Sacramento Kings: 3 takeaways from 2018-19 season opener

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 17: People hold up giant Jimmy Fallon heads while Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz shoots a free throw during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on October 17, 2018 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. The effort

The most refreshing part of the season opener was the fact that the Kings showed desire to compete. That was something that rarely happened a season ago.

The newly acquired Yogi Ferrell was the catalyst of the Kings’ grit and hustle. He showed that he’s willing to put his body on the line, drawing several charging calls and finishing his night with 12 points.

Players like Iman Shumpert, Justin Jackson and Frank Mason III didn’t do much on the stat sheet, but they were willing to hustle. Jackson struggled with his shot (4-for-10), but it’s good to see that he was not just standing in the corner and waiting for the ball. He was actually driving to the hoop and trying to make plays.

As expected, Shumpert talked trash while he was in the game, which is sometimes needed to give Sacramento a boost.

Unfortunately for the Kings, the Jazz were able to come up with some hustle points late in the game. The young Kings have to get stronger and dive to the floor quicker if they want to win the 50-50 balls, but the effort looked good in the season opener.

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