After the 2024 NBA All-Star break, which ended a few days ago, the Kings hold the eighth seed in a very loaded Western Conference.
Malik Monk and Harrison Barnes, two of the Kings’ microwave scorers, discussed Sacramento’s strategy for the team’s pivotal final 28 games of the 2023–24 NBA season with media on Tuesday.
According to Monk, “Every [game] is like our last” (source: Sean Cunningham of FOX40). “Dude, everybody is like a playoff game. It was up to us to enter with that intent. And I believe we will succeed.
“It was a good All-Star break,” Barnes remarked. It was a wonderful opportunity to sort of unwind, recharge, and refocus. We are aware that this last stretch will be crucial for us to play well and prepare for the postseason.
“Important” in the sense that Sacramento is opposed to taking part in the NBA play-in competition.
The Kings are one game behind the No. 7-seeded Dallas Mavericks and 1.5 games behind the No. 6-seeded New Orleans Pelicans before they visit the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center on Thursday.
In his evaluation of the Kings’ chances of improving in the final minutes, coach Mike Brown notes that Sacramento has to sharpen its edges.
Regarding the players’ methodology? Barnes responded in a direct manner.
Barnes said, “I know I sound like a broken record, but I think it just comes down to consistency.” You know, I believe that we have demonstrated who we are and who we can be in certain instances over the season. And I believe that all that has to be done is replicate that.
“I don’t think we have to do something drastically different or go out and reinvent the wheel. Whether we’re facing a team that is at the top of the league, one that is out of the playoffs, one that has their starters [or] one that doesn’t, the only question is: can we put on that kind of performance every night? That, I believe, is our challenge. Can we work just as hard each and every night?
General manager Monte McNair called the Kings’ recent string of defeats by inferior teams “frustrating” last week.
Sacramento, however, has triumphed against rival clubs in significant fashion and is currently 3-0 against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets.
In either case, the Kings need to perform well to wrap up the season.
Sacramento had the same 31-23 record as it does now in the 2022–2023 NBA season, and it finished 48–34 to claim the third seed in the West.
The Kings ended a 16-year NBA playoff drought last season, but they are now aiming to contend for titles rather than postseason spots.
Sacramento can begin achieving this goal by forming positive behaviors, as Barnes said.
