6:07 PM

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 15: Colby Jones #20 of the Sacramento Kings signals during the game against th...

(Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

Lead Editor & Kings Beat Writer

NBA Summer League is nearing its conclusion, and the Sacramento Kings are going out with a whimper in Las Vegas.

After letting a two-point slip away during the closing minutes of Wednesday’s loss to the New York Knicks, the Kings fell short to the Washington Wizards in the second game of a back-to-back on Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Boogie Ellis and Mason Jones stepped up for Sacramento (1-3) in crunch time, but it wouldn’t be enough during a 73-69 loss to number-two pick Alex Sarr and the Wizards.

The Kings will play one more game this weekend, but the day, time, and opponent will be revealed after all of Thursday night’s games have concluded.

Patrick Baldwin Jr. splashes the 3… Wizards back up 2!

WAS-SAC on ESPN pic.twitter.com/nvhP1Xhgck

— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2024

NBA Summer League: Kings vs. Wizards recap

On the second night of a back-to-back, Sacramento opted to sit Keon Ellis following his impressive 29-point outing against the New York Knicks.

With Ellis sidelined, the Kings benefited from an offensive boost from USC product Boogie Ellis in the first quarter. The crafty guard poured in 10 points on four-of-six shooting (two-of-three from deep) over just six minutes of action to help Sacramento take a two-point lead into the second period.

Although Ellis carried the Kings in the first quarter, Sacramento’s offense hit a wall in the second, shooting seven-of-19 (37%) from the field. The Wizards took advantage of the cold spell by shooting 53 percent on their end of the floor, outscoring the Kings 26-16 in the quarter.

Washington held a 43-35 lead heading into the second half against a Sacramento team that was struggling to find its Keon Ellis-less identity in their latest NBA Summer League contest.

Bank is open for Boogie Ellis 🤑 pic.twitter.com/2i3HJT3kTL

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) July 18, 2024

Instead of letting things spiral into a blowout, the Kings answered back with a strong third quarter by outscoring the Wizards 20-14 in the period. Sacramento’s defense locked in, holding Washington to just two-of-15 (13%) shooting from the field while trimming the deficit to 57-55 entering the fourth.

After falling behind by a game-high 10 points in the fourth quarter, the Kings mounted an 11-0 run to take a one-point lead with less than one minute to go.

Mason Jones’ offensive board and clutch lay-in put Sacramento back in front, but the Wizards would answer back with a clutch triple from Patrick Baldwin Jr. to go up by two with 17 seconds remaining–a lead they would not relinquish.

Mason Jones puts in the layup to give the Kings the lead 💪

Sacramento is on an 11-0 run late in the 4Q on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/w2TNuzrhXL

— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2024

Christie’s defensive-minded group made things interesting late, holding Washington to four-of-13 (31%) from the floor while forcing the Wizards into seven turnovers in the fourth. Execution was there, but too much damage was done early–specifically the second quarter.

Boogie Ellis led all Sacramento scorers with 15 points off of the bench (five-of-nine shooting from the field), while Gonzaga product Drew Timme added 11 points in another strong showing from the big man.

Two-way rookie forward Isaac Jones racked up a double-double in the loss, scoring 12 points, pulling down 10 rebounds, swiping two steals, and swatting three shots.

Colby Jones struggled to convert on offense (three-of-12 from the field), but the 2023 NBA Draft pick added eight points, seven boards, five assists, and two steals over 30 minutes.

Mason Jones flirted with a triple-double, finishing the night with 11 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

When is the next NBA Summer League game for the Sacramento Kings?

The Kings’ Las Vegas Summer League slate will come to an end this weekend. Sacramento’s final matchup will be determined following Thursday night’s action around the NBA.

Sactown Sports 1140 will have all of your Sacramento Kings coverage for the Las Vegas Summer League, free agency, and much more!