In the current NBA league, teams often prefer to build multi-core superstar lineups in pursuit of championships. This trend became particularly evident after the Celtics successfully won the title last season, showcasing the advantages of a multi-core lineup: strong bottom-line capabilities, reduced impact from injuries, and an easier path to winning the championship. The Celtics have maintained a high win rate this season, consistently ranking second in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Cavaliers. As defending champions, all contending teams in the league view them as their primary rival, believing that to win the championship, they must possess the ability to defeat the Celtics.
This season, teams such as the Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Pelicans, and Kings are emulating the Celtics by forming multi-core superstar lineups. The Knicks' lineup of Brunson, Towns, Bridges, and Anunoby has been very successful, achieving the third-best record in the East and closely following the Cavaliers and Celtics in their quest for the championship. The 76ers have assembled a trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey, currently ranked 11th in the East and still striving to "march north." The Pelicans have formed a four-core lineup of Zion Williamson, Ingram, Dejounte Murray, and McCollum, but with the worst record in the West, they are preparing to tank for the number one draft pick.
The Kings acquired DeRozan during the offseason and built a four-core superstar lineup featuring Fox, DeRozan, Sabonis, and Keegan Murray. However, the Kings started the season poorly, ranking only 13th in the West, third from the bottom, which was quite uncomfortable. To change their downward trend, the Kings fired head coach Mike Brown, making him the first coach to be let go this season. Surprisingly, after dismissing Mike Brown, the Kings seemed to come alive, winning consecutive games and defeating strong opponents in an incredible display.
According to NBA reporters from American media, the Kings have recently achieved a 6-0 record, with their players performing better and better. During their recent six-game winning streak, the Kings had the third-best offensive efficiency and fifth-best defensive efficiency in the league, indicating that everything is improving. In their latest game, the Kings pulled off a stunning victory over the defending champion Celtics, with Fox absent due to injury. DeRozan, Sabonis, Monk, and Keegan Murray led the team to a surprising 17-point victory over the Celtics. Despite the Celtics' strongest quintet of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Porzingis, Jusuf Nurkic, and Derrick White all playing, they still suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Kings, unable to save the game.
Fans say that after the coaching change, the Kings have truly begun their "northern campaign," starting their comeback. The Kings have convincingly defeated the Celtics, Heat, Warriors (by 30 points), Grizzlies (second in the West), and the Philadelphia 76ers' trio of superstars. The teams they have beaten are all strong, without any "padding." Moreover, during the Kings' six-game winning streak, Fox missed three games, and Keegan Murray also missed three games. This means that the Kings have not yet used their full lineup to defeat these formidable opponents and achieve a six-game winning streak.
Sabonis has been in excellent form recently: scoring 21 points + 18 rebounds + 11 assists + 3 blocks in a single game, 23 points + 28 rebounds + 3 assists + 2 blocks in another, and 22 points + 13 rebounds + 7 assists in yet another. Sabonis has recorded double-doubles 33 times this season, the most in the entire league. He averages 14.2 rebounds per game, also the most in the league. Fans say that changing coaches is like sharpening a knife; the Kings are now completely taking off, with their lineup's strength being real and not just hype. With players like Fox, DeRozan, Sabonis, Keegan Murray, Monk, Huerter, and McDermott, can the Kings' lineup make a real comeback and compete for the championship?
