Tag: NBA

Last-second layup by Thunder’s Dort sinks Kings 105-103

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) tries to line up a shot against Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) in the closing minutes in Oklahoma City on Fri Nov 12, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Friday, November 12, 2021

A layup off a steal by Lu Dort with 1.7 seconds remaining gave Oklahoma City a 105-103 win over the Sacramento Kings Friday. It was the fourth win in a row for the Thunder.

The Thunder overcame an 18-point deficit to snag the win. Sacramento had the ball with 25 seconds to play, but Kings guard DeAaron Fox was stripped on an attempted crossover by Dort, who converted the steal into the go-ahead layup.

After the Kings (5-8) called a full time out following Dort’s go-ahead basket, Buddy Hield missed a 24-foot 3-pointer from the left wing as time expired.

Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder (5-6) with 22 points apiece. Darius Bazley had 15 points (on 6-of-8 shooting), eight rebounds and two blocks, and Tre Marin scored 12 points off the OKC bench. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl grabbed 14 rebounds.

Harrison Barnes led Sacramento with 21 points, followed by Richaun Holmes and DeAaron Fox with 16 points each. Hield and Chimezie Metu each added 14 points for the Kings. Holmes added 15 rebounds and four blocks, Tristan Thompson grabbed 10 boards, and Tyrese Haliburton contributed eight rebounds, seven assists and eight points.

It was the fourth time this season that the Thunder overcame a deficit of 16 or more points this season.

The Kings’ road trip continues on Monday, when they visit the Detroit Pistons.

Warriors prove elite status beating Chicago 119-93; Curry scores 40 in victory

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stephen Curry guard for the Golden State Warriors jumps for joy after converting one of his three point shots in the second half of action at the Chase Center in San Francisco against the Chicago Bulls on Fri Nov 12, 2021 (AP News photo)

Warriors Prove Elite Status Beating Chicago 119-93

By Barbara Mason

After a horrific start in Friday night’s game, the Golden State Warriors (11-1) turned things around led by a Curry Flurry of epic proportion. They finished off the Eastern Conference leaders 119-93.

Friday night the Warriors finished their eight-game home stand against the Chicago Bulls (8-4) looking for their seventh win in a row. Their last six wins were by double digits although tonight they will be challenged by the Eastern Conference leading Bulls.

The Warriors will try to contain a Chicago team that is very good on both ends of the court. The Bulls do not take very many three point attempts, probably their only weakness but they are very good from mid-court range.

In the first quarter, the Bulls simply outplayed the Warriors forcing seven turnovers and taking the early lead 29-23. The Warriors were actually lucky to only be trailing by six points. It was an ugly start for the Dubs and against a team like the Bulls a start like this could prove very costly.

The Warriors really turned things around in the second quarter and limited the turnovers with only three. They took the lead at the half after trailing by ten points 48-43. The Warriors did a good job on the glass in the second quarter. This game had all the makings of a very close finish. Zach Lavine had 12 points for Chicago and Stephen Curry finished the half with 17 points, three of them from downtown.

The third quarter was a good one for the Warriors forcing turnovers and outplaying the Bulls. Curry continued his three point onslaught leading the team to a nineteen point advantage mid-way through the quarter. The Warriors defense forced the Bulls into three points attempts which did not go well for Chicago and at the end of three quarters the Warriors had a big-time serious lead 84-62.

The Bulls would need a monster comeback in the final quarter trailing by 24 points mid-way through the fourth quarter. Chicago began to hit some three’s trying to trim the Warrior lead. Every time the Bulls would make a run, the Warriors would answer. It had been all Golden State in the second half. The final of 119-93 proves without doubt that Golden State is indeed an elite team.

Curry had 40 points in this game and again Andrew Wiggins had an amazing game with 15 points and seven rebounds. The bench was equally amazing with Kuminga, Iguodala and Payton scoring eight points apiece. We can’t talk Warrior offense without talking defense and an amazing job by Draymond Green with nine rebounds and seven assists.

This game silenced those saying that the Warriors hadn’t played any real team yet. Well now they have and there is your answer. These guys are for real and are going to be very difficult to beat moving forward. Still they talk about improving all the time and we all look forward to those improvements because they look pretty invincible right now.

The Warriors head out on the road to take on the Hornets (7-7) Sunday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings try to snap three game skid in OKC tonight

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox (5) tries to dribble to get inside on San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) on Wed Nov 10, 2021. Fox was was the high scorer for the game with 37 points and did the heavy lifting for the Kings it wasn’t enough as Sacramento went down to their third straight defeat at AT&T Arena in San Antonio. The Kings are in Oklahoma City tonight. (AP News photo)

On the Kings podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah the Sacramento Kings (5-7) who are suffering losing their last three games and got walloped by the San Antonio Spurs (4-7) on Wednesday night in San Antonio 136-117. After the Kings had that short run they are now facing the possibility of losing four straight on Thursday night in Oklahoma City.

#2 Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 26 points Kings head coach Luke Walton knew that Dejounte was a force that had to be reckoned with and the Kings defense had trouble defending him.

#3 Jeremiah, despite scoring a season high 37 points the Kings De’Aaron Fox just couldn’t carry all that weight by himself and the Spurs defense pretty shutdown anyone else down in the Kings line up as the only other four Kings who scored in double figures fell short to get over the hump to catch the Spurs.

#4 The Spurs who had their own three game losing streak before Wednesday night’s game never let up on the Kings as Spurs head coach Gregg Poppovich was pushing the team hard not to drop this game.

#5 The Kings hope to turn the page tonight in Oklahoma City against the Thunder (4-6). The Thunder have won three straight games going into tonight’s contest. The Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans (1-11) on Wednesday night 108-100 with the Thunder’s forward Luguentz Dort led with 27 points. Jeremiah tell us what do you expect from tonight’s contest as Kings head coach Luke Walton hopes to snap the skid tonight.

Join Jeremiah for the Kings podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Wins Sixth Game In A Row 123-110

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warrior Andrew Wiggins (top) throws down against the Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and guard Patrick Beverley (22) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Wed Nov 10, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

An explosive game by Kevon Looney with 15 rebounds led Golden State to their sixth win in a row 123-110. Offensively Andrew Wiggins had 35 points against his former team.

Wednesday night the Golden State Warriors (10-1) took on the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-7) in a quest for their sixth win in a row.

The Timberwolves came out strong in the first quarter but how long could they keep pace with the Warriors? It was not surprising because Minnesota is very good in the first half of their games, in fact second best in the league but they are near the bottom of the heap in the second half.

The Timberwolves got far too many offensive rebounds in the quarter but despite that the Warriors led 31-28 after the first quarter. Anthony Edwards kept Minnesota in this game with 16 points in the opening quarter. Andrew Wiggins led the way for Golden State with 11 points.

Golden State put the Timberwolves out of the second quarter extending their lead to 47-34 at 7:51. The great start that Minnesota had in the first quarter was vanquished by the explosive play of the Warriors. At the half Golden State led 69-54. Kevon Looney had a great first half with nine points and nine rebounds. Wiggins was all over the court finishing the half with 22 points. He set the tone in this game, something he really wanted to do against his former team.

The expected collapse by Minnesota in the third quarter did not materialize. Golden State had led by twenty points in the quarter that was cut to four in the late minutes of the third. Draymond Green took a shot to the knee and had to leave the court and that was when the Timberwolves got very hot. The score after three quarters was 93–84 in favor of the Warriors. Golden State would have to hunker down in the absence of Green in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors outside shooting had gone cold in the fourth quarter letting Minnesota back into this game. Anthony Edwards was having a great game for Minnesota shooting 50% from downtown. The Warriors had to somehow slow down Edwards who was on a real roll with 43 points and five minutes left in the game.

Minnesota was double teaming Curry and with no Green on the floor it was crunch time for Golden State. The Warriors forced numerous turnovers in the final minutes of the fourth quarter which helped to seal this game for Golden State.

Wiggins finished the game with 35 points and four rebounds. Curry had 25 points with three shots from downtown. In an electric performance Looney had 17 rebounds and 11 points.

Friday night we will get to see the Chicago Bulls (8-3) take on the Warriors in the final game of this long home stand. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Spurs enjoy big offensive night, rout Kings 136-117

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Sacramento Kings De’Aaron Fox (5) tries his best to shut down the San Antonio Spurs Dejounte Murray (5) driving at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on Wed Nov 10, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Wednesday, November 10, 2021

San Antonio enjoyed a huge offensive night, with seven players in double-figures Wednesday, as the Spurs routed Sacramento 136-117 before a crowd of 15,065 at AT&T Center in San Antonio.

The Spurs enjoyed hot shooting from behind the arc, sinking 18-of-23 3-point attempts, including five by Devin Vassell and four by Doug McDermott. It was the Kings’ third straight loss.

Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 26 points and seven assists, followed by 18 from Drew Eubanks. McDermott and Thaddeus Young scored 17 points each, with 15 points apiece from Vassell, Lonnie Walker IV and Bryn Forbes. Keldon Johnson added 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block to go with eight points for the Spurs (4-7).

Overshadowed in the Spurs’ lop-sided win was the effort of Sacramento guard DeAaron Fox, who scored a game-high 37 points, along with six assists, three blocks and a steal. Davion Mitchell and Chimezie Metu each added 13 points off the bench, and Buddy Hield scored 12 points, Mitchell also had six assists, and center Richaun Holmes grabbed 12 rebounds.

San Antonio jumped to a 14-point lead after one quarter and built a 71-54 halftime advantage.

The Kings (5-7) opened the second half with a 9-2 run, but were unable to cut into San Antonio’s lead, as the Spurs maintained a 17-point lead going into the fourth quarter. A McDermott 3-pointer halted the Kings’ run, and San Antonio never looked back.

Sacramento continues its road trip on Friday, visiting Oklahoma City

Suns take advantage of Kings mistake laden third quarter in 109-104 win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) takes it to the hoop against Sacramento Kings guards Davion Mitchell (15) and Terence Davis (3) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Mon Nov 8, 2021 (AP News photo)

by Marko Ukalovic

SACRAMENTO—One quarter can make or break a team.

For the Sacramento Kings, it was a horrendous third quarter doomed them in a 109-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Monday evening at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento have lost three out of its past five games. Phoenix has won a season best five games in a row after starting the season 1-3.

Sacramento (5-6) were without the services of guard Tyrese Haliburton who was out with lower back tightness.

Phoenix (6-3) were without their star center DeAndre Ayton who was out with a lower leg contusion.

The Kings got off to slow start for its second consecutive game. The Suns opened the game on a 12-4 run led by the backcourt duo of Chris Paul and Devon Booker who combined for 10 of the 12 points.

Sacramento were able to get back into the game thanks for forward Harrison Barnes’ eight points to pace the Kings in the second quarter.

Phoenix finished the first quarter on a 7-2 run as they led 34-28. Cameron Payne had nine points off the bench in the opening 12 minutes.

Davian Mitchell gave the Kings its first lead of the game with a mid-range jumper with eight minutes left in the second quarter to put Sacramento up 42-21.

Sacramento found their rhythm in the second quarter as they outscored Phoenix 36-33 to close the gap to three points as they were down 67-64 at halftime.

Point guard DeAaron Fox, who had a quiet first quarter, responded by scoring 10 points in the second quarter. Terrence Davis had a strong half with 11 points and Buddy Hield scored eight points in the second quarter.

Payne paced the Suns with 17 points in the first half as he was the only Phoenix player in double digits at halftime.

The Kings played their worst third quarter of the season. A combination of poor shooting a multiple turnovers allowed the defending Western Conference champions to take control of the game and pull away from Sacramento.

The Suns started the quarter on a 14-0 run aided by four Kings turnovers. Sacramento’s first points of the quarter were a Mitchell layup with 6:52 left. Phoenix outscored Sacramento 31-12 and ended the quarter with a comfortable 98-76 lead. Fox and Hield provided no offense for the Kings.

“We let them get easy shots, easy looks and offensive rebounds,” said Mitchell. “We didn’t play with (any sort of) pace in the third quarter.”

The Suns scored 38 points off of 24 Kings turnovers, 10 of them in the third quarter. They had more fast break points than Kings (15-13) and their bench outscored Sacramento’s 48-33.

Kings head coach Luke Walton emptied his bench in the fourth quarter as he had seen enough watching his starters perform badly after a good first half. He had Mitchell, Chimezie Metu and Damian Jones play the entire fourth quarter along Fox and Barnes.

“What I’m most disappointed in is wasted opportunities,” said Walton. “We let Phoenix take us out of what we’re doing (as a team). We gave in. So at that point, we might as well not even play and stay here and have a practice we how we came out in that third quarter.”

Phoenix allowed the Kings back in the game playing isolation ball on offense for the entire fourth quarter. The Kings stepped up their defense and got the game to under single digits.

Sacramento were able to cut the lead to 105-100 with 2:36 left in the game.

We loved the fight that the group showed, the bench. Unfortunately it took the bench to come in and do that.”

Barnes scored a layup on what was originally called a blocking foul with 1:12 left that would’ve cut the lead to one point. Suns head coach Earl Watson challenged and the call it was overturned after review with Barnes earning the offensive foul and turnover.

Still the Kings had a chance to force overtime when Booker missed two free throws with 7.4 seconds. The ensuing play ended up with a fatal turnover that led to Paul sealing the deal with two free throws to ice the game for Phoenix.

Payne led all scorers with 24 points off the bench. Booker had 18 points on 8-15 from the floor. Mikal Bridges and Paul finished with 16 points.

Barnes led the Kings with 26 points to go along with six rebounds but committed a team high six turnovers. Fox had 24 points with five turnovers. Mitchell finished with 12 points and six rebounds in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: Robert Woodward II was out with a hamstring injury for Sacramento and Dario Saric did not play for Phoenix with a knee injury.

Sacramento finished 5-7 in Pacific Division games and 16-20 at home last season. The Kings averaged 113.8 points per game while allowing opponents to score 117.6 last season.

Phoenix went 51-20 overall and 30-12 in Western Conference play during the 2020-21 season. The Suns averaged 7.2 steals, 4.3 blocks and 12.0 turnovers per game last season.

The two teams played for the second time this season. The Kings defeated the Suns 110-107 in their last meeting on Oct. 28. Buddy Hield led the Kings with 26 points, and Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points.

UP NEXT: Sacramento begins a four-game road trip on Wednesday 11/10 as they take on the San Antonio Spurs at 5:30pm at AT&T Center.

Curry Lights up the Night 50 pts; As Warriors Beat Atlanta 127-113

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry exults in the second quarter on the way to scoring 50 points for the night against the Atlanta Hawks on Mon Nov 8, 2021 at Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

Curry Lights Up the Night As the Warriors Beat Atlanta 127-113

By Barbara Mason

Despite a 15 point deficit in the second quarter Golden State (9-1) battled back and handed the Atlanta Hawks (4-7) their fourth loss in a row. Stephen Curry spurred the comeback finishing with 50 points in an amazing second half performance.

Monday night the Golden State Warriors took on an angry, hungry Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks have not only lost three games in a row but their last game against the Suns was a very close contest. The Hawks lost that game by four points and Atlanta had no intention of losing a fourth game. The Hawks fight as hard as they may couldn’t catch the Warriors and did end up losing their fourth straight game 127-113.

In the first quarter the Warriors trailed by two points 34-32 and they were being outplayed at times throughout the quarter.

In the second quarter the Hawks brought more than the Warriors could handle. The Hawks began doing whatever they wanted and they were completely outplaying Golden State. The Warriors were down by 15 in the quarter which is the most they have trailed any team all season.

It seemed that the only Warrior that was scoring was Curry. Kevon Looney had three personal fouls and had to sit out the quarter. The Warriors were down by four points at the end of the half after trailing by 15, 65-61. It was all Curry already shooting 24 points in the half. The Hawks were pushing them to their limits. The third quarter should be a dandy as Golden State was starting to come around as the second quarter ended.

Golden State had to hit more shots in the second half of this game. It was of course great to see Curry’s shot production at the half but he needed support from the rest of the team. Probably the most pressing issue was containing the duo of Trae Young and John Collins who was six of six for 18 points in the first half. They had to put the stops on both of these guys.

We saw a different team in the third quarter as Golden State was able to not only tie the game but take a five point lead 87-82 at 3:38. They were all over Young and Collins and as the third quarter came to an end Golden State was playing at a furious pace leading 102-85. The Warriors had gone on a 19-3 run in a complete reversal of roles. Golden State had taken control of this game rendering the Hawks ineffective. Again we saw how this team rises to the occasion in the second half.

Going into the fourth quarter the one thing we knew was that the Hawks were not going to roll over. They are a talented team and they can put up points in a hurry. This game was without doubt a tale of two halves. In the fourth quarter we saw a complete turnaround. It was Atlanta who was playing catch up, missing shots, turning the ball over and playing flat and sloppy. It was the consistent defensive effort by Golden State that turned this game around, wearing the Hawks down.

Next up for the Warriors will be the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday evening. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors host struggling Hawks tonight at Chase Center in SF

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Golden State Warrior defenders guard Stephen Curry (30) and Andrew Wiggins (22) try to stop Houston Rockets Kevin Porter Jr (center) on Sun Nov 7, 2021 at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

On the Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Barbara, there seems like there is just simply no way to put a stop to the Golden State Warriors (8-1) as they handled the Houston Rockets (1-9) 120-107 at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sunday night.

#2 With the win Golden State picked up their fourth straight win on this current home stand and the way they’ve been going it seems like there’s no stopping them.

#3 The Rockets on the other hand have been struggling the loss to Golden State on Sunday night was their eighth straight loss and they just don’t seem like anything close to the same club since the James Harden days.

#4 For Golden State Jordan Poole lead with 25 points and the ball has been passed to him quite a bit lately as he’s been appearing on the top of the leaderboard for the Warriors.

#5 The Warriors host the struggling Atlanta Hawks (4-6) who have lost three games in a row including a loss to the Phoenix Suns (5-3) on Saturday night 121 -117. Barbara give us a preview how you see tonight’s contest at the Chase Center between these two clubs.

Join Barbara Mason for the Warriors podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Golden State Continues Their winning Ways hand Houston eighth straight loss 120-107

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Houston Rockets head coach Paul Silas (left) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) acknowledge the fans after Sun Nov 7, 2021’s game at the Chase Center in San Francisco (AP News photo)

Golden State Continues Their Winning Ways – 120-107

By Barbara Mason

Nemanja Bjelica led the Golden State Warriors to a 120-107 win over the Houston Rockets shooting a flurry of shots from downtown sending the Chase Center into hysteria. His play was electric as was the entire Golden State bench.

Sunday evening the Golden State Warriors (8-1) continued their 8-game home-stand taking on the Houston Rockets(1-9).

The Warriors have been playing lights out basketball cruising past a solid Charlotte followed by obliterating the New Orleans Pelicans.

In tonights game the Rockets will be counting on Jae’Sean Tate and Daniel Theis. Alperen Sengun is also a threat off the bench. The Warriors will continue to try and handle the turnovers and continue with the solid offensive and defensive effort they have been show-casing all season; an effort that has them at the top of the Western Conference.

The Rockets came out strong in the first quarter playing the Warriors very close. As the game wore on it became apparent that Houston was playing very well, and the Warriors would have to bring their A-game for this one. Of course as has been the case all season, Golden State brings their best stuff in the second half. That’s when they close out these games, in some cases they are blow outs. After the first quarter the score was 37-32 in favor of the Warriors.

At the half the Warriors had extended their lead 69-61. The consistency from Golden State was wearing the Rockets down. Houston came out strong but they would have to continue a high level of play in the second half if they would have any chance at all. The third and fourth quarters are when Golden State is the most dangerous.

As expected the Warriors came unglued in the third quarter extending their lead to 103-83. The Warriors lived up to all expectations in the second half and then some. Golden State closed out this game 120-107 although Houston made a weak bid to make this a close game at the end of the fourth quarter.

The Warriors had five players in double figures with Jordan Poole leading the starters with 25 points. Off the bench Gary Payton II had double digits but it was Otto Porter Jrs. who had the high with 15 points. This win sent the Warriors to an 8-1 record leading the pack in the Western Conference. The Warriors did what they needed to do to win this game. They stopped the fouls that they were committing in the first half. They went on to stick to their formula because it is working to perfection.

Tomorrow, Monday evening the Warriors will face the Atlanta Hawks. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Kings can’t defeat Pacers despite Barnes 22 point performance 94-91 at Golden One

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes (22) gets the ball knocked out of his hands by Indiana Pacers guard Brad Wanamaker (10) and forward Domantas Sabonis (11) at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Nov 7, 2021 (AP News photo)  

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings (5-5) were back in action on Sunday afternoon. The Kings were in action after having the day off on Saturday after taking on the Charlotte Hornets (5-5). On Sunday, the Kings welcomed the Indiana Pacers into Golden One Center. The Kings dropped a close one to the Pacers (4-7) 94-91 in Sacramento. If the Kings were able to win it that would have been their third straight win. Before we dive into the action on Sunday let’s take a look at how the Kings faired in their last game.

Friday flashback: The Kings played the Charlotte Hornets on Friday and won in a convincing fashion. The Kings played a tremendous game on both ends of the floor as the Kings drubbed the Hornets by a final of 140-110. It was one of the Kings most authoritative wins of the year.

Sunday recap: The game against the Indiana Pacers was set for tip-off at 3 PM PST in Sacramento.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a slow start. On the defensive end, the Kings allowed the Pacers to score 27 points. The Kings didn’t seem to have the energy that they played with the whole game on Friday. Similarly, the Kings offense was lackluster to start the game. The Kings only managed 19 points against the Pacers in the first quarter. The Kings looked to turn things around in the second.

In the second quarter, the Kings stopped the bleeding against the Pacers. The Kings still didn’t look in rhythm but they at least kept the Pacers from expanding the lead. The Kings outscored the Pacers in the second quarter 24-21 as the Kings pulled a little closer.

As is the theme early on this season Harrison Barnes was the main reason the Kings were in the ball game as he had 11 first-half points. Chris Duarte was the largest contributor for the Pacers with 12 points. The Kings went into halftime down 48-43 looking to come back and win the first game of a back-to-back.

In the third quarter, the Kings got off to a slow start again. The Pacers continued to hit their shots as the Kings really struggled to get any momentum going on the offensive end. Buddy Hield hit a couple of big threes to keep it close. However, the Kings were outscored 26-24 in the third to dig a 74-67 hole going into the final quarter. The Kings would need to start hitting shots if they wanted any chance of winning the game.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings intensity took an obvious jump up. The Kings defense was getting into position every time down the floor. The question was if the Kings shots would start falling enough times to cut the deficit. It was. The Kings managed to claw their way back and tie the game.

However, the Kings weren’t able to close the deal as the Pacers just barely managed to beat the Kings down to the final seconds of the game. The Kings outscored the Pacers 20-24 in the final quarter but it wasn’t enough as the Kings came up short 94-91.

The Kings offense just never caught rhythm as the Kings only managed 91 points in the game. The Kings were led in defeat by Harrison Barnes who scored 22 points. Caris LeVert scored 22 points for the Pacers in victory. With the loss, the Kings drop to 5-5 on the year as the Pacers improved to 4-7 on the year. The Kings will have to look to the second night of the back-to-back for victory.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Phoenix Suns on Monday at 7 PM PST at Golden One Center.