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Game 39 Notes: Sacramento Kings Win Another On The Road Against The L.A. Clippers

By Gabe Callahan

Jan 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) throws down a slam dunk during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) throws down a slam dunk during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lately, the Sacramento Kings seem to like playing anywhere other than Sleep Train Arena this season, as they beat the Los Angeles Clippers on the road, 110-103.

Sacramento (17-23) took advantage of a poor night of shooting by L.A. (26-14) and the absence of All-Star Blake Griffin (leg injury) and DeAndre Jordan (illness). The Clippers shot 39.6% from the field and 33.3% from the three-point line.

The Kings snapped a Clippers 10 game winning streak, led by DeMarcus Cousins’ 19 points and 13 rebounds, Rudy Gay’s 18 points, and Darren Collison’s 17 points. Omri Casspi also found his stroke again going 5-8 from the 3-point line, and down the stretch clutch free throws were made by Collison, Rondo, and Gay, combining for 13 points in the final minutes. 

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J.J. Redick was the Clippers top scorer with 22 points. Chris Paul had a quiet night with 15 points and seven assists. The Clippers were relying on their outside shooting for most of the game and it was just not falling in for them.

The Kings were off to another slow start falling behind 17-9 in the first quarter. After a George Karl timeout, Sacramento went on a 12-3 run that kept them in the game, and eventually, they had the lead for most of the game. The Kings never lost their lead for the entire second half.

. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Sacramento led early in the fourth before Cole Aldrich was able to rally the Clippers to close the gap. Aldrich, who started for L.A., finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Chris Paul made two free throws with a minute left making it only a three-point game, 104-101. In a classic Rajon Rondo move, he turned the ball over, but thankfully Paul Pierce missed a 3-pointer. Rudy Gay was quickly fouled after grabbing the rebound. Gay made the first free throw and missed the second.

An Aldrich dunk brought it to 105-103, but Darren Collison made two free throws for a 107-103 lead. Rondo, after stealing an inbound pass, got fouled and thankfully made both of his free throws.

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The Kings had good performances from their big three, including Rondo’s 13 points and 10 assists. They also saw a solid scoring night from Ben McLemore, who finished with 15 points. The Kings were able to get the win, as it was pointed out in the game preview, by playing good defense and finishing out the game strong.

Sacramento hasn’t been able to get a win against the Clippers until last night, even though they have played them competitively this season. The Kings now have won two straight on the road.

Hopefully, they can keep the winning streak going as they remain at the Staples Center to take on the Lakers Wednesday night.

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