Game 76 Notes: Sacramento Kings Rally Falls Short Against The Heat
By Rafe Wong
The Sacramento Kings entered tonight’s game against the Miami Heat without the presence of their big man DeMarcus Cousins and it resulted in being vital as the Kings lost 112-106.
The Heat were able to start the game off strong as they lead the Kings 39-24 after the 1st quarter, finishing on a 23-4 run.
For Sacramento, they were able to get 10 points early from starting two guard Seth Curry. For Miami, they received a spark from Gerald Green who scored a whopping 15 points in the first 12 minutes.
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The second period did not go any better as the Kings continued to trail the Heat 66-48 going into halftime.
Top first half performers for each team were Rudy Gay who recorded 12 points and 6 rebounds for the Kings and Gerald Green who scored 20 points for Miami.
Going into the second half, the Heat were able to keep their lead intact as they ended the third quarter comfortably leading 92-76.
The Kings, however, lead by Darren Collison rallied in the fourth quarter and were able to decrease Miami’s lead to just one point. Unfortunately for the powder blue and red, their rally was endured by the Heat and their comeback fell short.
The Kings now have fallen to a record of 30-46 and are now the 11th seed in the Western Conference standings.
Here are some other notes to takeaway from last night’s contest.
- Omri Casspi left the game in the second quarter due to an injured hamstring. He was kept out for the remainder of the game.
- Hassan Whiteside finished the game with 3 blocks. All of his blocks happening in the first half.
- The Heat shot 63.3% from the floor, 66.7% from the perimeter, and 100% from the free throw line in the first half.
- Miami finished the game shooting 51.2% from the court, 54.5% from the perimeter, and 94.1% from the charity stripe.
- With the DeMarcus Cousins missing his 13th game of the season, the Kings are now 2-11 this year without the services of their big man.
- Willie Cauley-Stein injured his shoulder at the end of the third quarter. He returned back later in the fourth quarter but did not play.
- Darren Collison scored 26 points coming off the bench. He continues to be a consistent benefit for the Kings.
- Seth Curry continues to start for the Kings at shooting guard. He finished the game scoring 21 points (tying a career-high).
- Gerald Green finished the game with 30 points. Fifteen of those points happening in the first quarter.
- Rudy Gay finished the game with 20 points and 13 rebounds.
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The Kings will have no time to rest as they play tonight against the Denver Nuggets in the Mile High City.