Game 81: Sacramento Kings Withstand Heat of the Suns
By Rafe Wong
The Sacramento Kings are starting to figure it out. Unfortunately, it’s happening when they have officially been eliminated from postseason contention but better late than never right?
The Kings, coming off their emotional victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder Saturday night, complete the victory against the Phoenix Suns tonight by a score of 105-101.
To start the game the Kings played well by leading 26-22 after quarter number one. The Kings were then able to extend their lead to 56-49 going into halftime.
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Entering the second half Sacramento didn’t skip a beat as they continued their efficient ways by outscoring Phoenix 31-23 after three.
Although Phoenix threatened the Kings by decreasing their lead to single-digits in the fourth, the team wearing purple were able to sustain the rally and win the game.
Here are some more details to take away from tonight’s victory:
- Starting lineup for the Kings tonight consisted of Seth Curry, Ben McLemore, Rudy Gay, Kosta Koufos, and Willie Cauley-Stein.
- DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, and Darren Collison were all ruled OUT due to rest.
- Caron Butler makes his first on-court appearance since 4/5. He finished the game with 7 points.
- Top scorer for the Suns tonight was Mirza Teletovic with 26 points.
- Seth recorded his first career double-double with 20 points and 15 assists. A career-high in assists.
- Despite having their top two point guards out, Sacramento finished the game recording 25 assists.
- This season will be the first time since 2008 that the Kings finish an 82-game season under 50 losses.
- Kings outscored Phoenix in fast break points 15-10.
- Sacramento as a team shot 49.4% from the court.
- Kings as a team finished the game with 12 blocks.
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The Kings now improve their record to 33-48 for the season. They will have one more game to conclude their year which will be against the Houston Rockets on the road Wednesday night.