Could Kings Losing Streak Extend to 18 Straight This Season?

Only two teams have started 0-18, and the Sacramento Kings could join them if they continue to lose by double digits almost every game.

The Brooklyn Nets in 2008 and the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015 are the only teams to start 0-18. Both finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 70-plus losses.

Sacramento is the only winless team left in the Western Conference after handing the New Orleans Pelicans their first win on Thursday. It was the team's fourth double-digit loss and third straight this season.

November's schedule isn't any lighter. The month is littered with playoff teams, like the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, and they have cohesive rosters.

Coach Doug Christie hasn't found a solution to bringing his star talent together to win. Highlight performances from Darius Acuff Jr., Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis are being wasted.

Acuff has scored 30-plus points twice, including a historic 34-point, 13-assist performance against New Orleans. His rookie double-double put him in elite company with Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

LaVine scored 37 points against the Memphis Grizzlies last Sunday, and Sabonis recorded four straight double-doubles to start the season.

Sacramento's star trio should at least make the offense formidable enough to compete. Acuff and Sabonis' playmaking, plus LaVine's off-ball scoring, form a lethal attack in theory.

Instead, nearly 50% of the team's field goals are unassisted. The ball isn't swinging around the perimeter, finding an open player and forcing the defense to rotate and create an advantage.

Sharing the ball is vital, and so is rewarding the playmaker with a made shot. Shooting 28.3% from three is also part of the issue, which could influence Acuff and LaVine to trust their scoring instincts over a wide-open teammate.

The Kings' defense has also been abysmal.

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

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.

Injuries have been a thorn in the organization's side since last season, and are rearing their ugly heads early. Maxime Raynaud (right patellar subluxation), Dylan Cardwell (left calf strain) and Keegan Murray (left ankle soreness) will miss the next week.

Issues keep compounding for Sacramento, making it difficult to win games. The reality of starting 0-18 becomes more realistic with every game and flaw seen on the court.