Three Takeaways from Kings Blowout Loss to Thunder 

Russell Westbrook finished the first half with 16/4/7. On a team with limited spacing, his 3 threes were a breath of fresh air - especially in a starting lineup with one other shooter (LaVine). Westbrook remains a question mark - at best - from distance, but his nine-game heater is starting to almost become a thing. 

Strong Start, but Adjustments Prevail

Despite what the final score might say, Sacramento was in fact leading 32-30 after the first quarter. Doug Christie went with his usual starting lineup featuring Russell Westbrook at forward. 

Regardless of how absurd a starting 1-4 of Schroder/LaVine/DeRozan/Westbrook sounds, it went well for a few minutes. This starting quartet, paired with journeyman Drew Eubanks filling in for the injured Sabonis, responded well to the initial Thunder run, ending the quarter strong. 

Keon Ellis Remains “Replaceable”

As the Kings allowed a lay-up line to the rim, and Sacramento’s broadcast team marveled at the chaos Alex Caruso instigated, the question remained: where was Sacramento’s best perimeter defender? 

Great question. The replaceable Keon Ellis did not see the floor until the fourth quarter, when the game was all but decided. As has been discussed in depth here, he is not, actually replaceable. 

Things can always change before February, when Ellis becomes extension eligible, but - if his usage is any indication -  it appears that he has fallen to the periphery of Sacramento’s long term plans. 

At 2-0, the Thunder are a mortal lock to advance into the knockout round of the Play In. The Minnesota Timberwolves trounced the Utah Jazz by 40, moving to 1-0. The Phoenix Suns are already 1-0 after defeating the Utah Jazz, as well. 

Sacramento takes the court again on Sunday, when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves (while Minnesota is in Sacramento’s NBA Cup group, this is not a Group Play game).