Oddly enough, the most dysfunctional organization in the NBA is one with a boatload of talent. The Sacramento Kings are known to have internal problems, but the players on the roster can play, and if it weren’t for distractions within the organization, the Kings could contend for a playoff spot. Matched up with the Dallas Mavericks on Easter Sunday, Sacramento put together an incredible team effort as they waxed Dallas, 133-111.
It was the third game of the season where the Kings scored more than 130 points, tying them with the Clippers for third most in the league.
Of the 11 players who got playing time, eight of them scored in double-figures. Willie Cauley-Stein, just one game after his 26-point performance, led the Kings with 21 points on 8/11 shooting. DeMarcus Cousins was his usual dominant self and recorded 20 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists; Rajon Rondo facilitated beautifully and dished out 11 dimes. After earning his second start of the season, Seth Curry exploded for all 14 of his points in the third, shooting a perfect 4/4.
Sacramento, as a team, shot 62% from the field while Dallas was about 48%. The game really got away in the second quarter. The Kings’ shot an astounding 71% from the field and scored 39 points, compared to Dallas, who scored 26 points on 38% shooting.
With the loss, Dallas fell out of the playoff race. Raymond Felton had 15 to lead the Mavs, and both Dirk and J.J. Barea had 14 on 13/29 combined shooting. In 21 minutes of action, rookie Justin Anderson finished with 11 points, just two shy of his career high.
Both teams are on the slate again on Monday. Dallas is in Denver, and Sacramento travels to Portland.
Around The League
The Los Angeles Clippers clinched a playoff spot as they beat the Nuggets, 105-90. DeAndre Jordan had 16 points, 16 rebounds, and six blocks, and five other Clippers scored in double-figures. Denver was led by Jusuf Nurkic’s 19 points.
James Harden had a 34-point outburst against the Pacers, but it isn’t enough as Houston fell 104-101; he also had eight rebounds and eight assists. Paul George dueled Harden all night and finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds.
Klay Thompson was unconscious against the 76ers and finished with 40 points in a 117-105 victory. Thompson shot 15/27 overall and 7/14 from three while Steph Curry pitched in 20 points of his own, and added four steals and eight assists.
Scores
DEN 90 - LAC 105
HOU 101 - IND 104
DAL 111 - SAC 133
PHI 105 - GSW 117
WASH 101 - LAL 88
