The Sacramento Kings dropped to 9-7 on the season tonight in San Antonio, losing to the Spurs by the final of 112-104. Playing without star center DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento struggled on the defensive end. While both teams shot 51 percent from the field, San Antonio valued the ball, turning the ball over just seven times to 15 for the Kings.
Rudy Gay led the way with 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in his first game back from injury. Ryan Hollins scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds in a spot start for Cousins and Carl Landry picked up his first double-double of the season.
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=TCwuYL5-uxk]Music Credit: Ronald Jenkees – Guitar Sound
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What to watch
1. Inside job
The Spurs are back to playing their Alamo-style defense, holding opponents to 91.9 points per game which is second in the NBA. With Tiago Splitter (calf) out, the Kings mercilessly attacked the key in their matchup on November 15, scoring 58 of their 94 points in the paint. Splitter remains out, paving the way for Sacramento’s frontcourt to bully an aging Tim Duncan and friends once again.
2. Turnovers
San Antonio’s offense has struggled to start the season, so they will happily welcome Sacramento turnovers. The Kings have repeatedly shot themselves in the foot this season by carelessly losing the ball and allowing baskets in transition, highlighted by a nine-turnover effort in the first quarter of a loss to the Houston Rockets Wednesday. Coincidentally, the Kings surrendered only nine turnovers for the game in their win two weeks ago versus the Spurs.
3. Bench play
The Kings’ bench has been a sore spot this season, routinely struggling to defend, rebound, hold leads and find offensive production beyond Carl Landry and Omri Casspi. San Antonio outscored Sacramento’s bench 31-20 last time out, so eyes will be on Ramon Sessions, Nik Stauskas and Derrick Williams to make an impact.
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