The Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas front left charges to the basket against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Nov 24, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Kings were back in action on Sunday night. The Kings last played on Friday night in Los Angeles when they faced the Clippers. The Kings lost to the Clippers 104-88. On Sunday, the Kings hoped to avoid falling below .500. They were set to face the Nets at 7 PM PST in Golden 1 Center. The Kings ultimately lost to the Nets 108-103.

In the first quarter, the Kings’ hangover from Friday seemed to continue. They played with a noticeable lack of urgency and were outscored 37-28. Despite entering the game as 11-point favorites, the Kings struggled to generate any offensive rhythm. De’Aaron Fox was a bright spot, scoring 14 points in the quarter.

In the second quarter, the Nets continued to pressure the Kings. The Kings failed to match the Nets’ pace and physicality but showed slight improvement compared to the first quarter. They outscored the Nets 29-28, reducing the deficit by one point. At halftime, the Kings trailed 65-57. De’Aaron Fox was in top form, scoring 24 points in the first half, while Cam Thomas led the Nets with 22 points.

The Kings’ season felt like it was slipping away. Sure, it was still early, but the atmosphere inside Golden 1 Center was one of concern.

In the third quarter, the Kings finally increased their intensity. They delivered a strong defensive performance, holding the Nets to just 23 points. Offensively, the Kings scored 31 points, tying the game at 88 apiece by the end of the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings needed to step up to avoid a third consecutive loss. Unfortunately, they couldn’t close out the game. The Kings were outscored 20-15, resulting in a 108-103 defeat. It was a frustrating loss for the Kings, and the fans made their displeasure known as the game came to a close.

A restless Golden 1 Center began to empty after Kevin Huerter missed a three-pointer that could have kept the game alive. De’Aaron Fox continued his stellar play with 31 points, while Cam Thomas led all scorers with 34 points.

The Kings fell to 8-9 on the season, while the Nets improved to 7-10.

Up Next: The Kings remain at home to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday at 7 PM PST in Golden 1 Center.