Kings Coach Mike Brown Challenges De’Aaron Fox: Find That Fire Without The Drama

December 5, 2024

If there’s one lesson that we now know about the Kings, it’s this: don’t poke the Fox.

The Rockets — and specifically Dillon Brooks — found that out the hard way during the Kings’ 120-111 win. Brooks, doing his usual “annoy everyone in sight” routine, decided to ruffle some feathers, first with Domantas Sabonis and then with De’Aaron Fox. Big mistake.

Fox, already one of the league’s most electrifying point guards, turned it up a notch after a second-quarter altercation involving Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr. What followed was an 11-1 Kings run to close the half, with Fox pouring in eight of those points. He ended the night with a dazzling stat line: 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three steals, and a block. Oh, and a plus-17 on the court.

Brooks may have won the skirmish, but Fox won the war.

Brown’s Challenge

Here’s where things get interesting. Kings coach Mike Brown loved what he saw from Fox — but he wants more. Not just in those fiery moments but on a nightly basis.

“I love it,” Brown said. “But I’m going to challenge you, De’Aaron Fox. You got to figure out how to get to that level without having somebody piss you off.”

Classic Mike Brown, calling out his star in the most constructive way possible. He even got creative, suggesting Fox find motivation in something small, like seeing a kid in an opponent’s jersey.

Whatever it takes, Brown wants Fox to tap into that gear consistently, not just when Dillon Brooks decides to play the villain.

And he’s got a point. The truly great ones — your Jordans, Kobes, and now Stephs and Giannises — don’t need external motivation. They bring it every night, fueled by an internal fire that never goes out.

Fox Responds with Cryptic Confidence

As for Fox, he seems up for the challenge. Sort of. After the game, he kept it cryptic when asked if the scuffle ignited him.

“You say something to me, come along for the ride,” he said. Translation? Trash talk at your own risk.

Fox’s teammate Malik Monk took it a step further, joking that maybe more teams should talk trash to Fox if this is the result.

The Kings are no strangers to Fox’s ability to flip the switch, but they’d prefer he start the game in fifth gear, not wait for someone else to get him there.

Why This Matters

For the Kings, this isn’t just about one game. It’s about their ceiling as a team. Sacramento is good — last year’s breakout season proved that. But they’ll only go as far as Fox takes them.

Fox finding that gear consistently could be the difference between another fun playoff run and something more serious. He’s got the tools: speed, skill, vision, and now, apparently, a bit of edge. Brown and the Kings just want him to weaponize it every night, not just when provoked.

What’s Next?

The Kings are set for a back-to-back against Memphis and San Antonio. The question is whether Fox takes Brown’s challenge personally. Can he unlock that fire without needing a villain?

If he can, Sacramento becomes even scarier. If he can’t, well, maybe Dillon Brooks and his ilk are doing the Kings a favor. Either way, you’d better believe the Grizzlies and Spurs will be on notice.

When Fox is in that zone, it’s not a ride you want to be on — unless, of course, you’re wearing purple and black.