Ellis chipped in 33 points (9-17 FG, 9-15 3Pt, 6-7 FT), six rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal across 33 minutes during Monday's 109-108 loss to the Hawks.
Ellis pulverized his previous career-high scoring mark and looked impressive off the bench in this game despite the fact the Kings suffered a one-point defeat. This performance came out of nowhere, though, as Ellis was averaging just 5.9 points per game since the beginning of November entering Monday's eight-game slate. Ellis' increased offensive activity can likely be attributed to the absences of DeMar DeRozan (back) and Domantas Sabonis (back).
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Kings' Keon Ellis: Plays 28 minutes off bench
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Ellis posted six points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), one rebound, one block and one steal across 28 minutes during Sunday's 127-118 overtime win over the Suns.
With Malik Monk (ankle) leaving the contest early, Ellis saw an increased role off the bench but failed to capitalize. The defensive-minded guard can rack up steals quickly but has a limited offensive upside.
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Kings' Keon Ellis: Returning to bench
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Ellis will come off the bench Wednesday versus Toronto.
Ellis is supplanted by Kevin Huerter in the latter's return to the starting lineup. Ellis is averaging 8.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.0 blocks in 21.0 minutes across his last three games off the bench.
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Kings' Keon Ellis: Makes impact defensively
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Ellis posted seven points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT), three rebounds, two assists and three steals over 29 minutes during Monday's 111-110 victory over the Heat.
With Kevin Huerter (illness) sidelined, Doug McDermott surprisingly started Saturday's game against the Raptors, but Ellis got his chance Monday. Ellis' defensive work has always been stellar, but his offensive upside remains limited due to an inconsistent shot. Given Huerter is expected to return soon, Ellis' stay in the starting lineup likely won't last long.
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Kings' Keon Ellis: Starting Monday
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Ellis is in the Kings' starting lineup for Monday's game against the Heat, Chris Biderman of The Sacramento Bee reports.
Ellis will make his first start of the 2024-25 regular season Monday as he takes Doug McDermott's spot in the starting five. Early in the season, Ellis is averaging 6.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals over 17.8 minutes per contest.
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Kings' Keon Ellis: Efficient scoring in win
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Ellis had 12 points (4-5 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, two assists and one block across 19 minutes during Friday's 123-115 victory over the Hawks.
Ellis had his best scoring output of the season during Friday's win. The 24-year-old guard is averaging 5.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in 15.5 minutes across his first four appearances in 2024-25. With Kevin Huerter (illness) out against Toronto on Saturday, Ellis could slide into the starting five.
Coach Mike Brown said Tuesday that Ellis will enter training camp as the Kings' starting two-guard, though the team will explore its options when Kevin Huerter (shoulder) returns from injury, Frankie Cartoscelli of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.
Ellis saw an uptick in minutes and production during his second year with the club, during which he averaged 5.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.9 steals across 17.2 minutes per game in 57 appearances (23 starts). The 24-year-old missed significant time due to an ankle injury and carved out an inconsistent role in his return. However, as the season progressed the guard became a mainstay in the starting five. Malik Monk seems to be content with a role as the Kings' sixth man, meaning Ellis will have an opportunity to prove he is worth the starting role -- at least until Huerter returns.
Kings' Keon Ellis: Drops 30 points in Summer League
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Ellis tallied 30 points (12-21 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block over 33 minutes in Wednesday's 91-90 loss to the Warriors in the California Classic.
Ellis closed the 2023-24 season in the starting lineup for Sacramento, but the Kings opted to give Ellis more time to refine his game in the Summer League. Over three games in the California Classic, Ellis averaged 20.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists over 29.0 minutes.
