The Kings got off to a hot start but weren't able to keep up with the torrid pace of the Miami Heat.
The losing streak continues for the Kings. Despite shooting 58.1% from the field against the Heat, the Kings still lost by 19 points. The last time a team shot that well and lost by that much was in 1986 per Tom Haberstroh (funnily enough, it was against the Kings).
How did this happen? For starters, the Kings allowed Miami to shoot an even better 61.4% from the field and 43.5% from three. Miami also dominated in the fast break, outscoring the Kings 22 to 6. The Kings also shot themselves in the foot by missing 15 of their 22 free throw attempts. Rudy Gay, Isaiah Thomas and Derrick Williams, all 80% or better shooters from the line, shot a combined 3-12 from the line.
The Heat also did an excellent job of forcing turnovers (20) and then capitalizing on those turnovers (32 points off turnovers). Chris Bosh was the man for Miami, scoring 25 points on 11-16 shooting to go with 8 rebounds. LeBron James had a pedestrian (for him) 18 points on 8-11 shooting, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Dwyane Wade and Ray Allen added 20 and 18 points respectively.
For Sacramento, they got good offensive performances from their starters, all of whom scored in double digits. DeMarcus Cousins led the way with 27 points (11-15 from the field), 8 rebounds and 5 assists. His shooting performance tonight officially puts him above 50% from the field for the season.
Rookie Ben McLemore had a breakout game with 20 points on an efficient 8-13 from the field and 4-7 from three. Isaiah Thomas scored 11 points, but struggled shooting the ball, going just 4-11 and 1-6 from downtown. He did dish out 7 assists though.
The Kings finish up their road trip tomorrow night in Orlando before heading back to Sacramento.
For the Heat perspective, visit Hot Hot Hoops