Fear the beard.
The Sacramento Kings (26-48) had no answer for MVP candidate James Harden tonight in Houston. The high-flying wing went off for a career-high 51 points as the Rockets (51-24) beat the Kings by a final of 115-111.
DeMarcus Cousins returned to action and put on a show. Sacramento’s All-Star center had an incredible 24-point, 21-rebound, 10-assist, 6-block night. Seven Kings scored in double figures, but it just wasn’t enough to overcome an incredible game by Harden.
Join James Ham and Rui Thomas for the Road Reaction Postgame Show on Google+ after the game. The show can be watched on the video player embedded below. You can also join the discussion of tonight’s game by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_4NHATdS8I]What to watch
1. Defending the arc
The Rockets are the NBA’s leading team in 3-points tries and makes, which the Kings already know. In two games with Houston this season, Sacramento has surrendered 27 triples on 79 attempts. Guarding James Harden (36.9 percent on 3’s), Jason Terry (39.1) and others is of utmost priority.
2. Floor spacing
Without Rudy Gay (concussion), Sacramento will need a role player to step up and challenge Houston’s effective perimeter defense. Omri Casspi, who will likely start in Gay’s place, has shot 43.6 percent from downtown since the All-Star break but may struggle to fend off Ariza.
3. Turnover specialists
Houston and Sacramento give up the second and fourth-most turnovers per game in the league respectively. However, the Rockets have only spilled nine turnovers per match in the season series, while the Kings averaged 20.5. A little focus goes a long way.
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