Key stat reveals Sacramento Kings defensive outlook in 2024-25

The Sacramento Kings may be 0-4 in the preseason, but there are some good takeaways from the exhibition games.

DeMar DeRozan fits the offense nicely, Domantas Sabonis is showing why he’s a back-to-back NBA player, and Jordan McLaughlin looks like a steal for the backup point guard spot. But, the Kings are quietly leaning toward a scheme on defense that saw success last season.

Sacramento averaged 14.8 turnovers per game last season, good for 10th in the league. If the preseason is any indication, that number will skyrocket this season.

What makes the Kings unique is their multitude of players who can get into the passing lanes. Looking into Tuesday night’s game against the Utah Jazz, Keon Ellis led the team with seven deflections, De’Aaron Fox had six, DeMar DeRozan and Keegan Murray had five apiece, and Jordan McLaughlin make four

The numerous turnovers resulted in 16 steals on the night and 19 RBI. For reference, the league leaders in steals and rushing points last season were the Oklahoma City Thunder with 8.5 steals and the Toronto Raptors with 18.7 rushing points.

The Kings have had their fair share of defensive struggles so far in the preseason. They still look small on the wings and lack a shot blocker, but they may have found a way to combat those weaknesses. If they can get into the passing lanes and disrupt teams with deflections, it could be enough to match up with a (hopefully) high-powered offense.

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