Brooklyn Nets’ Caris LeVert (22) looks to pass the ball as Sacramento Kings’ Alex Len, left, and Harrison Barnes defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Aug. 7, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis, Pool)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings played a solid game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday. They came out of the gate strong and didn’t really look back taking their first game in the bubble. It was a glimmer of hope for Kings fans who hope the Kings can get to the 9th spot for a chance to play in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Kings could not keep that momentum going.

The Kings played an unfortunately typical Kings game this year. The Kings have been notorious for giving up a big quarter. For this team it has mostly been in the first quarter of the game. On Friday afternoon, it was e second quarter. The Kings were leading after the first quarter 27-24. However, the tide would turn in the second. The Kings and their sloppy defense would be out scored 39-26. At that point, the Kings had mailed in the game.

The rest of the game the Kings would battle but not be able to make up the ground lost in the second quarter. The Kings would lose 119-106. A bright spot for the Kings was the continued good play Bogdan Bogdanovic. After a career high 35 points in Thursday, Bogdan scores 27 points on Friday.

The Kings fall to 1-4 in the bubble and playoff hopes are slim to none.

Up next: The Kings take on the Houston Rockets on Sunday afternoon.