The Sacramento Kings went into Phoenix and handily defeated the Devin Booker-less Suns, 122-105 in a game that was over before the first quarter ended.
Well that was a snooze-fest, well, maybe only if you’re not a fan of the Sacramento Kings getting blowout wins. The Kings jumped out to a 16-4 lead and ended the quarter up 36-9.
Things didn’t get better for the Suns, however, as the Sacramento Kings kept piling it on throughout the second quarter, ending the half up 68-40. Buddy Hield led the Kings with 18 points, while Willie Cauley-Stein had a fantastic first-half as a Swiss Army Knife, going for six points, three rebounds, four assists and four steals.
The Kings were never threatened in this one, ending the third up 32 points and taking all the starters out early in the fourth. When the Kings subbed in their reserves, the Suns made a min-run, but nothing near what would be needed for them to make a comeback as the Kings sailed to a 122-105 victory.
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Player of the Game
This could easily go to Buddy Hield for his 7-13, 20-point performance, but Bogdan Bogdanovic will get the distinction tonight.
In 21 minutes of action off the bench, Bogi went 5-9 for 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. He was also a team-high +28. Bogdanovic has been fantastic for the Kings since returning from an offseason surgery, as he’s been a steadying force for Sacramento off the bench.
Bogdan’s numbers in this one may not jump out at you, but then again nobody’s does as no King played more than 27 minutes in this one and only De’Aaron Fox played more than 25.
Bogi will look to keep his hot play going against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.
Play of the Game
Does it get much prettier than that? Short answer: no, it doesn’t.
In a game where everything went right for the Sacramento Kings, it was difficult to single out just one play to highlight, but it’s got to be this beautiful move to the rim by De’Aaron Fox.
Fox is a human highlight reel and every time he’s on the court, it’s must-watch television.
Stat of the Game
.500 – Allow me to let Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee explain the significance of that number this late in an NBA season.
The @SacramentoKings haven't been above .500 at this point in a season since 2005-06, when they finished 44-38 and made their most recent playoff appearance.
— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) December 5, 2018
Should Kings fans start to believe in the magic yet, or is it still premature? Alright, yeah, it’s probably too premature to start talking playoffs for this Sacramento Kings team, but the fact it’s even a topic of conversation is a sign of how far things have changed.
Standout Players
Buddy Hield – Buddy led the Sacramento Kings in scoring tonight with his 20 points and he also chipped in five rebounds and was a +8 in 18 minutes of play.
Troy Williams – Williams has been on a hot-streak, something ARP touched on earlier, and he kept it going tonight. In 22 minutes of play, Williams went 5-6 from the floor for 11 points, five rebounds and two steals. He was also a +6 and could remain a big part of the Kings rotation going forward.
De’Aaron Fox – Fox went for 16 points, but perhaps more importantly he was relatively efficient. He went 5-11 from the field, a good sign for a player who’s struggled with efficiency lately. He also added seven assists and went 5-8 from the line in 27 minutes.
Next Up: Sacramento Kings (12-11) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (5-18) on Friday, Dec. 7