Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James celebrates after scoring in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

By: Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings came into the Cleveland Cavaliers’ territory looking to rebound after a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks 104-109 on Sunday.

Neither the Cavs nor the Kings impressed in the first quarter. Nonetheless, the Kings led 22-19 going into the second quarter. Lebron James took only one shot in the first and was a non-factor. Zach Randolph proved to be a force in the first, scoring the most points for the Kings.

Heading into the second quarter, the Kings had to be feeling good about themselves staying competitive with the Cavs. That good feeling continued as the Kings and Cavs went head-to-head in the second. This possibly happened because of the lackluster first half from James. As a spectator, you could tell he had not put all his legs in the first half. Randolph continued to push forward and dominate the floor on the Kings’ end. At the end of the first half, the Kings led 57-48.

The Kings were efficient in limiting the damage after small mistakes and turnovers. Keeping James contained coupled with a 12-3 run going into the second half led to a 57-48 first half Kings lead.

Going into the third quarter, the Kings felt in control. They led by 17 at one point, but then James began to heat up. He ended the third with his points in the game, reaching 25.

Kevin Love also had 18 points by the time the third came to an end. The Kings still led going into the fourth, but you could feel it dwindling. The third quarter would end 78-73 in favor of Kings.

Kyle Korver and the Cavs opened the fourth quarter on a 9-1 run, thanks to Korver’s three three-point shots. The game in the fourth would prove to be competitive though as the Kings came back to even things out. With 6:20 to go in the game, the Kings committed their 12th turnover and it led to them losing the lead 89-91 to the Cavs. JaKarr Sampson set a career high in rebounds, taking 16 from the Cavs. The game would go back and forth until a shot clock turnover with 1:02 to go, and the Kings trailing 95-97. It was a huge blow that the Kings ultimately could not overcome. James proceeded to hit a jumper beyond the arc and sent the Kings home losers for the 17th time 95-101.

It was a thrilling game, but ultimately the Kings lost, and I’m sure Dave Jaeger was not happy. However, I think the Kings are right on the edge of being more competitive. They held one of the best teams in the NBA down and should hold their heads high after this game. Ultimately, a future Hall Of Famer, James, beat them.