A rejuvenated Sacramento Kings team
The Sacramento Kings came into this game in sole possession of the 8th place. They also understood that they needed to beat a very good Hawks team that have owned them the past couple of years to stay in the top eight.
They took care of business and pulled off a very impressive 91-88 victory in front of its loyal fan base. Head coach George Karl implied that this victory was probably their best of the season.
I believe it was because this game was won with energy and defense. Defense and the Kings have not been mentioned in the same sentence for most of the year.
Tonight, I give them the nod because even though the Hawks missed many shots they usually make, the Kings’ defense had a lot to do with it.
“We won the game tonight with our defense, our offense was out of sink, out of flow,” Karl said.
Willie Cauley-Stein was the anchor to that tough defense they displayed tonight. He earned his second straight double-double, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
“I’m just playing hard, and I think everything else takes care of itself as long as you’re doing the right things and playing with the right attitude,” said Cauley-Stein.
Cauley-Stein had multiple game-changing plays because of his high-motor, which helped the Kings earn this victory. The Kings went on a 12-0 run in the middle of the third quarter and that’s where I believe the Kings won the game.
They usually have lackadaisical starts to the third but now that this team is playing with a sense of urgency, the Kings were on top of their game, which allowed them to take a 17-point lead.
It would evaporate but without that momentum heading into the fourth, they don’t win this game.
I believe the game changing play was at the 7:38 mark of the third where the Kings grabbed the offensive rebound, then DeMarcus Cousins drove and kicked to Ben McLemore who made the 3-pointer while getting fouled. The crowd erupted and the passion from Cousins and McLemore was on full display.
With McLemore’s improved play over the last three games and Cauley-Stein’s emergence, the Kings have vastly improved on the defensive end.
Let’s not forget about the energy Quincy Acy has provided all season long when he gets a chance to play. The Kings had the luxury to be in the bonus early in the fourth thanks to Acy’s hustle and grind. He drew three straight fouls in the paint. Just your typical Acy game. The Hawks were not too happy about it.
The Kings improve to 8-3 when Cauley-Stein is in the starting lineup. Not only is that an impressive stat but just comes to show how valuable the rookie is to the Kings.
If the Kings bring this type of effort and defensive intensity against the Pacers and Hornets, there is no reason to believe this team won’t extend its winning streak to six.
“We’re growing,” said Rajon Rondo. “Step by step, it’s the little things that count at the end of the day, we got some stops when needed and we’re growing.
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