Why Matt George Is Disgusted by Sacramento Kings Defense

The Sacramento Kings fell 130-103 to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, dropping their season record to 0-4. The loss was defined by a defensive collapse that allowed San Antonio to shoot 17-of-37 from three-point range, according to Sactown Sports.

When a team allows 39 points in the first quarter and 41 in the second, the issue is a defense that needs to become more physical. For the Kings, this pattern has become a seasonal constant, as they have now surrendered at least 40 points in a single quarter in every game they’ve played this year.

Matt George slams ‘soft’ defensive effort

Speaking on The Matt George Podcast from Sactown Sports, Matt George didn’t mince words regarding the performance at the Frost Bank Center. He described the Kings’ effort as “pitiful” and “soft defense through and through,” expressing particular frustration with the team’s inability to protect the perimeter.

👑MGP EPISODE #119👑🏀The Kings defense is way too soft.🏀Sacramento's 3-point offense was much better.🏀The Kings desperately need Dylan Cardwell.🖥️https://t.co/mQBl8nOQTE pic.twitter.com/jUAjTpk40G
— https://x.com/MattGeorgeSAC/status/2115283245130809746

The numbers back up the frustration. The Spurs were lethal from deep, hitting 13-of-22 (59%) of their threes in the first half alone. George pointed to a specific failure in the corner, where San Antonio went 8-of-11. He argued that the Kings weren’t just beaten by hot shooting, but actively facilitated it through “lazy closeouts” and “overhelping” in the paint.

“The Kings did that to themselves. There’s no tipping the cap.”

George used Julian Champagnie as the primary example of this breakdown. Champagnie finished with 26 points, including eight three-pointers. According to George, the Kings gave Champagnie “warm-up wide-open corner threes” early in the game, allowing him to find his rhythm before he began hitting more difficult shots.

The Sacramento Kings' "Defense" is Way Too Soft – The Matt George Podcast

The backpedal problem in the paint

While the three-point line was the scoreboard’s loudest alarm, the root of the problem started inside the arc. George observed a recurring tactical flaw: Sacramento’s defenders constantly backpedaled when San Antonio drivers entered the paint rather than making physical contact or forcing a change in direction.

This passive approach created a cascading effect. By retreating instead of contesting, the Kings gave San Antonio drivers the space to either finish with an easy floater or draw defensive help, leaving shooters wide open on the perimeter. It was a cycle of “spray” passes to the outside that the Kings simply refused to guard.

Kings-Spurs Postgame Live with Grant, Jerry & Ryno I 10.27.26

In a league where efficiency is everything, giving up easy buckets in the paint and uncontested corner threes is a recipe for the 0-4 start Sacramento is currently enduring.

De’Andre Hunter provides a lone offensive spark

It wasn’t all bleak for the Kings. On the other end of the floor, the offense showed signs of life, hitting 13 threes on 37 attempts. De’Andre Hunter emerged as a bright spot, scoring 24 points and knocking down five threes.

Wind on water matt george c nbc courtesy everett collection

George characterized this as Hunter’s “best game as a King,” praising his ability to operate within the offense and his efficiency as a catch-and-shoot threat. However, the contrast between Hunter’s offensive output and the team’s defensive void was stark. Individual brilliance on offense cannot compensate for a defense that George described as “atrocious.”