Game Notes: Sacramento Kings Squeak Out A Win Against The Pacers
The Sacramento Kings (12-17) were able to hold on in the final minutes to beat the Indiana Pacers (16-12) 108-106.
Wednesday night’s win caps off a successful 4 game road trip for the Kings, splitting it 2-2. Darren Collison had a big night coming off the bench with a season high 24 points. DeMarcus Cousins finished with 25 points and 16 rebounds.
Once again, Sacramento responded to a sluggish start in their last game in Washington with an energized first half. They led 64-49 at halftime, thanks to Rajon Rondo, who had 10 of his 16 assists after two quarters.
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The Pacers, who wore their “Hickory” uniforms, started off the second half with a 21-6 run. After Indiana cut the Kings’ lead down to two, Sacramento went on a 13-4 run in the fourth quarter, with solid play from their bench.
In the closing minutes Rudy Gay hit a 22-foot jumper to tie the game at 106, and DeMarcus hit two free throws which gave the Kings a 108-106 lead. Paul George had a game-tying attempt at the buzzer but missed.
Dec 23, 2015. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Notable notes from the game:
- Rondo just missed getting another triple double by finishing with 13 points, 16 assists, and 8 rebounds.
- Rondo also had 9 turnovers
- Omri Casspi scored 9 straight points in the fourth. He finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds
- Rudy Gay had another impressive defensive game, this time against Paul George
- Paul George finished the night with 12 points
- The Pacers have now lost 3 games in a row
The Pacers have only lost three times at home, and are one of the best teams in the East. The other win on this road trip for the Kings came against another tough opponent in the Toronto Raptors. If Sacramento could have come out swinging against the Timberwolves or Wizards, like they did Wednesday night, they might have gone 4-0 instead of 2-2.
The Rajon Rondo/Darren Collison line up was used to great success this game. For the first 15 games or so the pair was not meshing on the court as well as Coach Karl would have wanted. But it seems they have found their groove and are more comfortable playing with each over.
Kings Fun Fact: Kings coach George Karl is one game away from tying Phil Jackson (1,155) for No. 5 on the NBA’s career victory list.
Sacramento comes back home for their next game on the 27th to play the Portland Trailblazers.