In a surprising twist, the Sacramento Kings have managed to flip the script after a grueling 16-game losing streak. Winning six out of their last 11 games seemed to defy the odds, especially for a team that’s been struggling all season. But just as fans started to wonder if this was a new chapter, the Kings reminded everyone how to tank with flair.
For a team like Sacramento, hovering around the .500 mark was unexpected, given their overall performance this season. While a winning streak might typically be cause for celebration, some fans were on edge, concerned that too many victories could jeopardize their draft lottery odds. For a brief moment, the Kings even slipped out of the bottom three in the league standings, which would have affected their 14% chance at a top pick.
Enter Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, who rolled into town and delivered a nearly 30-point drubbing. The Kings never held the lead, and the manner in which they orchestrated their defeat was almost artistic.
The Kings have turned losing into an art form.
Considering the current state of the Kings, a matchup against the Spurs was always going to be an uphill battle. Both teams have faced their share of losses, with the Kings’ win count matching the Spurs’ losses at 18. However, this game was more about strategy than outcome.
DeMar DeRozan, who’s been instrumental in the Kings’ recent wins, saw his playing time slashed to under 17 minutes. He took only four shots and scored a mere two points, showcasing a masterclass in strategic tanking.
Meanwhile, Doug McDermott was given nearly 25 minutes on the court, hitting four out of eight from beyond the arc and finishing with 12 points. His shot attempts doubled those of DeRozan. Additionally, both Precious Achiuwa and Russell Westbrook had notably quiet performances against the Spurs.
Realistically, the Kings were never in a position to win this game. However, their approach ensured they maximized their chances in the draft lottery. With this loss, Sacramento slid back into the league’s bottom three, enhancing their prospects of securing a top-three draft pick.