With the Sacramento Kings currently just half a game outside the Playoffs picture in the ruthless Western Conference, many consider them to be the surprise package of the season.
Head coach Dave Joerger admitted that his team have been outperforming the expectations set by outsiders, and pointed out that they are currently where they are due to the team's attention to detail.
“I don't think maybe anybody thought we were going to be in this position at this point of the year,” Joerger said, via ESPN. “But things have happened in the Western Conference and we've got an opportunity, so now the little stuff matters. The silly quick shot, the silly turnover, not getting back on my guy fast enough. It really matters. Everything is amplified this time of year.”
The Kings were supposed to be rebuilding this year, and despite the absence of one or two superstar-caliber players, the team continues to upset the odds by remaining competitive in the West.
As explained to Joerger, nothing was accomplished overnight, and it continues to be an ongoing process for the Kings as they constantly put an emphasis on the little things.
This was on full display yet again on Friday night as Sacramento notched another home victory against the visiting Miami Heat. 6-foot-4 guard Buddy Hield — who has been outstanding for the Kings so far this season, and is one of the main reason why the Kings have all of a sudden become a threat — led the way for his team with 23-point scoring outburst.
The Kings are scheduled to take on a the Pheonix Suns on Sunday, which should be a winnable game for coach Joerger and his side. However, it will be followed by a tough stretch wherein Sacramento will battle against the top three teams in the West (Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Oklahoma City Thunder) in three consecutive games, with the All-Star break in between.
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