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Kings PG Newton Shines in Extended Opportunity
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- Kings PG Newton Shines in Extended Opportunity
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
The Sacramento Kings are yet to win a game during their opening NBA Preseason matchups, but the team continues to exact production from various young players.
On Tuesday night, in the Kings' 110-98 loss against the Portland Trail Blazers , most of the official 15-man roster sat out, paving way for G-League, training camp, and two-way players to get more minutes.
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Recently signed point guard Tristen Newton is one player who made the most of his increased opportunity, scoring a team-high 15 points and adding three assists.
Newton was added to the training camp roster in late-September, and had only played in five minutes of preseason action before this impressive showing.
The former UConn standout played with good pace, using pick-and-roll actions to get downhill and find his teammates open for kickouts.
Newton also did a good job of getting to the free-throw line, attempting 12 shots from the charity stripe.
While he only converted on six of the 12, Newton's aggressive play style and ability to cause contact at the rim was a very strong sign.
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Since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, Newton has spent time with the Indiana Pacers , Minnesota Timberwolves , and Houston Rockets , appearing in nine games total.
But, his collegiate career was very impressive, with Newton finishing out his schooling with back-to-back National Championships from 2022-2024.
Newton was an instant fit in UConn head coach Dan Hurley's motion-heavy offensive scheme, while also providing a high-level of perimeter defense to the Huskies' backcourt.
In the Huskies' first title run, Newton recorded a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double and went 8-of-8 from the foul line in the championship game vs. San Diego State.
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Following his strong postseason, Newton was named a member of the All-Final Four Team.
He also became the first player in program history to record two triple-doubles in the same season, filling up the stat sheet against Marquette and Buffalo.
But, this was only the beginning of Newton's legacy in Storrs, CT, as he followed up this title run with an even better showing.
After a Consensus First Team All-American nod during the regular season, Newton once again tore up March en route to a NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player recognition.
In the title game, Newton scored 20 points, dishing seven assists and grabbing five rebounds, without committing a turnover.
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He also scored his 2,000th career point in the win, going out in perhaps the best way possible.
With the added depth in Sacramento's backcourt, it will be difficult for Newton to carve out significant minutes, but his steady production is still encouraging to see.
Newton also brings a level of familiarity with Sacramento's late first-round pick Alex Karaban, who lifted both national titles alongside him at UConn.
