Flashback to the final week of September during the Sacramento Kings official Training Camp − Coach Michael Malone is on the sideline in front of the team’s branded backdrop surrounded by media members. When asked about the importance this week will have on the season, he ponders the question before responding.
“[Training Camp] isn’t just about offense, defense and X’s and O’s,” said the Kings leader at the time. “The more important thing is relationships and building a bond and a trust with each other.”
Six weeks later, the team looks impeccable with a 4-1 record following back-to-back wins over the Denver Nuggets, the second in convincing fashion. After a 28-win season in 2013-14, the Kings have looked like a new team so far this year and the turnaround has been impressive.
But it hasn’t happened overnight.
It has taken time for Sacramento’s front office to piece together this now tight-knit group − a squad with fight, heart and a never-say-never attitude.
“We’re definitely a team that’s trying to change the culture of this organization,” said forward Carl Landry, “to get it back on track, where this team once was. We just have to take it step-by-step and day-by-day.”
Some teams may relish in the fact their team is 4-1, but these Kings are different. They recognize the continued need for improvement. While still enjoying a hard-earned win, each player is responsible for bringing a tireless work ethic to practice every single day.
“We’re hungry,” admitted Landry. “Every practice, we’re trying to get better. Every game, we want to continue to win. We know it’s not a sprint − it’s a marathon. We have to continue to take it game-by-game.”
Tough Road Ahead
Wednesday’s comfortable win over the Denver Nuggets not only gave Sacramento its first 4-1 start since the 2001-02 season, but it gave the Kings a little breathing room heading into a tough four-game road-trip.
“Thank goodness we’ve been able to start the way we have and build a 4-1 cushion,” said Head Coach Michael Malone after practice on Thursday. “We talked about that on Media Day in our team meeting. We wanted to have a great month of October so we could try to steal some games early, knowing that our schedule is very demanding.”
Over the next week, the purple and black will face Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Memphis, teams with a combined record of 12-7 and 11-3 if you remove the Thunder’s 1-4 mark.
“I think it’s going to be a great test,” Malone continued. “Any time you go up against the likes of Phoenix, Memphis, OKC, Dallas, you’re going to have a great understanding of where you’re at [as a team] when you come back.”
DMC and Rudy Take Charge
Boasting one of the best center-small forward combos in the game, the Kings will be counting on DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay all year long. The dynamic duo has been stellar through five games averaging a combined 48.4 points and 16.8 rebounds per game.
Rudy and DMC are also leading the charge off the court and in the locker room showing leadership and poise even through adverse times. Their guidance has created a close bond between everyone on the team.
“The guys have come together − we have a tremendous group,” said Coach Malone. “I’ve noticed a significant change with DeMarcus and Rudy and how vocal they’re being and how positive they’re being even if maybe we’re going through a rough time during a game − there’s a lot of positive feedback.”
After the home opener − a loss to Golden State − the Kings remained calm. Instead of panicking, the team responded with four-straight wins, including victories over Portland and Los Angeles. A large part of that is due to the veteran leadership on the team.
“You can see it on our bench during the game,” said Malone. “Our bench is up, our bench is in to the game and like we always say, it’s amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit − we all just want to win and I think guys are checking their egos at the doors.”
In all, Sacramento has nine players with at least five years of experience in the NBA. Although they haven’t played a full season together, the core of the Kings is a close-knit group of young and talented young men.
“We have a good mix right now [of veterans and young guys],” said Malone. “When you see guys up and supporting their teammates throughout the game, I think that bodes well for your team’s camaraderie and chemistry.”