by Matt Harrington

photo credit: USA Today–Sacramento Kings Ben McLemore who is being shopped and the Cleveland Cavaliers are showing some interest we’ll have the latest if a trade comes down

Coach George Karl still has his job. At least for now. On the same night when it was announced that the Sacramento Kings coach would retain his position with the team, his squad narrowly avoid defeat at the hands of one of the league’s worst teams.

The Kings (22-31) narrowly topped the Philadelphia 76ers 114-110 Wednesday night, riding an explosive 4th quarter to erase a 87-73 deficit after 36 minutes of play.

DeMarcus Cousins led the way with 28 points. The Western Conference All-Star also chipped in 12 rebounds for the double-double. Point guard Rajon Rondo added a double-double of his own, scoring 14 while dropping 15 dimes. Darren Collison chipped in 25 points off the bench while starting forward Rudy Gay added 22.

For the 76ers (8-45), Robert Covington netted a game-high 29 points. Rookie Jahlil Okafor added 26 with 10 boards. Point guard Ish Smith dished out 10 assists.

The win snapped a 4-game losing streak for the Kings, who were also 0-3 entering the night in the midst of a 4-game road trip. Following the All-Star break, the Kings will face the Denver Nuggets in a home-and-home set starting February 19th.