I like Clifford‘s upside, but get tired of fans and media always bringing up Ellis and Clifford minutes, especially if they didn’t play well in minutes they got. Doug’s gonna play vets more now for 2 reasons. It gives him best chance to win right now, and it helps their value before trade deadline.

What are you talking about? I literally messaged you that he looked real good in the first half which was after that 14 to 2 run and you liked the post so don’t tell me I didn’t say anything. I pointed out the fouls because that’s his worst trait and why I said he was unplayable previous games.

Now Clifford has four fouls in his last five minutes or so, which gives up points and gets Memphis closer to the penalty.

Clifford has looked very good tonight

Levine does have bad body language and makes some lackadaisical turnovers, etc. but as far as defense goes coaches, and eye test confirms, his own ball defense has been better but off ball sucks, but that’s true for most of team - Christie way too many junk defenses puts players in bad positions

Meantime, Clifford is shooting 34% 29% from 3 is extremely foul prone; gave up a 5 point play tonight that was a dagger. Entire Kings team has bad plus minus stats the bottom 6 are LaVine, DeRozan, Sabonis, Schroeder, Westbrook, Ellis. Later in year, give Clifford all the minutes he wants.

Don’t disagree with your premise - Christie has sat him in 4th when bad. Tonight; however, LaVine was good on both sides of ball and +18; best on Kings. He scores 20+ a game efficiently. Saying he’s unplayable is hyperbole; his on ball defense this year is better; off ball sucks. Is turnover prone.

I did call it out in 2nd part of my post. Clifford gave up 5 point play on a stupid foul on a 3 point shooter; it was inexcusable and a dagger near end of 3rd quarter. Season 34% shooting; 29% from 3 and lots of low IQ fouls which is a Kings specialty. Kings telecast never calls out bad fouls

I understand big picture, but players, even young ones, need to earn them. It’s still early in season; later in season yes. Doug is trying to win games. He’s on a two-year trial. I’m sure he would love to play Clifford more but he is unplayable right now. Ellis does deserve more consistent role.

Kings were terrible when those two played along with Monk and Achiuwa. Christie is trying to win games; when you put guys in and your team gets destroyed not really fair to criticize coach for not playing them more. PT is earned. Clifford has been big disappointment so far; Max has been better.

Lastly, to reiterate 1st point media keeps asking players about being flat in 1st quarter; players bear some responsibility but they were hustling, doubling Booker 30 feet from basket you basically gave Suns a layup line / wide open 3’s. Give players a chance to be successful from the start.

3) LaVine lackadaisical passes last few games are killers; shooting comes and goes, but unforced turnovers kill you

4) Kayte said they were letting both teams play but strongly disagree. Kings got more touch fouls; Suns more physical yet 20 FT’s to 10 for Kings. Whistle was not same for Kings.

2) give Keegan and other players a fighting CHANCE to play straight up defense with some help and recover; double later if needed. It’s not a coincidence Kings get killed defensively in 1st QTR’s when they start doubling from start. They played straight up next 3 QTR’s and were MUCH better.