Zach LaVine Delivers 42 Points, Sparking Engaging Potential in Sacramento
Zach LaVine, the new Kings guard, exploded onto the scene, scoring an impressive 42 points against the Hornets, finally showing off his explosive potential. Acquired at the trade deadline, LaVine had a slow start with the Kings, but this performance sets a promising tone.
For years now, LaVine has been underappreciated. After signing a massive contract, the league's view of his worth dropped significantly, making him a hard sell for Chicago. This seems like an extreme assessment given LaVine's high efficiency and consistent scoring ability.
The shooting guard has made two All-Star teams and averaged over 24 points during his time in Chicago. His true-shooting percentage of 59.6% is well above the league average. LaVine's defense may not be impressive, but his offensive versatility is, especially considering he was frequently asked to carry the load as a number one option.
LaVine's performance in Sacramento so far has been influenced by his chemistry with Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis, a skilled playmaker and strong screener, enables LaVine to gain a significant advantage against defenders, leading to more open shots and driving lanes. As they grow more comfortable, expect to see more dribble-hand-off situations between the two, potentially boosting the Kings' offense.
LaVine has never played with a playmaker as skilled as Sabonis. If Sabonis helps LaVine unlock his off-ball game more effectively, it could lead to a significant improvement in his performance. However, the presence of DeMar DeRozan might pose a challenge. The two shared a team in Chicago but struggled to find a good fit due to DeRozan's on-ball focus.
Fortunately, the Kings have managed to get DeRozan to take more three-pointers, which could help address spacing issues. It's uncertain how everything will pan out in Sacramento, but LaVine's explosive performance against the Hornets provides a glimpse into what he's capable of in the Kings' system.
Sources:
- NBA.com
- PBPStats
- Cleaning the Glass
- Basketball-Reference
- Spotrac
- FanDuel Sportsbook
De'Aaron Fox, the Sacramento Kings' point guard, will likely benefit from Zach LaVine's improved three-point shooting, as it could create more space for Fox to operate.
In the NBA standings, the Sacramento Kings are currently ranked in the lower half, but with the addition of LaVine, they aim to make a push towards the playoffs.
Despite DeMar DeRozan's focus on the ball, the Chicago Bulls' sportsbook has LaVine listed as a top scorer in their future matchups against the Kings.
LaVine's impressive 42-point performance against the Hornets earned him high praise from NBA analysts, with some suggesting he could potentially be a MVP contender in the future.
With DeRozan taking more three-pointers, the Kings' offense may see a significant boost, as PBPStats data suggests that this could improve team efficiency.
Billy Donovan, the Kings' head coach, has expressed his confidence in LaVine's ability to lead the team, stating that he believes the shooting guard's high salary is justified, given his skills and potential.
According to PBPStats, Lavine's true-shooting percentage of 59.6% is among the highest in the league, indicating that he is not necessarily just a scorer but a highly efficient one as well.
