Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown did not hold back after his team’s 104-88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
He described the first half as “probably, if it wasn’t the worst half of basketball I’ve seen us play since I’ve been here, it was close,” via ClutchPoints.
Brown credited the Clippers for outplaying and outcoaching his team, citing a lack of effort and aggressiveness from Sacramento.
“We weren’t a step slow; we were three or four steps slow,” he said, adding that the Kings were on their heels throughout the game.
The Clippers dominated from the outset, orchestrating a 20-1 run in the first quarter and building a 51-29 halftime lead. Their precise ball handling, which resulted in just three turnovers in the first half, was a key factor in their success.
James Harden led the way for Los Angeles with 22 points and nine assists. Harden’s flawless 10-for-10 performance from the free-throw line and command of the offense highlighted his pivotal role in the win.
Derrick Jones Jr. added 17 points, contributing to the Clippers’ seventh straight home victory. Ivica Zubac had a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds, while Amir Coffey and Kevin Porter Jr. chipped in with 11 and 14 points, respectively.
De’Aaron Fox was Sacramento’s lone bright spot, scoring 29 points, including 25 in the second half. However, his effort wasn’t enough to overcome the Kings’ early struggles, which included a 20% shooting performance from beyond the arc.
Domantas Sabonis returned after missing two games due to a back injury and contributed 24 points and 15 rebounds. Despite his strong showing, Sacramento’s poor shooting and defensive lapses left them trailing throughout the game.
The Kings shot just 7-for-35 from three-point range, compared to the Clippers’ more efficient offensive output. Sacramento also committed 13 turnovers, further hindering their ability to close the gap.
Harden’s leadership on both ends of the court and the Clippers’ defensive discipline were instrumental in their victory. Los Angeles forced turnovers and limited Sacramento’s second-chance opportunities, keeping the Kings out of sync offensively.
The loss dropped Sacramento to 8-8 on the season, while the Clippers improved to 10-7. For the Clippers, this win also marked their first in NBA Cup play, evening their record at 1-1 in the tournament.
Brown emphasized the need for his team to regroup ahead of their next matchup. “We’ve got to be better,” he said, as the Kings prepare to host the Brooklyn Nets.
