After a disastrous 28-turnover performance against Brooklyn, Dylan Cardwell is demanding accountability from Sacramento's veteran core to toughen up before their Summer League finale.
Dylan Cardwell criticized his team for getting punked by the Brooklyn Nets in a 32-point blowout, calling them soft for the Sacramento Kings’ worst loss in Summer League.
It was a thorough loss for Sacramento, as the team entered the second quarter down 20 points (38-18). Brooklyn's defensive pressure forced turnover after turnover, preventing any offensive rhythm from being built.
The Nets' 21 steals -- and the Kings' 28 turnovers -- helped fuel their largest lead of the game, which was 36 points. Brooklyn's 32-point blowout victory marked the second straight loss of 20 points or more for Sacramento.
Cardwell's comments, although harsh, are not misguided. He also put the onus on the second-year players -- Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud and himself -- to step up and perform in struggling moments.
"(It) starts with me," Cardwell said. "Starts with Nique, starts with Max, starts with the second-year guys that want to change this team, change this organization. It's on us, it's not on the coaches, it's not on the front office, it's on the guys on the court."
Sacramento's second-year players struggled against Brooklyn. Cardwell scored eight points on 4-for-7 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds; Raynaud scored 3 points and committed seven turnovers and Clifford scored two points with three turnovers.
Raynaud and Clifford came down to earth after solid performances in Sunday's loss to the Washington Wizards. The Kings' 7-foot-1 Frenchman put together a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double and showed improved range by shooting 2-for-5 from three.
He had a dominant Summer League debut, and for a second-year player, that's the goal. Dominating the competition or looking like the best player on the court highlights the work put in to strengthen weaknesses and how much the game has slowed down for players.
Clifford scored 17 points on 5-for-13 shooting on Sunday. The second-year guard has been a crucial part of the Kings' early success in Summer League, nailing the game-winning three-pointer over Brooklyn in the California Classic opener on July 4.
He's been consistent throughout the Summer League, averaging 9.8 points in five games. As an off-ball player, his improvement is in shooting and defending at a high level.
Although Darius Acuff Jr., the seventh overall pick, is the star in every Summer League game, the second-year players should stand out alongside him. For a Kings squad that wants to become younger, having great young players is essential.
Cardwell, Raynaud and Clifford all got significant playing time last season, so the experience should carry over into the summer. While the trio's performance against Brooklyn was disappointing, the Kings have one Summer League game remaining.
Sacramento will face off against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN2.
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