Road Reaction Show: Kings fade in Washington

For the second straight game, the Sacramento Kings (22-43) had every opportunity to pick up a win on the road and let it slip away.  After leading by as many as 21, Sacramento fell apart in the third quarter in Washington, losing to the Wizards (38-28) by a final of 113-97.

The Kings were outscored 67-33 in the second half and dropped in just 12 points in the deciding fourth quarter.  DeMarcus Cousins carried the load for most of the night, but fouled out with 30 points, five assists and six rebounds in the mid-fourth quarter.  Ray McCallum chipped in 15 points and six assists as the Kings finished their season-long eight-game road trip just 2-6.

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.

What to watch

1. Inpenetrable paint

While the Wizards lack a true shot blocker, they surrender the least points in the paint per game. Washington is adept at denying entry passes but they are susceptible to fouls, which is music to Sacramento’s ears.

2. Ramon’s revenge

Ramon Sessions, who was a major disappointment in 36 appearances with the Kings this season, faces his former club for the first time since being flipped at the trade deadline. He and Andre Miller should guard each other often in what will be a statement game for both.

3. Proper send-off

Tonight’s contest in Washington marks the end of an ugly eight-game road trip for Sacramento, for which they are currently 2-5. After falling to the 76ers on Friday, the Kings owe it to their fans to show more effort against the Wizards.