November 18, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Joe Johnson (7) dribbles the ball against Sacramento Kings small forward John Salmons (5) during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Nets defeated the Kings 99-90. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The Sacramento Kings lost their fifth straight game in a row. They were unable to find a balanced offense even with DeMarcus Cousins scoring 29 points on 12-21 shooting, and Tyreke Evans scoring 21 points on 8-14 shooting. Marcus Thornton continued to struggle from the field shooting 4-13 from the field and and only scored 12 points.

Neither Aaron Brooks or Isaiah Thomas managed to gain any ground on securing the starting position at point guard this evening. Brooks went 2-2 for 4 points, but had no assists; while Thomas went 0-3 scoring 1 point, but had 4 assists. Jason Thompson went 4-9, scoring 8 points and grabbed a team high 8 rebounds.

Brooklyn found its scoring through Andre Blatche who had a career night, going 11-12 from the field for 22 points. Marshon Brooks and Deron Williams both added 14 points. But on a night when the Nets’ Deron Wiliams Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez shot a combined 10-36, the Kings couldn’t take advantage, and were unable to contain Brooks or Blatche.

While the Kings are continuing to search for answers on the offensive side of the floor, they must continue to play tough defense throughout the whole game.

Sacramento has been unable to find consistency in their defense in the first ten games of the season. While the team looked to have been making strides in the preseason, the Kings have fallen to a 2-8 start, and are beginning to collapse in on themselves. While many players seemed to be more vocal, no one player seemed to initiate the offense or the defense. Brooks failed to move the ball as he did when in Houston or Phoenix, while Thomas failed to play a balanced game focusing on moving the ball, but never looking for his offense.

The Kings showed much improvement, but failed to beat a solid team that wasn’t playing at its best. Kings coach Keith Smart was once again unable to find consistent play from a new starting rotation, and will continue to search his team for the players who want to win games. If the Kings don’t find a way to start winning games, it could be a long season in Sacramento.