By Jeff Hall

SACRAMENTO –

The Toronto Raptors defeated the Sacramento Kings 117-109 in front of 15,522 fans at Sleep Train Arena.

The Kings fell behind early, the team is a shell of a team without their star player DeMarcus Cousins who was unable to play because of an illness (virus). Sloppy play by the kings starters led to 6 turnovers at the beginning of play where the Raptors converted those turnovers to 8 points, the Raptors took a 15 point lead over the Kings in the first quarter. The Raptors struggled with ball handling in the second quarter and allowed the Kings back into the game and pull within 2 points at the end of the first half.

The win for the Raptors was only the team’s third victory in Sacramento.

Guard Kyle Lowry led the scoring for the Raptors with 27 points and 13 assists.

With the loss the Kings record is now .500 at 9-9. The Raptors improved to 14-4 snapping a 2 game losing streak. With the Win the Raptors held onto the lead in the Atlantic Division.

Toronto was also without their leading scorer DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan suffered a torn tendon in his left groin in the raptors loss to Dallas last Friday.

“It’s tough when you lose you All-Star guard, but injuries are a big part of the NBA, so you’ve got to deal with it and adapt.” Said Raptors Head Coach Dwane Casey. It’s safe to say the Kings did not adapt. Poor shooting (Kings shot 38 percent from the field) and 16 turnovers knocked the Kings out of the game.

Up next, the Kings take on the Indiana Pacers at Sleep Train Arena on Friday.