The cowbells were ringing extra loud tonight as fans knew the importance of a victory against a solid Eastern Conference playoff contender. DeMarcus Cousins had another monster game as he finished with 36 points and 10 rebounds, which helped his team win its third consecutive 107-101 in front of a rocking Sleep Train Arena.
“The sky is the limit for him,” said Quincy Acy after the game about Cousins’ second consecutive dominant performance. “If he hitting the three, who can guard him?”
DeMar ReRozan scored 24 points, and Kyle Lowry made six 3-pointers, while adding 22 points and seven assists for the Raptors. Lowry was a hand-full but Rajon Rondo took it upon himself to stop the streaky point guard down the stretch.
“In my mind, I mean they made some shots in the fourth quarter going to the rim but I think their forte is getting fouled and making the three in the jump shot, more than actually getting to the rim,” George Karl said after the game.
The team meeting that was held earlier in the week was the hottest topic in the NBA and after three consecutive victories, Karl had this to say.
“I think I told everybody that frustration and passion for losing you want on your team, even maybe want to have team togetherness first,” said Karl. “This is 10 new guys, it’s too early to come to decisions in my mind. We had an unbelievably difficult schedule.”
Rajon Rondo had seven points, 14 assists and seven rebounds, but also had seven turnovers. Rudy Gay had 26 points and Omri Casspi added 14 for Sacramento. Despite committing 20 turnovers that led to 20 points, the Kings kept their composure and sealed the victory in the final minute.
The turnovers are Sacramento’s biggest concern right now but with more time together, that area should get better.
It is now time to see what this team will look like on the road. This five-game road trip won’t be easy but we will have a good barometer on where the team stands.
This three-game winning streak will help their confidence without a doubt and might be an x-factor in the first game Wednesday night in Atlanta. If they can beat the defending regular season Eastern Conference champions, then that will set the tone for the rest of the road trip.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
