By George Devine, Sr.

The Kings played yet another double-digit game, and suffered another loss, this time 99-89 at the hands of the Pistons. It was an important win for Detroit, after losing three games, and the team is now within three games of Atlanta for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

It was mostly the home team’s game as Sacramento did not lead in any quarter after the first. However, the Kings did lead at the half, 54-52, but came up on the short end of a 20-11 third period which began with an 8-0 run for the home team. The final frame began with a 72-65 lead for the Pistons, who then went on a 6-0 run.

Rudy Gay had his typical 20-point night, and contributed half a dozen rebounds. Isaiah Thomas was next for the visitors with 19 points and 8 assists. DeMarcus Cousins had only 13 points, with a 33.3% percentage, but 14 boards.

For Detroit, Josh Smith led the scoring with 24 and contributed 8 rebounds; Rodney Stuckey was right behind him with 23 points. Andre Drummond had 15 points and 8 rebounds. Point guards Brandon Jennings and Will Bynum combined for a baker’s dozen in the assist category, which mitigated the lackluster shooting percentage the two achieved, in the 20% range.

The Kings next play in Philadelphia at 4 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, March 12.