Kings Conclude Preseason as Lone Winless Team in Road Loss

The Sacramento Kings finished the preseason as the only winless team in the NBA after falling to the San Antonio Spurs 126-97 on Friday, Oct. 16, in San Antonio. 

The Spurs outrebounded the Kings 74-48 and made 17 3-pointers to overwhelm them. San Antonio shot 44 of 98 from the floor (44.9%) while shooting 33.3% from the 3-point range, (17 of 51). The Spurs also held a 19-7 advantage in offensive rebounds and finished with 27 assists, compared with 19 for Sacramento.

The Spurs built a 71-37 lead in the first half. Kings rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. scored all of his 13 points in the first half. 

The Kings shot 34 of 82 from the field (41.5%), and went 6 of 25 from the 3-point range (24%). Sacramento made two more free throws than San Antonio (23-21) but with six more attempts.

The final preseason game showcased the makeup of the Kings' veteran core. Zach LaVine led Sacramento with 20 points, shooting 6 of 12 from the field and making all seven of his free throws. Domantas Sabonis posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Ben Simmons added 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Precious Achiuwa provided a bright spot off the bench, scoring 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 22 minutes.

The Spurs were led by rookie Dylan Harper, who scored 19 points, on 7-for-12 shooting including clutch shots in the last 20 minutes. De’Aaron Fox added 16 points and six rebounds, while Keldon Johnson scored 15 points off the bench.

Victor Wembanyama contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 17 minutes. Stephon Castle added 13 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Devin Vassell finished with 12 points, six rebounds and four assists.

San Antonio’s bench helped sustain the offensive pressure. David Jones scored 11 points in nine minutes, connecting on three of four 3-point attempts. Julian Champagnie added nine points, making three 3-pointers.

The Spurs also held an advantage in blocks, 6-2, and committed 19 turnovers, one fewer than Sacramento. The Kings recorded more steals, 13-8, but struggled to convert their defensive activity into enough offense to keep pace.

Entering the regular season, the Kings were never expected to contend for a championship. However, despite coming up short in every preseason game, there is hope that a resurgent Simmons, an emergence of their top draft pick, and the continued excellence of LaVine and Sabonis could lead to at least a spot in the play-in for Sacramento. 

The Kings will open the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Clippers.