Kings Struggle as Celtics Deliver Fourth Quarter Blow
Sacramento’s New Year kickoff saw the Kings striving to match the intensity of the formidable Boston Celtics. Up until the final stanza, the two teams were locked in a competitive battle. However, the fourth quarter told a different story as the Kings crumbled, being outscored 32-18. Post-game, forward Keegan Murray reflected on the pivotal moments that led to their downfall.
Murray Addresses the Meltdown
“They made shots, we missed shots. I think we [made zero] from three in the fourth quarter, so that’s just the biggest difference,” Murray assessed, highlighting the stark contrast in shooting performance. He acknowledged the Celtics’ championship pedigree, stating, “I mean, obviously, they’re a championship team, so they know down the stretch where they’re going. At the end of the day, it’s a make-or-miss league, and we’re missing and they’re making. Unfortunately, that was the game right there.”
A Disappointing Three-Game Stretch
The Kings entered this contest with optimism, having won two of their previous three matchups. Yet, a disastrous two-game road trip to Los Angeles had dampened their spirits significantly, as they suffered a staggering combined defeat by 65 points to the Lakers and Clippers. Despite returning home against the Celtics with hopes of a turnaround, the final outcome was another double-digit loss.
Murray noted a difference in their pace compared to the LA games, saying, “I think we played a lot faster, with more pace, which got us a lot more easy baskets, a lot more kickout threes. I think our pace picked up and we weren’t playing in the halfcourt as much against a set defense.”
Fighting Spirit Amidst Adversity
While the Kings ultimately fell short against the Celtics, the fight they demonstrated offered a glimpse of resilience. This performance was a step up from their lackluster outings in Los Angeles, suggesting they are capable of competing effectively when they find their rhythm.
Looking Ahead for the Kings
With the calendar turning to 2026 and the Kings starting with a disappointing 0-1 record, a favorable stretch of games looms on the horizon. The Kings will first hit the road to challenge the Phoenix Suns before returning home to face the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks. Though the possibility of a winless run in these next three games exists, all are contests that the Kings can realistically target for victories.
Winning even two of these upcoming matchups would provide a much-needed boost and momentum as they navigate the challenges ahead. Despite the loss to the Celtics, the Kings’ potential remains evident; the key now lies in their ability to execute better in crucial moments.
