Two seasons ago (2022-23), the Sacramento Kings had the most potent offense in the league. They finished first in points per game (120.7) and offensive rating (119.4). Sacramento finished second in field goal percentage and fifth in three-pointers made during that season. It finally helped end their 16-straight season stretch of not reaching the postseason as they finished 48-34.
It’s been a small sample size so far, but their offense looks as it did that season currently since Malik Monk was inserted into the starting lineup.
Kings Offense Reminiscent Of 22-23 Since Monk Became Starter
Malik Monk Has Had Seamless Transition To Starting Lineup
It has been five games since head coach Mike Brown decided to insert shooting guard Malik Monk into the starting five. The Kings were off to a 9-11 start to the season. In an ultra-competitive Western Conference, it was of utmost importance not to fall too far behind the contenders. The team is 3-2 since the 26-year-old Monk has been a starter, but they have won their last two outings. In those two games, Sacramento has scored a combine 281 points against the Utah Jazz and San Antonio Spurs.
Monk, who had previously been one of the top reserve scorers in the NBA, hasn’t needed much of a transition period to adjust to playing with the starters. In those five outings, he is posting averages of 19.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. He has shot 47.1% from the field, 42.9% from three-point territory, and 92.9% from the foul line. The Kings are a +37 in Monk’s minutes during those five contests.
Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee wrote on how the Kings offense has been clicking on all cylinders with Monk as a starter. Since the move was made, Sacramento ranks first in scoring, second in offensive rating, fourth in field goal percentage, and seventh in three-point percentage. Star point guard De’Aaron Fox said of Monk,
“He adds another playmaker and another guy who can really get downhill. Ultimately, that makes your offense a lot better, especially from the start of the game to the end.”
Not only has Monk made a smooth transition to the starting lineup, but Kevin Huerter has done likewise coming off the bench. In Sacramento’s last two wins, Huerter has scored 42 points in 46 minutes while shooting 16-21 from the field and 10-13 from beyond the arc.
Utilized Strictly Off The Bench Previously
Now in his eighth season, Monk joined the Kings in the 2022 offseason. Fresh off a season with the Los Angeles Lakers, the 6-foot-3 guard signed with Sacramento on a two-year, $19.4 million deal. This past offseason, he re-upped with the team, signing for four years, $78 million.
Prior to these last five games, Monk had yet to start a game for Sacramento, coming off the bench for all 77 of his outings in 2022-23, all 72 in 2023-24, and his first 13 this season. Monk was one of the top reserves as evidenced by his runner-up finish in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season and fifth-place finish in 2022-23.
The Kings look to continue their elite offensive output Thursday night on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans.
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