Kings Fall to Spurs as Leaky Black Steps Into Starting Role

San Antonio led throughout and held a 75-56 advantage at halftime before finishing with a 15-point win. The Kings had one of their better offensive performances of the season, but the Spurs shot 61% from the field and 50% from three-point range, making 15 of 30 attempts from beyond the arc. Sacramento had allowed San Antonio to make 10 of 16 threes in the first half alone.

With De’Andre Hunter out sick, Leaky Black entered the starting lineup for his first regular-season start for Sacramento and played a team-high 40 minutes. He scored 12 points, grabbed three rebounds, handed out four assists and made two steals, while shooting 4-for-7 from three. Black also took on defensive assignments against San Antonio guards De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. Nique Clifford and Alex Karaban played 15 minutes combined.

Dylan Cardwell returned from injury and contributed nine points, two rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 15 minutes off the bench. Center Domantas Sabonis had foul trouble, while Sacramento awaits the return of Maxime Raynaud. The Kings’ rotation may shift again when Hunter and Keegan Murray are available.

Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. finished with 22 points and eight assists despite early foul trouble as San Antonio targeted him defensively. He also turned an ankle but stayed in the game. Sacramento’s next game is scheduled for November 8 at home against the Miami Heat, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.