After dropping their eighth straight game, the Sacramento Kings have officially hit rock bottom in the standings. But even in the midst of a brutal skid, there was a silver lining - and it came in the form of a group that’s quickly becoming a fan favorite: the Beam Boys.
This crew - Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, Dylan Cardwell, and Precious Achiuwa - had been the spark behind a brief but promising four-game win streak earlier in the season. That run feels like a distant memory now, but back then, the Beam Boys were the heartbeat of a Kings squad that looked like it had finally found its rhythm. They even started celebrating together postgame, giving themselves the Beam Boys moniker - a nod to Sacramento’s beloved post-win beam tradition.
But things shifted when Domantas Sabonis returned to the lineup. His presence, while valuable in many ways, changed the calculus for the Beam Boys.
Raynaud, in particular, saw his role shrink - going from starting center to coming off the bench - and that ripple effect disrupted the chemistry that had been building. It’s no coincidence that the Kings’ win streak came to a halt shortly after Sabonis re-entered the fold.
That’s why last night’s game against the Celtics, even in a loss, offered a glimpse of what this young core can do when given the reins again.
With Sabonis sidelined, Raynaud was back in the starting five - and he didn’t waste the opportunity. The big man posted a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, adding an assist and a block for good measure.
He was nearly flawless shooting the ball, hitting 85.7% from the field and going perfect from both beyond the arc and the free-throw line. That kind of efficiency from a young center is rare, and it speaks to his ability to impact the game without forcing the issue.
Dylan Cardwell continued to show why he’s quickly becoming the Kings’ go-to rim protector. The rookie chipped in eight points, eight boards, an assist, a steal, and two blocks - another well-rounded performance on both ends of the floor. His defensive instincts and physical presence in the paint are already giving Sacramento a much-needed edge in that department.
Then there’s Nique Clifford, who finished as the team’s second-leading scorer with 15 points. He added three rebounds and an assist, shooting 5-of-12 from the field and 3-of-7 from deep.
The efficiency still has room to grow, but what stood out was his assertiveness. Clifford didn’t shy away from the moment - he hunted his shot, stayed aggressive, and looked every bit the part of a player trying to earn a permanent role in the rotation.
Now, let’s be clear - the Beam Boys aren’t going to single-handedly rescue Sacramento’s season. The roster has too many holes, and the losing streak is a symptom of deeper issues that won’t be fixed overnight.
But what they are showing is that they belong. That when given the opportunity, they can compete, contribute, and bring energy to a team that desperately needs it.
For general manager Scott Perry, that’s a crucial takeaway. The Beam Boys may not be the solution right now, but they’re clearly part of the foundation. And in a season where the Kings are still searching for answers, having a young core that plays with heart, hustle, and cohesion is something worth building around - even if the wins aren’t coming just yet.