Sasha Vezenkov names EuroLeague-NBA differences, rates his defensive improvement / News - Basketnews.com

Following his NBA scoring-high against the Clippers, Sasha Vezenkov weighed in on his adjustment to the league, his performance on defense and how he coped with not being given much playing time at the beginning.

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

Sasha Vezenkov recorded an NBA career-high 13 points, as the Sacramento Kings lost to the Los Angeles Clippers for the first time since October 2022. After two important wins against the Timberwolves and the Warriors, the Kings suffered a 131-117 defeat.

Free throws this season

74%18,1Points made:18,1Accuracy:73,7%Place in standings:13Record max:29Record min:9Most made FTs:De'Aaron FoxTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Vezenkovsurpassed his previous record of 11 points, going 3/5 from distance, which tied his personal record against the Cavaliers. He also pulled down five rebounds and played 24 minutes, the most so far in the regular season as he had recorded 18 against the Lakers.

The Clippers led by 22 points at halftime, but this time there was no comeback for the Kings despite DeAaron Fox's 40 points. Against a stacked Clippers squad, the Kings struggled defensively and saw Kawhi Leonard (34) and James Harden (26) combine for 60 points and 13 assists.

"It was obvious that we were emotionally empty after the comeback game yesterday," the 2023 EuroLeague MVP told reporters after the game.

"The Clippers played an amazing game. We weren't physical and let them shoot 50% from 3. We lacked the energy and struggled offensively in the first half. We got to be better in back-to-back games," Vezenkov noted.

The Bulgarian forward had been instrumental in the Kings' victory over the Warriors on Tuesday night, when he scored 8 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and made 2 blocks. So far, he's played 14 out of the King's total 17 games, averaging 6.4 points and 2.3 rebounds on 36.5% from downtown.

"The DNP is tough for every player," he commented after being asked whether he feels more comfortable.

"It was hard for me, but I had to stay ready. We're a deep team with good players. I waited my chance so that I could show I could help the team."

At season start, Kings coach Mike Brown had pointed out that Vezenkov needs to improve defensively in order to get more minutes and expressed doubts on whether the former Olympiacos Piraeus player could crack the rotation right away.

Sacramento Kings / Schedule

Minnesota Timberwolves Sacramento Kings111-124 Sacramento Kings Golden State Warriors124-123 Sacramento Kings Los Angeles Clippers117-131 Sacramento Kings Denver NuggetsSun03:00

Vezenkov said he's trying to make some progress as a defender, given certain limitations.

"I 'm trying to study the game and the players. I'll never be a lockdown defender, let's be honest," he admitted.

"But I want to be solid, help the team and not get exposed. I'm improving with every game."

Vezenkov called the Clippers "a super talented team."

"They have three All-Stars. I know they struggled at the beginning, but you can't build a team, even in a year or two. The issue is how fast they can become a really good team. They'll find their way because they have the assets. They showed that they can play well, and then it's about their consistency and chemistry throughout the whole season," he argued.

Asked about the differences between theEuroLeague and the NBA, he stressed that in the US the game is faster and players are very talented.

"Every All-Star can score 40-50 points in each game. It's like going from the EuroCup to the EuroLeague or from the EuroLeague to the NBA," he continued.

"It's hard to adjust, create your comfort zone, learn how the game is played and earn everyone's trust. With my work, my character and my desire to win and help the team, I'm sure everything will be fine," he concluded.

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