Sean Cunningham discusses what’s sustainable from Kings streak

Allen Stiles was joined by Sean Cunningham to discuss what's sustainable from the Sacramento Kings seven-game win streak.

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Jan 14, 2025, 3:14 PM Updated: 3:25 pm

Follow on Google News

Watch: SOURCES: Sacramento Kings GM Scott Perry in Florida to watch Ben Simmons work out | 10 mins

A large part of the Sacramento Kings recent seven-game winning streak has been their defensive dominance. It’s not something that’s been associated with their organization for years, but this stretch has been different.

On Tuesday’s edition of The Allen Stiles Show, they were joined by Sean Cunningham, who covers Sacramento sports for FOX 40.

Given the recent success of the Kings, their initial discussion centered around what’s been working since Doug Christie was named interim head coach in place of Mike Brown.

Allen and Sean also dove into whether their recent improvements have any sense of sustainability.

As the Feb 6th deadline approaches, Sean provided his outlook on how he thinks the Kings should approach the trade market.

Plus, what’s the latest with De’Aaron Fox and his potential future in Sacramento?

The entire conversation can be heard on the Sactown Sports YouTube page, or by using the link above.

More Kings coverage from Sactown Sports

Throughout most of their early season struggles, the Sacramento Kings were struggling to execute in the clutch despite having De’Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan.

In the 32 games they played prior to their active seven-game win streak, the Kings had a 6-13 record in clutch games, per NBA Stats. Clutch games are considered games with five or fewer in the final five minutes.

Their 13 clutch losses led the NBA for a while, largely due to their defense down the stretch.

At that point, Sacramento had a 119.0 offensive rating (8th) but a 118.3 defensive rating (25th) in those moments. Their lackluster defense in those moments was something that former head coach Mike Brown even emphasized.

Well, that’s turned around during this seven-game win streak under interim head coach Doug Christie.

Four games during that streak reached clutch scenarios, where they always emerged victorious thanks to stellar defense.

Kings have shown elite clutch defense during win streak

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will look to secure an eighth straight win on Tuesday when they face two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the final game of a three-game road trip.

The Kings haven’t won eight consecutive games since November 14-30, 2003, when head coach Doug Christie was manning the starting shooting guard position for Sacramento.

Be sure to catch all of the Kings vs. Bucks drama 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 5:00 PM PT from downtown Milwaukee.