We’ve all spent plenty of time talking about the important lessons these young Kings have learned over the past few months during this crazy slingshot ride from irrelevance to playoff contention.
All those things were true, but what happened in New Orleans Thursday night in a 121-118 loss to the Pelicans should bother their conscience as they go forward into a promising but uncertain future, because this might be the biggest lesson of all. This is exactly how you don’t make the playoffs.
Let the other guy get the loose ball. Give up that offensive rebound. Allow opposing big men to attack your rim again and again.