Sacramento Kings guard Maxime Reynaud shared insights on his team’s 100-98 loss to the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center on Tuesday. “You’re learning a ton… as many reps I can get is always a blessing,” he said, reflecting on adjusting to playing against Anthony Davis.
Reynaud emphasized the team’s growth despite the loss. “I think we showed some really good things at times… takes a whole team effort to do it,” he said, noting the importance of consistency for a full 48 minutes.
On the Kings’ fourth-quarter struggles, Reynaud said, “Fourth quarter is kind of like winning time… defensive gets a little tighter and whoever had a hot hand earlier… the other team usually going to try to shut him down.”
He addressed adapting to frequent lineup changes this season. “We just got to adjust to whatever we have… injuries are part of the game and we have to stay ready for our opportunity,” Reynaud explained, referencing multiple absences including Keegan Murray.
Reynaud also commented on Dallas’ offensive rebounding advantage. “Gafford is really smart with how he positioned himself… he’s just really aggressive with it… 80% grit really, no more technique,” he said, noting the Mavericks’ 15 offensive rebounds.
Discussing the role of turnovers, Reynaud added, “We had a couple runs… four turnovers from them… open dunks, open layups… it gets the crowd going in the team as well,” highlighting how defensive pressure translates into scoring opportunities.
On balancing defense and offense, Reynaud reflected, “We have some extremely talented defensive players… we just probably have to find more collective solutions and not only rely on them carrying us every single game.”
DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento with 21 points, while Zach LaVine returned from a nine-game absence to contribute 20. Maxime Reynaud added 14 points, but the Kings could not capitalize on late opportunities as Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook, and DeRozan all missed potential game-winning shots.
Dallas shot 41% overall and 30% from three-point range, with Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg leading with 19 and 20 points, respectively. The Mavericks outscored Sacramento by 14 after halftime to secure the comeback.
Sacramento falls to 8-29 and will visit Golden State on Friday, while Dallas improves to 14-23 and hosts Utah on Thursday.
