The Sacramento Kings are fighting for a playoff spot. After trading away De’Aaron Fox at the trade deadline, many thought the team would tank for a better draft pick. That does not seem to be the case. They are ninth in the Western Conference but are only two games back from the sixth seed. In a recent loss to the Denver Nuggets, star guard DeMar DeRozan made some postgame comments about the officials, which caused the league to fine him $25,000.
Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan Fined
Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan didn’t mince words after the loss to the Denver Nuggets. The fourth quarter is what frustrated DeRozan the most. Denver was shot 16 more free throws than Sacramento throughout the whole game, and the Kings were called for seven fouls in the fourth quarter. DeRozan was upset with the discrepancy.
“The refs were terrible; terrible as s**t. It’s as simple as that. There were multiple (calls missed). Check the free-throw difference. There was a bunch of times we got hit, got smacked. It was three, four shots I took, clearly got hit, got smacked. They get the same call on the other end. Throws off our whole rhythm. Gives them momentum at home. Makes it tough on us to execute. It was a game we should have had.”
The NBA never takes kindly to players or coaches bashing the referees. Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations, released this statement from the league.
“Sacramento Kings guard-forward DeMar DeRozan has been fined $25,000 for public criticism of the officiating. DeRozan made his comments to the media following the Kings’ 116-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets on March 5 at Ball Arena.”
Can The Kings Make Noise In The Playoffs?
The Sacramento Kings are an interesting team to consider in the Western Conference. None of the teams around them in the standings inspire confidence. The Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled throughout the year and are dealing with injuries. Golden State, who is currently in the sixth spot, has looked better with Jimmy Butler but has still been inconsistent.
If the Kings can have a good week or two, there is no reason they cannot avoid the play-in. The biggest wild card is the injury to Domantas Sabonis. He is out indefinitely and will be evaluated this week. Sabonis currently leads the league in rebounds and is one of the best playmakers at the center position in the league. If they can get him back, this team could be a tough out.
Final Thoughts
DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine have been carrying the team over the past few weeks. Other role players have started to step up in place of injured players. Can the Sacramento Kings make some noise in the playoffs?
