The Sacramento Kings (11-16) had an explosive first quarter and never looked back with an impressive win on the road against the Toronto Raptors (17-12).
Because of solid defensive play early in the first quarter the Kings were able to build an early 19 point lead. This is coming off a lackluster effort against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first game of a four game road trip. Head coach George Karl thought it was a good start as well as saying, “Maybe the best quarter we played all year.”
DeMarcus Cousins had an uncharacteristically poor night of scoring. But he contributed in several other ways on the floor, including four blocked shots.
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Cousins, point guard Rajon Rondo and Coach Karl had another meeting after the loss to the Timberwolves, this time about how to contribute when they don’t have the ball in their hands.
Another meeting! And another win after a meeting! The Kings need more meetings. Like, a lot more meetings. Constant meetings, if it means more wins.
Highlights from last night’s game include:
- This is the first game this season the Kings led from start to finish
- All the Kings starters finished in double-digit points
- The Kings shot 53.4% as a team. They are 7-2 while shooting at least 50%
- DeMarcus had 4 blocked shots and 2 steals
- Rajon Rondo had 13 assists. Rondo has 10+ assists in his last 6 games
- Sacramento’s largest lead was 22
- Kyle Lowry was ejected after receiving two technical fouls for arguing with referee Scott Wall.
- Lowry Has 7 techs this season. Boogie has 4.
- DeMar DeRozan scored a game high 28 points
- This win completes a season sweep of Toronto.
Rudy Gay had 19 points against his former team. Rondo also scored 19, and teammate Omri Casspi was 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. Cousins finished with 15 points, but had a game high plus-minus of +33. Oh, he also had this dunk:
The Toronto Raptors were able to cut the 22-point deficit to four with 4:29 remaining on a Patrick Patterson 3-pointer. But Sacramento was able to respond with a 10-2 run to close out the game.
The Kings continue their road trip tonight (4PM Pacific) with a back-to-back at the Verizon Center against the Washington Wizards.