Buzzer beater wins are so much fun! Despite the Kings having a double digit lead in second half, they had to make a few huge plays down the stretch to ensure a victory. The Sacramento Kings fought hard and played well against a very good Phoenix Suns team.
The Kings played this game without both Rudy Gay and Darren Collison. They also showed mental toughness amid rumors swirling about George Karl taking over as the Sacramento Kings new head coach.
The Kings showed effort for 48 minutes, which was a great to see. Consistent effort was something this team had not shown for a number of games. The Phoenix Suns are a dynamic offense that averages 106.1 points per game.
They can get hot a run teams out of the gym. The Sacramento Kings effort on the defensive end was excellent. They were able to hold the Suns to 83 points. With two of the Kings offensive centerpieces outside of Cousins out for this game, a strong defensive effort was going to be needed.
Feb 8, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Isaiah Thomas (3) fouls Sacramento Kings guard Ramon Sessions (9) on a shot during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
It would have been nice to see Quincy Miller get more run especially with Gay out, but Coach Corbin must have felt he didn’t match up well against the Suns. Sigh. He should get minutes next to Cousins between now and the All Star break to see what he can show, especially if Gay misses more time between now and then.
DeMarcus Cousins, Ben Mclemore, and Ramon freaking Sessions were the Three Kings of the night.
One King – Ramon Sessions
While Sessions is typically a source of frustration Kings fans, his play was key to getting a home win. He filled in admirably for Collison who continues to miss time due to his abdominal injury. Sessions filled up the stat sheet, accounting for 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was able to run the show and provided great effort on both ends of the floor.
Two Kings – Ben Mclemore
The second year guard continues to show he is making tremendous strides. Mclemore has shown growth on both ends of the floor. Offensively he looks for his shot and shoots it with confidence. He added three from beyond the arc Sunday night. Despite making only three of his eight attempts, it forces the defense to expand and Cousins just that much more room.
Three Kings – DeMarcus Cousins
Feb 8, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) acknowledges the fans with the all-star jersey before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The do everything leader of the Kings was huge again for the Kings, especially down the stretch. Despite being double and triple teamed Cousins showed up on the offensive end. He scored 26 points and added 12 rebounds. He was huge on the defensive end blocking shots and taking a late charge, keeping the Kings in reach of having a final opportunity to win the game. He also hit a jumper with 2.5 seconds left in the game to win the game.
He continues to excel and prove he deserves to represent the Western Conference in the NBA All Star game this Sunday in New York. Sunday nights double double, was his 15th in 16 games.
Cousins also added some interesting comments after the game. You can see how the rumors around the team are effecting him. Not a typical post game interview after a tremendous finish. Video is courtesy Cowbell Kingdom