The Kings had a terrible second quarter, but a big game from DeMarcus Cousins and good defense in the fourth quarter carried Sacramento to an eventual victory.
On paper this should have been an easy win for Sacramento. Phoenix has a dearth of big men and their best player, Eric Bledsoe, was out with a bruised shin. As we should all know however, nothing comes easy for these Sacramento Kings.
Sacramento gave up a whopping 37 points in the 2nd quarter and quickly found themselves on the wrong end of a double-digit lead after being up by double-digits themselves. With Eric Bledsoe out, Gerald Green had a big game with 23 points to lead the Suns. Marcus Morris added 19 points off the bench.
For Sacramento, DeMarcus Cousins carried the load with 27 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and two blocks. Cousins played through a shoulder injury he sustained in the second quarter. He came back from the locker room wearing a brace, which had to be readjusted once or twice throughout the game.
Not only was Cousins carrying the Kings offensively at times, but he also had some huge defensive stops in the crucial fourth quarter. After that terrible second quarter, the Kings gave up just 42 more points, including just 16 in the final period.
Rookie Ben McLemore tied his career high with 19 points in 34 minutes, his best game as a starter by far. Isaiah Thomas added 19 points off the bench as well as some good defense on Goran Dragic down the stretch.
Marcus Thornton received a DNP-CD tonight in favor of Jimmer Fredette, who logged 13:30. There was no health problem related with Thornton's benching per the coaching staff. Patrick Patterson made his return from a one-game absence to chip in with 10 points and 5 boards off the bench.
Sacramento heads to Phoenix tonight for a rematch tomorrow night.