It's been a tough season for the Sacramento Kings, even by their standards.
Coming off a 139-122 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, the Kings have been winless in their last 16 games spanning more than a month. And Charles Barkley, of course, for always speaking his mind. there was no going back When criticizing Sacramento's terrible play, whether it was 15 or 16 in a row.
"You can't play 15 good teams in a row... Come on, man," Barkley said on 'Inside the NBA' via Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. "These teams are doing things like the Harlem Globetrotters here (against them). Come on, man. These guys are doing things like the Globetrotters here."
It's certainly true that the Kings haven't played 15 — or now 16 — good teams in a row. In fact, before losing to the Spurs and Orlando Magic, Sacramento played the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz, both of whom are much closer to competing for the first overall pick than a playoff spot. Despite Utah and New Orleans having the third and second worst records, respectively, in the Western Conference, the result was a pair of blowouts.
On February 9, the Pelicans defeated the Kings 120–94. Two days later, Sacramento also lost to the Jazz, 121–93. During this losing streak, the Kings have not played any team more than once, meaning they have lost to more than half the NBA in a little over a month.
Of course, that's acceptable for Sacramento, which has its first-round draft pick this year. If that doesn't happen, losing three players – Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and De'Andre Hunter – to season-ending surgeries in the last few weeks would be the worst news. But for the Kings, it only solidifies that they will have the best chances in the NBA Draft Lottery.
The Kings, who recently set a new record for the longest losing streak in franchise history, can add to that tally on Monday evening when they play the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a five-game road trip.
