Despite winning 48 games last season and bolstering the highest offensive rating in NBA history, the Sacramento Kings were held back by their weak defense, leading to a disappointing first-round exit. The Kings have taken significant strides on the defensive end this season, but their historic offense has taken a step back.
Through their last five games, Sacramento has held opponents to an average of 99.8 points, good for third-best in the league. In that same span, they have also hoisted the league's second-best defensive rating.
What has been the key to success for Sacramento?
Many Kings fans will credit the emergence of 24-year-old guard Keon Ellis, who has been phenomenal on the defensive side of the ball. In his last five games, Ellis averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and a phenomenal 2.6 steals, playing 28.6 minutes per game.
Ellis has been impressive all season, rightfully earning a three-year contract, an upgrade from his prior two-way deal. The Kings are 7-0 when Ellis starts, but the young guard somehow has three times as many DNPs as he does starts this season.
While Ellis has been incredible recently, Sacramento's defense can be credited to their improved effort. The Kings seem to be trying harder on that end, and the results are paying off. In a three-game span, the Kings held the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks to an average of 99.7 points, using these playoff-like games to prepare for a tough road ahead of them.
The Kings have won four of their last five games and seven of their last ten, hitting their strides at the right time. With 14 games left in the regular season, the Kings must keep up their impressive defense to make a playoff run.
More must-reads: