Can the Kings’ defensive performance vs. Dallas be a real blueprint?

Carmichael Dave & Jason Ross discuss the Sacramento Kings' defensive performance during the Dallas Mavericks, one they could learn from.

BY SACTOWN SPORTS

Nov 3, 2026, 8:54 AM Updated: 8:55 am

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Watch: The BEST PARTS of the Sacramento Kings' FIRST WIN of the season! | 8 mins

The Sacramento Kings allowed 100 points to the Dallas Mavericks during Monday’s win, a number that wouldn’t normally earn a headline. It did here because of where the Kings were starting.

Going into Monday’s matchup, they were giving up 124.3 points a game (second-most in the NBA), and Dallas averages 112.3.

Holding the Mavericks 12 points under their own average is a different kind of result for this team.

Carmichael Dave says that’s the real story, but he isn’t overselling it.

“Should we have a parade? No.”

Jason Ross supplied the evidence. It was the first game this season that the Sacramento Kings didn’t allow a 40-point quarter, and they had three quarters allowing under 30 points. The 18-point first quarter was their best defensive period of the season.

The three-point line mattered most. Dallas made seven, and the Kings made 12 more, a 36-point cushion the Mavericks had to chase. Jason says that’s usually the Kings’ problem, not their advantage.

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives around Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at American Airlines Center on November 02, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives around Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at American Airlines Center on November 02, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Dave read the 35 free throw attempts Dallas got, against 15 for Sacramento, as a sign of something other than sloppiness. He wasn’t blaming the officials.

“It may not be good defense, but it’s aggressive and active defense.”

Dave’s larger argument is that the night validated a formula the show has been pushing: put shooters who can defend around Darius Acuff Jr.

His case is that Acuff and De’Andre Hunter combined for 2-for-14 from beyond the arc, and the Kings still shot well. He credits Emmanuel Sharp, Malik Monk and Leaky Black for that.

The hosts see the coaching as part of it. Doug Christie’s staff, which Dave says has been under fire, used the bench more than usual. Jason noted that Nique Clifford was the first sub in, then played just three minutes.

Christie went to Sharp, Monk and Black and stayed with the players producing.

Nobody who played finished in the minus. Monk was plus 15 in 30 minutes and Sharp plus 14 in 20.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 22: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 22, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 120-116. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 22, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Kings 120-116. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Jason’s point on Monk is that this isn’t luck.

“This team is different when Malik Monk is that version of him.”

Jason is the brake on the optimism. He picked the three-point defense and Monk because they’re the pieces he thinks can repeat. But he says he still doesn’t trust the defense as a whole.

He also noted the schedule helped. Dallas was without Kyrie Irving, which changed Cooper Flagg’s role. Jason acknowledges the Sacramento Kings are missing players of their own. The point is that the break won’t always be there.

“There’ll be games where the Kings don’t have a break like that.”

Dave doesn’t dispute that. He expects the Kings to be underdogs against the Lakers, as they were against Dallas. His stance is to build on the win without announcing anything.

“Am I saying we start the parade route yet? No. Am I saying we shouldn’t?”

The question for Sacramento is whether the three-point defense and the bench minutes are habits or a one-night result.

Disclosure: This article was transcribed from our original audio content and edited for readability with the assistance of generative AI. The article has been reviewed by our editorial team prior to publication. Please watch or listen to the clip above for the full segment.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Sactown Sports’ Carmichael Dave and Jason Ross.