DeRozan's Frustration Boils Over as Kings' Losing Streak Hits New Low
NEW ORLEANS
Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan's frustration reached a boiling point during a third-quarter timeout, as the team's losing streak continued to grow. With a 120-94 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Kings have now lost 13 games in a row, setting a new Sacramento-era record for the longest losing streak since the team relocated to Northern California in 1985. The franchise record of 14 consecutive losses was set by the Cincinnati Royals in 1959-60 and matched by the Royals in 1970-71.
DeRozan's outburst followed an alley-oop dunk by Zion Williamson in the third period, and he attributed the team's struggles to self-inflicted mistakes. "A lot of stuff we do is self-inflicted," DeRozan said. "Us not being in the right spots, make it a chain reaction, them getting back in transition, getting easy shots, easy buckets. So (the water bottle incident) was just me wanting us to play the right way, win, lose or draw."
Despite the frustration, Kings coach Doug Christie offered support, understanding DeRozan's desire to end the losing streak and play the right way. "Totally," Christie said. "I went down and sat with him for a second just to talk to him. His frustration is more about, first of all, ending a skid, and also after being so close that it could go either way in so many games, this is the first time in a minute where we had this kind of result where we weren’t really in a game. That frustration paired with always trying to play the right way, making sure we’re moving the basketball, getting into something … that was more his frustration than anything, but he’s good. Deebo is a consummate professional."
The Pelicans, led by Trey Murphy III's 21 points, dominated the game, outscoring the Kings 16-5 in the final 3:48 of the first quarter and 19-4 on points off turnovers. New Orleans built a 14-point lead in the second quarter and led by as many as 17 in the first half, carrying a 61-46 advantage into halftime. The Pelicans' fastbreak points and points off turnovers gave them a significant advantage throughout the game.
The Kings' struggles were exacerbated by injuries and illness, with key players like De'Andre Hunter, Zach LaVine, Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis ruled out. The team's next challenge awaits as they prepare to face the Utah Jazz in their final game before the All-Star break, looking to snap their losing streak and turn things around.
This game marks a turning point for the Kings, who have now set a new low in their recent history. Will they be able to turn things around and break the losing streak? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more updates on the Kings' journey as they strive to find their winning rhythm.
