The Sacramento Kings have allowed the Indiana Pacers to score 130 points in their two preseason games in India, but head coach Luke Walton is not one bit worried — at least not yet.
According to Jason Jones of The Athletic, Walton admitted the team's need to work on their defense. However, the former Los Angeles Lakers head coach emphasized “there's no reason to panic” and that they are focusing in that department as training camp progresses.
Sacramento lost both of their exhibition contests with the Pacers, with the first game ending 131-132 and the second one finishing 130-106. During their second showdown that ended in a blowout, the Kings actually gave up 46 points to the Victor Oladipo-less Pacers in the second quarter alone.
The Kings had one of the worst defensive ratings in the league in 2018-19, giving up 110.8 points per 100 possessions (21st overall). With that said, Walton certainly have plenty of tweaking to do to improve that figure.
Fortunately for Walton, he has the tools to make the Kings a solid defensive team. Besides big man Marvin Bagley III, they have lock-down defender in Trevor Ariza. De'Aaron Fox, with his speed, could also be pivotal as the team build its identity on the defensive end.
Walton and Co. have the preseason to address all their issues. After all, they can't allow opponents to drop 130 on them night in and night out.
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