Kings @ Suns Friday game thread, January 2nd, 2026

[SirStefan32]

Is that what it was? I thought he came back from that and then was a bit of a surprise a couple days later when he landed on the bench injured to “rest” his knee.

I don't remember the details, but I seem to recall someone (EJ, Ott, or maybe even Allen) saying that he was banged up and playing through some pain. It was in the context of "Eh, this time of year, a lot of guys are banged up and playing through pain and injuries" My guess is he was banged up and they told him to sit until he is feeling 100%.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

think i heard them say he's currently rated 3rd best (in the league) at handling blitzes

If so that’s a huge turnaround. Wonder to what he can attribute that?

 

[Phrazbit]

If so that’s a huge turnaround. Wonder to what he can attribute that?

Better spacing and an offense that doesn't drag it's feet for the first 10 seconds of every possession. And I am not excusing Booker from how slow our offense was to engage the last several seasons, but now, ISO is clearly the last resort.

What was the point in running around off the ball in transition the last couple seasons if you had to wait for Durant or Beal or Booker to slowly waltz the ball up the court, then waive off their teammates to set up a one on one.

This team busts their asses, play after play, there is no question of not hustling because everyone hustles. I question the basketball IQ of some players (Richards especially) but I don't question anyone's willingness to do the little thing.