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Kendra Andrews, ESPN
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — DeMar DeRozan, guard for the Sacramento Kings, was ruled out of Wednesday night’s 127-104 victory over the Phoenix Suns due to lower back tightness, as announced by the team.
After halftime, DeRozan did not return from the locker room and was officially declared out shortly thereafter. He scored two points on 1-of-2 shooting in 17 minutes during the first half.
This season, DeRozan has been a crucial factor for Sacramento’s success, known as “Mr. Clutch” for his clutch scoring contributions. With 36 clutch points so far this year, he ranks second in the league. he averages 24.8 points on 52.6% shooting across 38 minutes per game.
The Kings would experience a significant setback if DeRozan were to miss an extended period, as they are already without sixth man Malik Monk (ankle) for at least two weeks.
Kings’ DeMar DeRozan Out with Lower Back Tightness in Key Victory Against Suns
A Tough Win for Sacramento
The Sacramento Kings secured a crucial victory against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, March 7th, 2023. Despite the absence of their star player, DeMar DeRozan, due to lower back tightness, the Kings prevailed with a final score of 123-119. This win marked another significant step forward in their pursuit of a playoff berth.
DeRozan’s Absence and Impact
DeRozan’s absence was undoubtedly felt by the Kings. The veteran guard is a key offensive weapon and leader on the court. His ability to create his own shot, drive to the basket, and find open teammates makes him a vital part of Sacramento’s attack.
Impact on Offense
- The Kings had to rely more heavily on their role players to contribute offensively in DeRozan’s absence.
- Harrison Barnes stepped up with a strong performance, leading the team in scoring.
- Domantas Sabonis also had a solid game, contributing both points and rebounds.
Impact on Defense
- DeRozan’s defensive prowess was missed, as the Suns capitalized on some open opportunities.
- The Kings were forced to adjust their defensive strategies without DeRozan’s presence.
- Other players had to step up and take on a larger defensive role.
Spotlight on Other Players
With DeRozan sidelined, other players stepped up to fill the void. Harrison Barnes led the Kings with 32 points, while Domantas Sabonis contributed a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Keegan Murray also had a solid game off the bench, scoring 17 points.
Kings’ Path Forward
The victory against the Suns was a crucial one for the Kings as they continue their playoff push. They now have to focus on staying healthy and maintaining this momentum moving forward.
Importance of DeRozan’s Health
DeRozan’s health is paramount for the Kings’ success. His leadership, offensive firepower, and experience are invaluable assets that cannot be easily replaced.
Focusing on Consistency
The Kings need to focus on consistency throughout the remainder of the season. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but need to maintain a high level of play night in and night out to secure a playoff spot.
Looking Ahead
The Kings’ next game is against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, March 10th, 2023. It will be another challenging matchup for Sacramento, but they will be looking to keep their winning streak alive.
