“I feel like I’ve already played a full season in college.

That the Kings were victims career record‘Isaiah Hartensteinthey were dominated in the racket by conceding 60 points, while Doug Christie’s players scored only 34. A difference that can explain this heavy defeat (132-101) as recognized Russell Westbrook etc Maxime Raynaud.

“We were static in attack” Russell Westbrook’s regret. “When we move the ball and play fast, it allows us to cut, get to the rim and finish. We missed a lot of these opportunities. Against the reigning champion, you can’t leave that many points in the racket.”

If Russell Westbrook highlights the fact that the Kings do not attack the circle enough, Maxime Reynaud, for his part, explains this difference in points with defensive deficiencies…

“We can’t get a pass on offense or let a player who opens up in the circle behind us catch a lobbed pass. We can’t let the opponent take so many offensive rebounds that turn into ‘second chance’ points. Those are areas where we have to improve.”

Play with confidence

In the absence Domantas SabonisThe Frenchman has more opportunities to prove himself. During the Kings’ last two outings, he played 15 minutes against the Warriors and then 23 minutes against the Thunder.

Against Golden StateMaxime Reynaud scored his first NBA points by finishing with six points on the night. this time, face au Thunderhe showed himself on the rebound with ten shots, to go with his 8 points on 3/10 shooting.

“I’m learning everything, whether it’s the physical level, the speed of the game or being ready to play the next match” notes Maxime Raynaud. “We have 82 games. We haven’t even played ten, and I feel like we’ve already played the whole college season. I have to be able to play with confidence and understand how I can help the team. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Even if it’s complicated in such a tough conference, the former Stanford player wants to play as much as possible to learn. “What helps me the most is that I’m thrown into the thick of things. The more you play, the more you improve. I watch a lot of videos, during sessions or at home: I try to watch as much basketball as possible. »