He Kings of Sacramento They started their 2024-25 season with two wins and two losses, but there have been many bright spots in their average start.

Sacramento’s starting lineup has been phenomenal, even though many fans question head coach Mike Brown’s decision to start Kevin Huerter instead of Keon Ellis or Malik Monk.

By NBA Advanced StatisticsSacramento’s starting lineup of De’Aaron Fox, Kevin Huerter, DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis has the highest net rating (24.0) of any five-man lineup in the NBA (minimum 48 minutes played together).

The Kings are ahead of the starting lineups of the boston celts (17.6), Houston Rockets (14.5), New York Knicks (12.5), and Denver Nuggets (11.8).

Sacramento’s offense has been good, with that same lineup having the fifth-best offensive rating (121.7) of any lineup in the league, but the difference has been on the defensive side of the ball. Despite the stigma that the Kings have a bad defense, their starting five has the best defensive rating (97.7) of any five-man lineup in the league.

For reference, the only other lineup that is in the top five in offensive rating and top three in defensive rating is the Celtics’ starting five, the reigning champions and common favorites to repeat.

While many fans criticized Brown’s decision to start Huerter, he has so far exceeded expectations. The offseason addition of DeMar DeRozan already appears to be paying off, as the six-time All-Star has been the perfect piece in Sacramento’s lineup.

Despite what history shows, the Kings have built a very strong lineup and will be a very serious threat in the Western Conference if they continue to click on both sides of the ball.

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