In a commanding performance, Domantas Sabonis guided the Sacramento Kings to a convincing 109-95 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, propelling the Kings within one game of sixth place in the Western Conference as they aim to secure a playoff spot without entering the play-in tournament.
Following the impressive win, Kings head coach Mike Brown emphasized the importance of a balanced approach, particularly highlighting the significance of strong defensive play in playoff success.
Brown stressed the importance of defense in postseason success, noting that high-scoring teams often struggle in the playoffs if they lack defensive prowess.
“This is how you win in the playoffs. You don’t win in playoffs averaging 125 points a game and thinking that’s how you’re going to win,” Brown said postgame.
“You just look back at the teams in the past that were high scoring teams, fun to watch, I enjoy watching them during the regular season, but they were out after the first round. If they got lucky, maybe in the second round.
“You just look at the history of NBA champions. I don’t think there are many NBA champions that finished outside of the top 10 on the defensive side of the floor in the last 25-30 years. There might be a couple because there are some exceptions from time to time, but you have to have a balanced team. Your offense has to be pretty good, but your defense has to be exceptional because when you get to that second, third round, it is tough.”
