A Royal Pain
Fansided

Shorthanded Sacramento Kings Play Flat Against Raptors

By Rafe Wong

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 22: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings battles against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 22, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Raptors defeated the Kings 120-105. NOTE TO USER: user expressly acknowledges and agrees by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. ( Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 22: Willie Cauley-Stein #00 of the Sacramento Kings battles against Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 22, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Raptors defeated the Kings 120-105. NOTE TO USER: user expressly acknowledges and agrees by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. ( Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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With both the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors shorthanded tonight, the Kings were unable to take advantage of the opportunity as they lost by a score of 120-105.

Game Summary

To start the game, it was entertaining. Both clubs were playing at a furious pace which resulted in a 12-minute period of fun offensive basketball. For the Kings, they definitely benefitted from the tempo of the quarter as their offense was able to make at least 50% of their shots from every area of the court.

With Buddy Hield and Marvin Bagley III leading the way, combing for 18 points, Sacramento was able to take a 34-29 lead at the end of the first.

Once the second quarter was in session, the Kings started to lose their mojo. With three of their rotation players out tonight, their second unit was shorthanded, and it showed as they could not make their shots and turned the ball over often.

As a result, the Kings let the Raptors rally back. The starters for Sacramento were able to gain a little bit of momentum down the stretch, but Toronto was still able to take a 60-56 lead going into halftime.

The theme of the third quarter was similar to the second. The Kings still had a tough time putting points on the board while the Raptors were playing better than them on both ends of the floor. Once the third ended, the Raptors’ lead extended to ten points.

Again, Toronto was able to outplay Sacramento in the fourth. The Kings did give a good effort but really did not have any chance to gain ground. Once the clock hit triple zeros, the Kings officially lost by a score of 120-105.

The Aftermath

Even though Toronto has been the better team all year long, this loss is still a tough one to swallow for Sacramento. With this defeat, the purple and white are now 1-3 for their road trip and have lost valuable ground in the Western Conference standings.

Prior to the Kings’ six-game road trip, the realistic expectation was for them to win three or four games. The best they can do now is winning three. Even though it is still a doable goal for the Kings, they must play a lot better in order to achieve it.

Related Story. 3 Reasons To Trade For Jeremy Lin. light

Throughout their road trip, the Kings have been playing subpar compared to their standards. But they will have the chance to redeem themselves on Friday when they face off against the struggling Memphis Grizzlies.

The time is now to wake up, Kings! Before it is too late…

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