The Sacramento Kings were simply outplayed for the majority of the game by the Atlanta Hawks through three quarters, trailing 77-63. They exploded for 39 points in the fourth as the Hawks let off the gas, but they were never seriously threatened.
The big positive of the game was the hopeful future of the Kings. DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans combined for 53 points, including a stretch during the 4th quarter when they scored 21 straight points. Cousins finished with 24 points on 11 of 22 shooting, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals; Evans had an efficient 29 points on only 19 field goal attempts, 8 assists, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, and only one turnover! It’s the sort of effort you’d love to see from the Kings youngsters, who continue to look better as the season progresses.
Unfortunately, the Hawks shooters shredded the Kings defense. Atlanta nailed 8 threes, three from Mike Bibby and Jamal Crawford apiece. Joe Johnson broke his shooting slump and got 29 points on 12 of 18 shooting, but Crawford was the show, notching 31 points and 7 assists on 10 of 17 shooting. Atlanta outrebounded Sacramento 47 to 39, with Josh Smith and Bibby garnering double-digit rebounds and Al Horford and Zaza Pachulia grabbing 8 of their own.
For more postgame reaction to Hawks-Kings, head over to Sactown Royalty!
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