A quick analysis of the numbers would lead one to believe that the Kings won their penultimate preseason game against the Spurs:
• Sacramento scored 50 points in the paint, reflecting a plus-14 advantage over the Spurs.
• The Kings were plus-11 in fast break points over the Spurs.
• The Kings held San Antonio to 31 percent shooting from 3-point range.
However, leading by one point heading into the fourth quarter, the Kings were unable to seal the deal in San Antonio, ultimately doomed by committing 23 turnovers in the 106-99 loss to the Spurs.
[RECAP: Kings sputter late, fall to Spurs 106-99]
Kings coach Michael Malone has said it before: “You cannot beat yourself and your opponent in the same night.”
Unfortunately, that quote proved prophetic once again as it reflected Sacramento’s effort versus the reigning world champions.
THE GOOD: DeMarcus Cousins put up prodigious numbers -- 12-for-14 from the field and 8-for-13 from the charity stripe for 32 points while securing 11 rebounds.
Rudy Gay, after sitting out Saturday night’s preseason game with a sore left ankle, got to the free throw line for one attempt less than Cousins going 10-for-12 with 18 points.
Carl Landry had his most productive outing of the preseason, scoring 15 points to go along with seven rebounds.
THE BAD: The Kings allowed 106 points to a San Antonio squad without Tim Duncan (rest), Tiago Splitter (calf injury), Kawhi Leonard (eye infection), Matt Bonner (coaches decision) and Patty Mills (shoulder).
Sacramento committed 24 turnovers leading to 21 San Antonio points. DeMarcus Cousins committed 10 of the 24 turnovers including five offensive fouls.
The Kings shot an anemic 1-for-8 from 3-point range.
THE TAKE: Sacramento (1-4) is allowing 107.4 points per game in five games versus NBA competition this exhibition season.
Additionally, in four the five contests the Kings have turned the ball over 19 or more times.
If the defense and turnovers are not cleaned up, it could be tough going -- especially early in the regular season with only four home games in November and seven early opponents who reached the playoffs a year ago.
Much work needs to be done between the preseason finale against the Lakers on Friday in Las Vegas and the Golden State Warriors' visit to Sleep Train Arena to christen the 2014-15 campaign on Oct. 29.
