The Sacramento Kings have entered historically difficult territory with a 15-game losing streak that not only represents the longest losing streak in franchise history, but also underscores the decline of a team that just two years ago looked poised for sustained Western Conference relevance. Sacramento's 131–94 loss to the Orlando Magic pushed the team to 12–45, the worst record in the NBA, and extended its winless streak to January 16.
Keegan Murray, who returned after missing six weeks due to an ankle injury against the Magic, was at a loss for words after the game.
"It's hard. Honestly, I don't really have the words to explain it. I don't know if anyone has the words to explain what's happened over the last three or four years, but obviously we have to change something because it obviously can't happen. Not many teams in NBA history have had 15 consecutive losing seasons," he said, according to The Sacramento Bee.
The Kings were competitive against Orlando from the beginning and led 28–18. However, the Magic responded with typical efficiency, shooting 16-of-21 (76.2%) in the second quarter and making a franchise-record 27 three-pointers.
The losing streak comes with a real injury crisis. Domantas Sabonis (meniscus surgery) and Zach LaVine (hand surgery) are out for the season, removing Sacramento's primary interior facilitator and leading scorer from the rotation.
In particular, the absence of Sabonis, who averaged 19.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists, has hurt Sacramento's offensive structure, which has been exacerbated by LaVine's absence. Despite this, Murray's return has given them a ray of hope.
He scored 15 points and eight rebounds on 6-of-13 shooting (3-of-7 from three) against the Magic and will only be expected to continue to grow from here. Despite this, there is no doubt that the Kings now have a mountain to climb to save themselves this season.
They will now face the San Antonio Spurs, which begins a five-game road trip.
