Third Quarter Stymies Sacramento Kings Against Lakers

Huge games from Bogdan Bogdanovic (21 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST) and Willie Cauley-Stein (18 PTS, 16 REB, 2 BLK) were not enough for the Kings, as they fell to the Lakers 113-108.

Golden Start To The Game

Tonight’s contest started out ideal for the Sacramento Kings. Bogdan Bogdanovic started hot, scoring seven of the team’s first 11 points, and it continued throughout the game. Buddy Hield also chipped in six first-quarter points en route to a 29-25 lead at the end of one. A dismal first-quarter shooting percentage from the Los Angeles Lakers (36%) kept the Kings ahead despite them shooting 44% themselves.

The second quarter was much of the same for Sacramento. In fact, it was so similar, the Kings outscored the Lakers 29-25 yet again, heading into the locker room up 58-50. Willie Cauley-Stein had a double-double at the half (10 points, 11 rebounds) while Bogi added 11 points. Sacramento was lights out from the three-point line as well, connecting on 55% of their triples which upped their field goal percentage to 48%.

Third Quarter Blunder

The positive game-script for Sacramento in the first half quickly disappeared in the third. The Kings opened the second half with a 67-57 lead, but the Lakers went on a 13-3 run to tie it at 70. Sacramento gave up 14 fast-break points in the third which powered the Lakers on their 18-5 run. Los Angeles ended the quarter with an 87-83 lead and outscored Sacramento 37-25.

One Last Chance

Fortunately, the final quarter provided plenty of excitement. Unfortunately, the Kings came up short. Sacramento opened the quarter on an 11-5 run which set up a fantastic finish.

While Los Angeles had the game firmly in hand with a five-point lead with less than a minute left, Bogi did his best hero impression to give Sacramento a chance. A huge four-point play by Bogdanovic cut the lead to one with 11 seconds left. But the Kings could not get the ball to drop after a pair of Isaiah Thomas free throws which effectively sealed the game.