By George Devine, Sr.

In tonight’s game at Cleveland, the Cavaliers beat the Kings 109-99 and Anthony Bennett showed why he was a top draft pick, scoring 19 points and contributing 10 rebounds. 7 of them defensive. The win for the Cavs has them in a good frame of mind approaching the All-Star break and has the opposite effect for the Kings who have had a tough road trip, losing 7 in a row away from Sleep Train Arena.

Rudy Gay, who had been the star for Sacramento in most of his recent games, scored only 14 points although he did have 9 boards, 7 on defense. The high scorer for the visitors was DeMarcus Cousins, with 21 points; he had 10 rebounds, 6 of them defensive. Isaiah Thomas scored 16 points and contributed 8 assists. However, 6 of Cousins’ rebounds and 11 of his points were in the first quarter, and then he was quiescent until halftime. At the other end of the evening, a 7-point run for the Cavaliers — sparked by Kyrie Irving beyond the trey line — made a crucial difference despite the Kings leading the scoring in that final frame but in no other.

The field goal percentages were roughly comparable with 47.7% for Cleveland and 45.9% for Sacramento.

For Cleveland, Luol Deng led the scoring with 22, and contributed 4 assists; Dion Waiters scored 20 points and had 8 assists. Bennett had 19 with 10 rebounds, 7 of them on D. Irving had 13 points and 6 assists and Tristan Thompson poured in 16 points, making 13 rebounds, 7 of them defensive.

The Kings next play at New York in Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, February 12 at 4:30 p.m. PST.