Sacramento Kings are on board! After losing their season opener to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, the Kings jumped back, knocking down the Trail Blazers 121-106 on Sunday night, and Tyrus Halliburton won his fingerprints.
Although Rookie did not have a monster score night, he scored the box with 11 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, a block and a theft. In addition, Halliburton’s 11 points were a new career high for him. No matter how comfortable he was on Sunday night, it was safe to assume that he would consistently break double figures when the games started counting.
However, Halliburton’s final score numbers are not the most impressive part of his state rankings; There was his playmaking. Halliburton could be a scorer rather than go quickly, but until then, it is important that he understands how to break NBA defenses and learn how to be a floor general at this level. Sunday was a good first step.
Kyle Guy, with high hopes against the Trail Blazers on Sunday, scored 14 points – tied for team-up with Richan Holmes – an efficient 4-8 shot from the field and a 3-7 shot from behind the 3-point line. It is unlikely he will break the arm rotation this season, but if he continues to show that he can be a reliable shot maker, he will need to play more than 10 minutes in total with the Kings last season.
After all, Luke Walton should have been given priority in the pre-season to get players like Halliburton and Guy Burn. He soon has an idea of what he can get out of them this season, which is good for him and the team.
The Kings will return on Tuesday to face the Golden State Warriors in Sacramento. Tip 7 p.m.