NBA Western Power Rankings Week 3: Warriors storm ahead
By Tom West
Nov 13, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) celebrates after a basket and foul against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Brooklyn Nets 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
12th: Sacramento Kings (16 points)
By Tom West
Record: 4-7
Record last week: 3-1
The Kings have been dealing with countless off-court issues already this season. From DeMarcus Cousins admitting their internal issues to his recent yelling fit in the team’s locker room, they just haven’t meshed as a team under new head coach George Karl. It was entirely detrimental to the start of their season, but last week there was noticeable improvement from them.
Surprisingly, Rajon Rondo started to take off. He’s starting to fit in and set up his teammates as he always does, and he’s loading the box score in the process. He’s had three triple doubles already this season with two in his last three games alone, which undoubtedly sparked the Kings towards their three game win streak alongside the play of Cousins. Rondo’s 14 point, 15 assist, 11 rebound, three steal performance against the Detroit Pistons was particularly impressive.
As a whole, the Kings still have obvious issues. Ranking 23rd in defensive efficiency is a major problem right away. They haven’t faced many tough opponents yet either, although most teams are tough for a franchise in the Kings’ position. With Cousins putting up 28 points and 11 rebounds per game, though, and adding some range with his 1.9 threes a night at a remarkable 44.8 percent rate, Sacramento certainly gave their fans a little encouragement last week.
Next: Houston Rockets