The Indiana Pacers guard Benedict Mathurin (00) takes a jump shot on the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Jan 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Kings were back in action on Thursday night in Sacramento. The Kings were coming off an off day in which they traveled back from Phoenix to end a five-game road trip. The Kings limped home after the five-game road trip in which they went 2-3.

The Kings won the first two games of the trip, followed by three tough losses. The Most recent game prior to Thursday was on Tuesday, when they lost a heartbreaker to the Phoenix Suns after leading by 22 points in the fourth quarter. The Kings were set to take on the Indiana Pacers on Thursday at 7 PM PST. The Kings would lose the game 126-121.

In the first quarter, the Kings came out playing no defense. This Kings team isn’t exactly known for the defense they play. In fact, they are known for not playing defense. The Kings allowed 34 points to a Pacers team without Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam on Thursday night. The Kings would score 31 points in the first to keep pace but fall into an early deficit.

In the second quarter, the Pacers continued to cook the Kings and expand their lead. The Pacers outscored the Kings in the second quarter 36-26. The Kings couldn’t solve the hobbled Pacers team on the defensive end, as they were getting whatever looks they wanted. On offense, the Kings weren’t getting their shots to fall. The Kings would go into halftime, losing 70-57 and looking for answers.

In the third quarter, the Kings got a bit back. The Kings managed to outscore the Pacers 32-29 in the third quarter. However, the Kings would still trail 99-89 going into the fourth quarter. The Kings couldn’t get any rhythm going in the game to try and make an extended run. The Kings would look for a miracle in the final quarter of the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings made a surprise run at the end but weren’t able to come all the way back. The Kings would lose the game 126-121 on Thursday night. In the final quarter the Kings showed fight in the last couple minutes getting the game to a three point deficit. In the fourth quarter the Kings outscored the Pacers 32-27. Kevin Huerter would get a career high in the game with 31 points. Domantas Sabonis recorded his 12th triple double of the season. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers in victory with 25 points.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Monday at 7 PM PST