Kings Start Season as Bottom-10 3-Point Shooting Defense

The Sacramento Kings have experienced both sides of the 3-point shooting pendulum, as the fifth-worst shooting team and allowing the eighth-best 3-point shooting percentage.

Opponents are shooting 37.3% from beyond the arc against Sacramento. Its defensive approach isn't a recipe for success, as coach Doug Christie has focused more on protecting the paint than threes.

Julian Champagnie burned the Kings in the first half of Tuesday's loss. He shot 8-for-10 from three and entered the break with 24 points, both career highs for the 25-year-old.

Champagnie cooled off in the second half, finishing the game with 26 points on 8-for-13 from three.

Sacramento's defensive strength is switching the pick-and-roll at the perimeter. Keegan Murray, De'Andre Hunter and Precious Achiuwa can switch onto perimeter scorers and take away the three-ball.

Off-ball defense is also key. Fighting through screens, keeping an eye on a shooter and not overhelping help limit 3-pointers.

Christie doesn't have an elite rim protector to focus on taking away the paint. Dylan Cardwell, the team's best shot-blocker, is on the cusp of returning and will be reevaluated in one week.

Guarding the 3-point line should be the priority since opposing teams have outshot the Kings from three in every game this season.

Part of their woes does come from facing a knockdown shooter early. The Los Angeles Clippers have Rui Hachimura, the Portland Trail Blazers have Damian Lillard and the Memphis Grizzlies have Cam Spencer.

Hachimura is coming off shooting 56.9% from three in the playoffs; Lillard and Spencer are dangerous movement shooters coming off screens.

Christie is known as a defensive-minded coach, but the team's performance isn't reflecting that. San Antonio even scored 60 points in the paint, rendering his defensive approach useless.

Nothing seems to go the Kings' way. The defense is abysmal, and the shooting isn't any better, despite having knockdown shooters.

Zach LaVine, Emanuel Sharp and Hunter are the team's best shooters. Each are shooting over 37% from downtown, with Hunter leading the group at 52.9%.

Sacramento can't afford to have these kinds of performances, especially getting lit up by role players. A 0-4 start to the year has its lottery pick projections looking scary.

General manager Scott Perry wants to build around his young core, but can't do that if the team keeps losing. His options dwindle with every loss, as the projection odds worsen and injuries disrupt Christie's rotations.