The Kings are still attempting the fewest number of 3-pointers in the NBA, but no team has shot the long ball better than Sacramento during the team’s three-game winning streak.
That was one of the most surprising statistical trends to emerge as the Kings (11-30) won three in a row for the first time this season going into Friday’s game against the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
The sample size is small, but the opponents were formidable with impressive wins over the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, three teams that are currently in position to earn automatic playoff berths.
During that stretch, the Kings ranked fifth in the NBA in offensive rating (123.5), seventh in defensive rating (110.3) and third in net rating (+13.2). Those figures represent a stunning turnaround for a team that ranks 29th in offensive rating (109.1), 28th in defensive rating (119.2) and 29th in net rating (-10.1).
The most noticeable improvement at the offensive end has been Sacramento’s 3-point shooting.
On the season, the Kings are 21st in the NBA in 3-point shooting (.349) and 30th in 3-point attempts (30.0). Over the past three games, they were No. 1 in 3-point shooting at 46.1% while still ranking 30th in 3-point attempts (25.3).
Zach LaVine, Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook combined for an average of 18.0 3-point attempts during that stretch, all with expert efficiency. Monk shot 60% on 5.0 attempts per game. LaVine shot 57.9% on 6.3 attempts per game. Westbrook shot 45% on 6.7 attempts per game.
“I think shot profile probably helps out a little bit,” Kings coach Doug Christie said. “We’re touching the paint. We’re advancing the basketball. We’re creating advantages. Guys are setting really good screens. Now you’ve created a 2 v 1 and now guys are touching the paint and spraying the basketball.”