Justin Kovacs
LightNews LightNews
banner
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Justin Kovacs
@jmkovacs.bsky.social
110 followers 60 following 180 posts
Staff Writer for the Sacramento Kings On SI. http://si.com/nba/kings
Opinions are my own.
Posts Replies Media Videos
jmkovacs.bsky.social
The Kings are in a very bad way at the moment. Coach Christie had a lot to say about the team’s effort after last night’s loss.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/on...
Doug Christie Does Not Hold Back After Kings' Blowout Loss to Hawks
For the Sacramento Kings, this is as bad as it has been for quite some time. The players and the coaching staff have a lot to answer for, not only in Wednesday’
www.si.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:30 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Kings rookie Maxime Raynaud played well off the bench last night. After the game, he offered up an explanation as to what went wrong in the loss to OKC.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/on...
Kings Rookie Maxime Raynaud Gets Honest After Blowout Loss
Kings rookie center Maxime Raynaud talks about what went wrong in the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and his early takeaways from his first NBA season.
www.si.com
November 8, 2025 at 3:20 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Doug Christie talked about how a slow start and an inability to get consistent stops led to another loss in Denver.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/on...
Doug Christie Points to Two Deciding Factors in Kings' Loss to Nuggets
The Sacramento Kings wrapped up their four-game road trip with a 124-130 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night to return home with a 1-3 record. The Kings
www.si.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Justin Kovacs
will-z-stats.bsky.social
Tonight both felt like the Kings were going to find a way to steal the game, but also like they got blown out for 48 minutes.

Here's three of my takeaways: Defense, Westbrook, and Clifford
www.si.com/nba/kings/on...
Three Takeaways from Kings' Odd Loss to Nuggets
The Sacramento Kings hung around until the final minute, but fell to 2-5 on the season after losing to the Denver Nuggets 124-130.
www.si.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:03 AM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Coach Christie’s attempt to put the blame on himself is admirable, but coaching mistakes are certainly not the only reason for the Kings’ rough start.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/on...
Doug Christie Takes Accountability After Kings' Loss to Thunder
The Sacramento Kings lost another tough game on Tuesday night in Oklahoma City to the defending-champion Thunder. As they have in multiple games this season, th
www.si.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:20 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Always nice to put one in the ‘Win’ column. Light The Beam!

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
3 Takeaways From Kings' Bounce-Back Win Over Jazz
The Sacramento Kings entered their game against the Utah Jazz on Friday night trying to do something they had never done before. The Kings had never won a home
www.si.com
October 25, 2025 at 5:24 AM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
For two quarters last night, the Kings looked really good. Unfortunately, they still had to play the second half of the game.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Zach LaVine Criticizes Kings’ Second-Half Collapse in Loss to Suns
After the Sacramento Kings lost their season opener by falling 116-120 to the Phoenix Suns, star guard Zach LaVine characterized the team’s effort - and the fin
www.si.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:50 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Nique Clifford has been one of the few bright spots for the Kings in their three preseason games. After last night’s loss, he talked about what went wrong.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Nique Clifford Reflects On Kings’ Loss To Clippers
Sacramento Kings rookie Nique Clifford discusses what went right and wrong during the third preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
www.si.com
October 16, 2025 at 6:07 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
This is horrible news for the Kings.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #NBA #Kings #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Kings Announce Unfortunate Keegan Murray Injury Update on Sunday
On Sunday, the Sacramento Kings announced that forward Keegan Murray has suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb, an injury that will
www.si.com
October 12, 2025 at 7:47 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Zach LaVine is looking forward to facing other teams after he and his teammates have given each other a tough, physical training camp thus far.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Kings Star Ready for Real Games After Competitive Training Camp
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine is ready to see how they match up against a real opponent after going against teammates in a competitive training camp.
www.si.com
October 8, 2025 at 2:40 AM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
What will need to go right for the Kings to avoid the fate predicted in these win-loss projections? Just about everything.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Kings Receive Bleak 2025-26 Record Prediction from NBA Analysts
The Sacramento Kings were predicted to finish near the bottom of the Western Conference in the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season.
www.si.com
October 4, 2025 at 9:48 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Kings guard Zach LaVine had a lot to say about the upcoming season. Is he right to be optimistic about Sacramento’s chances this year?

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Zach LaVine Displays Optimism For Kings' Upcoming Season
Zach LaVine had a lot of positive things to say entering his first full season with the Sacramento Kings.
www.si.com
September 30, 2025 at 6:23 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Sacramento Kings Media Day turned into the “Dennis Schröder Appreciation Society”. The veteran point guard talked about why he decided to sign with the Kings.

#SacramentoKings #Kings #NBA #SacKings #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Dennis Schröder Reveals Why He Chose the Sacramento Kings
If you had to sum up the Sacramento Kings media day with one overall theme, perhaps the most accurate description would be “love for Dennis Schröder”. Almost ev
www.si.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Justin Kovacs
will-z-stats.bsky.social
I still don't think Monk's contract is 'bad,' but just a result of unfortunate circumstances of timing
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Malik Monk’s Contract Isn’t The Problem For Kings—Timing Is
The Sacramento Kings are having a hard time trading Malik Monk, but it's due to unique circumstances related to the new CBA more than his skillset.
www.si.com
September 26, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Reposted by Justin Kovacs
will-z-stats.bsky.social
Third up in the season previews: Zach LaVine

I think LaVine has the second most to prove this season behind Sabonis, and think he could thrive in Doug Christie's offense.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Zach LaVine Revenge Tour: 2025-26 Sacramento Kings Preview
Can Zach LaVine get back to his All-Star ways? The sharpshooter has a lot to prove in his first full season with the Sacramento Kings.
www.si.com
September 24, 2025 at 9:41 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
If the Kings are looking to tear it down and rebuild, here is one way they could start. I wouldn’t recommend it, personally, but here it is anyway. 🤷🏻‍♂️

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Bold NBA Trade Idea Sends Kings' Rising Star to OKC Thunder
This NBA trade idea sends out Keegan Murray to the Oklahoma City Thunder and jumpstarts the Sacramento Kings roster rebuild.
www.si.com
September 24, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Reposted by Justin Kovacs
will-z-stats.bsky.social
I think we all thought DeRozan would be traded this offseason, but with him coming back for year two in Sacramento, a look back at last season and preview for the upcoming season in the 2nd player preview of the series.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
DeMar DeRozan's Surprising Return: 2025-26 Sacramento Kings Preview
After an offseason where it felt like he would be traded, DeMar DeRozan returns for his second season with the Sacramento Kings.
www.si.com
September 23, 2025 at 10:51 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
In a recent interview, former Kings guard Rashad McCants shared his thoughts on the potential of both Russel Westbrook and Jonathan Kuminga ending up in Sacramento.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Ex-Kings Guard's Take on Potential Russell Westbrook, Jonathan Kuminga Signings
Most Sacramento Kings fans probably did not expect to still be talking about Russell Westbrook at this point in the offseason. This saga has turned into one of
www.si.com
September 23, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Reposted by Justin Kovacs
will-z-stats.bsky.social
My first article in a season preview series, looking back at Sabonis 2024-25 season, biggest question mark, and biggest concern.

How y'all feeling about Sabonis heading into next year?
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Domantas Sabonis in the Spotlight: 2025-26 Sacramento Kings Preview
A look ahead at what to expect from Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis in the 2025-26 NBA season.
www.si.com
September 22, 2025 at 9:42 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Can the Kings make the playoffs this season? If their core stays healthy, they have a chance to improve upon last season’s finish.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
ESPN Analyst Reveals What Kings Need to Make 2026 NBA Playoffs
The Sacramento Kings finished in ninth place in the Western Conference last season, good enough to earn a spot in the Play-In Tournament. With a new full-time h
www.si.com
September 17, 2025 at 5:52 PM
jmkovacs.bsky.social
Former Sacramento/Stockton Kings guard Mason Jones had a message for the fans and organization as he heads Down Under to continue his career.

#SacramentoKings #SacKings #Kings #NBA #LightTheBeam

www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Recent Kings Guard Sends Farewell Message After Signing in Australia
The Sacramento Kings’ G League affiliate in Stockton are still riding high off last season’s championship run, and one of the key figures behind that success is
www.si.com
September 10, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Reposted by Justin Kovacs
will-z-stats.bsky.social
I know this seems obvious, but there's one stat that I'll be looking at more than others next season. Maybe not for wins and losses, but more so for the culture going forward.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
This Stat Could be Key to Kings' Success in 2025-26 Season
The Sacramento Kings' success could rely on their offensive scheme and ball movement in the upcoming season.
www.si.com
September 9, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Reposted by Justin Kovacs
will-z-stats.bsky.social
It feels like there are still so many question marks around the Sacramento Kings, but these are my top three as training camp approaches.

What's your biggest question heading into next season?
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Kings' Three Biggest Questions as Training Camp Approaches
The Sacramento Kings still have a lot of unanswered questions heading into the 2025-26 season.
www.si.com
September 9, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Reposted by Justin Kovacs
will-z-stats.bsky.social
If the Kings want to win next year, let's just say that these stats show how important DeRozan was for everyone last season.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Surprising Stats Show Importance of DeRozan for All Teammates
The numbers show that DeMar DeRozan was integral for almost every teammate last season with the Sacramento Kings.
www.si.com
September 5, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Reposted by Justin Kovacs
will-z-stats.bsky.social
I think we all want Sabonis to shoot more, but the numbers from last season show that might not be the best case scenario.
www.si.com/nba/kings/sa...
Stat Breakdown: When Sabonis Shot More, Kings Won Less
The Sacramento Kings need Domantas Sabonis to be aggressive, but the numbers show they don't fare well when he shoots a high volume of shots.
www.si.com
September 5, 2025 at 3:35 PM