By George Devine, Sr.

The Kings won their last game of 2013 and hoped to do the same with their first of the new year. It was not to be, as the Philadelphia 76ers rolled into Sacramento with two wins under their belt, after dropping a baker’s dozen, and added a third victory. The visitors took charge early in the second quarter and led the scoring for each period except the third. The Kings committed 22 turnovers, telling the tale of the game.

Key scorers were Thaddeus Young with 28 points, Lavoy Allen and Spencer Hawes had 10 each. Coming off the bench, guard Tony Wroten poured in 21. Young also had a career evening with six steals. Evan Turner scored 24 points, adding 6 assists and 10 boards.

For the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins scored early and often, with 32 points in the first half and only one after. Isaiah Thomas scored 23 and Rudy Gay 18, down a bit from his typical 20.