- Here We Reign - Kings pull out close wins, beat OKC (43-34)

December Summary
Possible contenders slipping away out West, OKC looks strong

The Chicago Bulls' outstanding start to the season has been well-documented; a start that included an impressive 19-straight wins before the Heat ended the streak. The Bulls have a healthy Derrick Rose and a quality compliment of talent like Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, and international arrival Nikola Mirotic. They have opened a 4-game lead on 2nd place Cleveland in the standings and are in prime position to secure home court come playoff time, if not the #1 seed.

In the Western Conference, there was no clear favorite that was distinguishing itself after the first month of the year. There still isn't, but three teams have done well enough in December to distance themselves from the rest of the West. The West has seen a pair of expected contenders in the Clippers and Grizzlies fall off this year, leaving OKC, Houston, and San Antonio to fight amongst themselves for the Western crown. In a conference notorious for having the more difficult path to the NBA Finals, this year's crop of teams in the West lacks the number of contenders that it usually boasts. Teams in the middle such as the Blazers, Clippers, Warriors, and Mavericks may need to consider making a trade if they want to climb into the discussion with the Thunder, Rockets, and Spurs.


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For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights. Kings Month in Review


Consistency the main problem in Sacramento
Kings fans have raised their expectations this season thanks to the team's strong start at .500. In truth, nobody was expecting the Kings to be a legitimate playoff contender after suffering through a 28-win season last year and a decade of poor basketball. At the start of the season, a 35-win season would be considered a productive year for a team that could develop their young talent like McLemore, watch Cousins take a step into stardom, and start changing the culture in Sacramento. But the team is certainly on pace to exceed those expectations and are currently sitting in the 8th and final playoff chair in the Western Conference. Their playoff chances are better than expected as well due to poor seasons for teams like Memphis, Phoenix, and New Orleans.

But with relative success and increased expectations comes increased scrutiny and overreaction. As currently constructed, the Kings have more than enough offensive firepower with Cousins and Gay supported by a 16.5 PPG season from Reggie Jackson and an efficient-shooting Ben McLemore. The recent addition of Jerryd Bayless has added more bench scoring next to Carl Landry as well. But on nights when the opposing defense steps up or the Kings' offense goes cold, it is almost a guaranteed loss and likely a blowout. If the offense dies like it did against the Celtics (77-96) on the 31st and in both games against OKC (95-127, 88-114), ugly losses are a certainty. Sacramento undeniably lacks any consistent defensive effort and usually relies on John Henson and a much-improved Demarcus Cousins (1.3 SPG, 1.8 BPG) to bail out the team on that end of the floor. On a team full of scorers, the Kings arguably have only one defense-first player on the roster in Henson. The wing players for Sacramento, especially the reserves, are a large downgrade defensively. Rudy Gay isn't elite defensively and Ben McLemore is still developing his defense after a poor rookie year, but they are miles ahead of their backups. The McLemore/Stauskas dropoff is the most noticeable, and a large portion of the high scoring performances the Kings have allowed have come from 2-guards. Recent examples include 27 to Gerald Green, 26 to Jeremy Lamb, 30 to Rodney Stuckey, and 26 to Demar Derozan. With the exception of Derozan, those aren't exactly superstar scorers. Those are players who found openings against their matchup and got into a rhythm.

Impatient fans obviously grow frustrated with this lack of consistency defensively, but it is probably not practical for the Kings to trade for remedies to their defensive deficiencies immediately. Legitimate defense stoppers have a large price tag around the league, and trading for one would likely require the Kings to give up young talent like McLemore, Stauskas, or Henson. McLemore and Henson are performing very well and it is far too early to give up on a rookie like Stauskas. If the Kings' offense can do enough to make the playoffs, great. If not, the team will still have exceeded their preseason expectations and probably put together a productive year. There is no reason to panic and start selling potential just for a low playoff seed and 1st round exit. Don't expect a franchise-changing trade to go down this year in Sacramento. Trades on the level of the Bucks deal earlier in the month is the kind of move we should expect the team to make, if they even make another deal this season.

Bayless creeping into the statsheet i see, shocking to see the Pelicans are doing bad so far.

Derrick has typical Minnesota revenge game
Kings: 114
Timberwolves: 104


Derrick Williams frustrated his former teammates with his forays into the paint, illustrated by Pekovic's Flagrant 1

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 19 PTS - 17 REB - 7/14 FG - 5/7 FT
Reggie Jackson: 17 PTS - 6 AST - 7/11 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Rudy Gay: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 7/12 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Derrick Williams: 16 PTS - 11 REB - 5 AST - 5/11 FG - 6/8 FT - 31 MIN

Minnesota Timberwolves Top Performers
Thaddeus Young: 26 PTS - 9 REB - 9/16 FG - 4/7 3PT FG - 4/7 FT
Ricky Rubio: 16 PTS - 12 AST - 5/8 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Andrew Wiggins: 13 PTS - 5 REB - 6/18 FG - 1/5 3PT FG
Nikola Pekovic: 10 PTS - 16 REB - 5/16 FG - 0/2 FT
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Efficient offense carries Kings over Detroit
Kings: 104
Pistons: 96

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 21 PTS - 4 REB - 5 AST - 9/12 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 1/4 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 15 PTS - 14 REB - 6/11 FG - 3/3 FT
John Henson: 15 PTS - 7 REB - 2 BLK - 7/15 FG
Reggie Jackson: 12 PTS - 5 AST - 3/8 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 5/6 FT

Detroit Pistons Top Performers
Kyle Singler: 20 PTS - 7/8 FG - 6/6 FT
Andre Drummond: 17 PTS - 10 REB - 8/19 FG - 1/2 FT
Josh Smith: 15 PTS - 7/14 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
Brandon Jennings: 10 PTS - 10 AST - 4/8 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
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Rudy's season best not enough as Kings lose to OKC for 3rd straight time
Thunder: 109
Kings: 106


Despite the loss, Rudy Gay's scoring outburst is a positive for the Kings that might get their star forward going

Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Kevin Durant: 26 PTS - 2 REB - 4 AST - 10/24 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Russell Westbrook: 22 PTS - 7 AST - 8/24 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 5/7 FT
Isaiah Thomas: 14 PTS - 5 AST - 4/12 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 5/5 FT - 24 MIN
Serge Ibaka: 12 PTS - 10 REB - 1 BLK - 5/10 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 1/1 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 33 PTS (Season-High) - 7 REB - 11/25 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 10/12 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 19 REB - 10/12 FG - 4/8 FT - 41 MIN
Ben McLemore: 17 PTS - 4 REB - 5 AST - 6/9 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 9 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 4/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
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Cousins struggles with fouls in loss to Denver
Nuggets: 97
Kings: 93

Denver Nuggets Top Performers
Wilson Chandler: 18 PTS - 8 REB - 4/14 FG - 2/8 3PT FG - 8/11 FT
Kenneth Faried: 17 PTS - 11 REB - 6/13 FG - 5/9 FT
Ty Lawson: 15 PTS - 8 AST - 6/10 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Danilo Gallinari: 15 PTS - 10 REB - 3/11 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 7/9 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
John Henson: 21 PTS - 10 REB - 1 BLK - 8/15 FG - 5/10 FT
Rudy Gay: 15 PTS - 8 REB - 6/13 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 9 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 4/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
Demarcus Cousins: 12 PTS - 7 REB - 6/13 FG - 15 MIN - 6 FLS
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NBA Notes:
Thunder win 7th straight, now 31-6 overall.
Wizards lose 7th straight, now 13-23 overall.
Warriors lose 7th straight, now 16-18 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:

NBA Transactions:
Thunder extend F Nick Collison with 1yr/$1.72M deal.
Cavaliers extend C Anderson Varejao with 1yr/$4.45M deal.

Demarcus' 30 not enough against Cavs
Cavaliers: 117
Kings: 110


In addition to giving up 117 to Lebron's Cavs, the Kings also had some bad news in the injury department

Cleveland Cavaliers Top Performers
Kyrie Irving: 30 PTS - 7 AST - 10/25 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 9/9 FT
Lebron James: 22 PTS - 5 REB - 13 AST - 9/18 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 3/6 FT
Dion Waiters: 17 PTS - 7 REB - 8/10 FG - 1/2 3PT FG
Anderson Varejao: 8 PTS - 13 REB - 4/7 FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 30 PTS - 17 REB - 8/17 FG - 14/17 FT
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 7 REB - 7/13 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Ben McLemore: 15 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 6/18 FG - 1/7 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 11 PTS - 6 AST - 5/16 FG - 1/2 3PT FG
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Kings drop 4th straight with tough OT loss
Mavericks: 117
Kings: 116

Dallas Mavericks Top Performers
Monta Ellis: 23 PTS - 4 REB - 2 AST - 10/19 FG - 2/9 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Dirk Nowtizki: 22 PTS - 8 REB - 9/13 FG - 2/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Chandler Parsons: 20 PTS - 7/10 FG - 2/2 3PT FG - 4/8 FT
Tyson Chandler: 19 PTS - 8 REB - 7/12 FG - 5/15 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 21 PTS - 10 REB - 7/16 FG - 7/11 FT
Rudy Gay: 19 PTS - 8 REB - 5 AST - 4 STL - 7/19 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
John Henson: 15 PTS - 13 REB - 7/11 FG - 1/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 13 PTS - 9 AST - 4/7 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
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Jackson and McLemore combine for 65 as Kings end losing skid
Kings: 117
Heat: 115


Reggie Jackson's aggressiveness was lacking in the Kings' recent losses, but returned in a big way tonight

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Reggie Jackson: 35 PTS (Career-High) - 5 REB - 5 AST - 14/27 FG - 3/5 3PT FG - 4/7 FT
Ben McLemore: 30 PTS (Season-High) - 6 REB - 4 AST - 13/19 FG - 3/7 3PT FG - 1/3 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 19 PTS - 12 REB - 4/13 FG - 11/12 FT
Rudy Gay: 14 PTS - 6 REB - 6 AST - 7/15 FG - 0/3 3PT FG

Miami Heat Top Performers
Dwayne Wade: 31 PTS - 5 AST - 13/22 FG - 5/9 FT
Luol Deng: 29 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 4 STL - 10/16 FG - 5/8 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Norris Cole: 18 PTS - 5 REB - 7/16 FG - 4/5 FT
Chris Bosh: 9 PTS - 12 REB - 6 AST - 4/8 FG - 1/2 FT
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Sacramento defense still bad, allow 37 in 4th quarter giveaway
Clippers: 103
Kings: 101

Los Angeles Clippers Top Performers
Jamal Crawford: 19 PTS - 7/15 FG - 5/10 3PT FG
Darren Collison: 19 PTS - 5 REB - 7 AST - 6/17 FG - 4/6 FT
Blake Griffin: 16 PTS - 6 REB - 7/12 FG - 2/2 FT
Deandre Jordan: 2 PTS - 9 REB - 2 BLK - 1/3 FG - 0/3 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Reggie Jackson: 18 PTS - 6 AST - 4/10 FG - 3/5 3PT FG - 7/7 FT
Ben McLemore: 17 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 6/12 FG - 5/6 3PT FG
Demarcus Cousins: 16 PTS - 12 REB - 6/14 FG -4/5 FT
Rudy Gay: 15 PTS - 9 REB - 2/11 FG - 11/13 FT
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NBA Notes:
Pacers win 8th straight, now 29-13 overall.
Bulls win 6th straight, now 36-6 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:
Kings G Jerryd Bayless out 6-8 weeks with Concussion.

NBA Transactions:
Pelicans dismiss Head Coach Monty Williams.
Pistons dismiss Head Coach Stan Van Gundy.

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For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights.

Bayless to miss at least another month following Concussion



The Sacramento Kings have announced that G Jerryd Bayless suffered a fairly significant concussion in the team's 117-110 loss to the Cavaliers last Sunday. Bayless did not play in any of the team's three games since then and his concussion symptoms still persist. Initial timetable for his full return is 6-8 weeks.

Bayless was acquired from the Bucks in December and appeared in 10 games with Sacramento, averaging 5.7 PPG on 49% shooting and 63% 3PT shooting in 10.8 MPG. Ray McCallum will assume all of the backup point guard minutes, with Ben McLemore and Nik Stauskas resuming the minutes at shooting guard.

Awesome story with great write ups and beautiful screenshots to match.

I see that Bulls and OKC are going strong your end. I hope you can get into playoffs and cause an upset

We need more pages here man! Bulls look unstoppable. What a thriller against the Heat and all players came out great in that game.

Cousins mired with fouls as Kings lose in Portland
Trailblazers: 104
Kings: 101

Portland Trailblazers Top Performers
Damian Lillard: 33 PTS - 6 AST - 11/20 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 10/11 FT
Nicolas Batum: 20 PTS - 6 REB - 4 AST - 8/13 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Lamarcus Aldridge: 14 PTS - 10 REB - 5/13 FG - 4/4 FT
Wesley Matthews: 13 PTS - 6/15 FG - 1/5 3PT FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Reggie Jackson: 24 PTS - 5 REB - 11 AST - 9/17 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 5/7 FT
Rudy Gay: 23 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 9/17 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 10 PTS - 4 AST - 5/10 FG
Demarcus Cousins: 9 PTS - 10 REB - 4/12 FG - 1/2 FT
Eric Moreland: 8 PTS - 5 REB - 3/4 FG - 2/2 FT - 13 MIN
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Boarding Boogie, Clutch Rudy give Kings win in 2OT classic
Kings: 146
Nets: 144


Down the stretch in both overtimes, it was Rudy Gay who carried the Kings after Cousins departed with fouls

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 38 PTS (Season-High) - 5 REB - 3 AST - 14/21 FG - 3/5 3PT FG - 7/10 FT
Reggie Jackson: 33 PTS - 5 AST - 13/27 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 5/6 FT - 42 MIN
Demarcus Cousins: 27 PTS - 24 REB (Career-High) - 8/13 FG - 11/15 FT - 32 MIN - 6 FLS
Ben McLemore: 12 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST - 4/14 FG - 4/7 3PT FG - 42 MIN

Brooklyn Nets Top Performers
Deron Williams: 35 PTS - 10 AST - 12/23 FG - 4/7 3PT FG - 10/10 FT
Joe Johnson: 35 PTS - 5 AST - 13/33 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 7/9 FT - 43 MIN
Bojan Bogdanovic: 16 PTS - 9 REB - 6/21 FG - 2/8 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Brook Lopez: 14 PTS - 15 REB - 5/10 FG - 4/5 FT
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Defense plays better in win over Warriors
Kings: 108
Warriors: 99

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 21 PTS - 6 REB - 7/12 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 6/8 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 13 REB - 5/9 FG - 8/10 FT
Ben McLemore: 17 PTS - 3 REB - 3 AST - 7/8 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Carl Landry: 10 PTS - 6 REB - 5/8 FG - 21 MIN
Reggie Jackson: 9 PTS - 7 AST - 3/14 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 2/3 FT

Golden State Warriors Top Performers
Stephen Curry: 27 PTS - 5 AST - 11/19 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Klay Thompson: 26 PTS - 11/28 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Harrison Barnes: 15 PTS - 6/9 FG - 3/6 3PT FG
David Lee: 8 PTS - 13 REB - 3/5 FG - 2/3 FT
Andrew Bogut: 2 PTS - 2 REB - 1/1 FG - 12 MIN - 6 FLS
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Melo out-duels Rudy in NY
Knicks: 121
Kings: 116


A poster dunk on Samuel Dalembert was part of another 38-point outing for Rudy Gay two games after scoring 38 against the Nets

New York Knicks Top Performers
Carmelo Anthony: 43 PTS - 7 REB - 4 AST - 17/29 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 6/9 FT
Tim Hardaway Jr.: 16 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 6/13 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Samuel Dalembert: 15 PTS - 9 REB - 5/8 FG - 5/7 FT
Jose Calderon: 12 PTS - 12 AST - 4/9 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 38 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 17/25 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 16 REB - 8/16 FG - 4/4 FT
Reggie Jackson: 19 PTS - 4 AST - 6/17 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Derrick Williams: 10 PTS - 5 REB - 4/5 FG - 2/4 FT - 20 MIN
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Supporting cast of Landry, McLemore, and Williams shoot 27% up north
Raptors: 111
Kings: 98

Toronto Raptors Top Performers
Demar Derozan: 33 PTS - 6 REB - 12/20 FG - 7/7 FT
Kyle Lowry: 19 PTS - 6 REB - 10 AST - 6/21 FG - 2/11 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Terrence Ross: 18 PTS - 5 REB - 7/17 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Greivis Vasquez: 11 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 4/7 FG - 3/4 3PT FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 23 PTS - 8 REB - 5 AST - 8/16 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 6/8 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 13 REB - 7/16 FG - 4/5 FT
Reggie Jackson: 13 PTS - 5 AST - 5/12 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 2/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 8 PTS - 3/13 FG - 2/8 3PT FG
Carl Landry: 5 PTS - 7 REB - 2/7 FG - 1/1 FT - 20 MIN
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Kyrie drops 42 on Kings D
Cavaliers: 122
Kings: 108

Cleveland Cavaliers Top Performers
Kyrie Irving: 42 PTS (Season-High) - 6 AST - 15/28 FG - 4/7 3PT FG - 8/10 FT
Dion Waiters: 26 PTS - 10/16 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 5/7 FT
Lebron James: 22 PTS - 8 REB - 12 AST - 10/19 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Kevin Love: 9 PTS - 9 REB - 4/11 FG - 1/3 3PT FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Reggie Jackson: 23 PTS - 3 REB - 3 AST - 9/12 FG - 5/5 FT - 5 TO
Rudy Gay: 15 PTS - 2 REB - 2 AST - 7/12 FG - 1/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 13 PTS - 4 AST - 2 STL - 6/14 FG - 1/5 3PT FG
Demarcus Cousins: 12 PTS - 12 REB - 5/9 FG - 2/2 FT
Carl Landry: 12 PTS - 5 REB - 4/6 FG - 4/4 FT - 19 MIN
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Flawless performance from Stauskas helps Kings overcome quiet Demarcus
Kings: 102
Pacers: 100

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 5 REB - 6/12 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Nik Stauskas: 16 PTS (Career-High) - 4/4 FG - 3/3 3PT FG - 5/5 FT - 18 MIN
Reggie Jackson: 15 PTS - 4 AST - 6/13 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 8 PTS - 3 REB - 3 AST - 3/6 FG - 2/2 FT - 6 FLS

Indiana Pacers Top Performers
Paul George: 23 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST - 8/17 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 6/6 FT
George Hill: 19 PTS - 6 REB - 4 AST - 8/11 FG - 3/5 3PT FG
David West: 19 PTS - 4 REB - 8/13 FG - 3/3 FT
Roy Hibbert: 8 PTS - 4 REB - 2/7 FG - 4/6 FT
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NBA Notes:
Raptors win 5th straight, now 31-17 overall.
Nuggets lose 5th straight, now 22-26 overall.
Nets lose 7th straight, now 22-25 overall.
Wizards lose 7th straight, now 16-32 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:
Celtics F Brandon Bass out 4-6 weeks with Torn Calf Muscle.

NBA Transactions:

Bulls try to resurrect Ben Gordon's career where it all began
Chicago Bulls trade: Mike Dunleavy
Orlando Magic trade: Ben Gordon, 2017 2nd Round Draft Selection

Looking to shake up their roster with the emergence of young wings like Butler, Snell, and rookie Doug McDermott, the Bulls traded away an unhappy Mike Dunleavy in exchange for an old friend. Ben Gordon's career has gone downhill after spending his first 5 NBA seasons with the Bulls. Selected 3rd overall in 2004, Gordon averaged at least 15 PPG in each of those 5 seasons and then cashed in during free agency with a large offer from the Pistons. Since signing with Detroit, Gordon's numbers have dropped across the board and has made stops in Detroit, Charlotte, and Orlando. Gordon is owed $9M over the next two seasons, while Dunleavy was a $3M expiring contract. Chicago also acquired a future 2nd round pick from Orlando for taking the contract of Gordon, whom the Magic had buyer's remorse on after signing him last offseason.

January Summary
Rockets trying to stay vertical

It is no secret that the Thunder are cruising right now with the Western Conference in tow. Oklahoma City is putting up 115.5 PPG and lead the 2nd place Spurs by over 5 games. But another high-scoring team is trying to increase their standing in the West despite some recent trouble. In Houston, the Rockets are the second-highest scoring team in the league at 113.2 PPG, trailing only the same Thunder. Their hot offense carried them through an impressive stretch of basketball in December. From November 19th through January 3rd, the Rockets went 19-3 and had three separate win streaks of 5 or more games. But in the heart of January, the Rockets suffered through a 5-game skid in which their supporting cast of Beverley (24%), Jones (40%), and Ariza (28%) shot the ball poorly. They have won 3 of their last 4 however and seem to be picking up where they left off in their pursuit of OKC. Considering their frenetic pace, the Rockets are a team that can shoot themselves out of games easily if their shots aren't falling, but are still a team that nobody will want to face in the postseason.



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For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights. Kings Month in Review


Malone trying to make do defensively
After a surprising start, the Kings are still hanging around the .500 mark despite some recent struggles. Their offense has been consistently strong and has kept them in most games, but that could not be farther from the truth in regards to their defense. Allowing 107.6 PPG, the Kings have the 5th worst defense statistically. The Lakers (110.5) and 76ers (108.4) are the two worst defensive teams, and it shows in their low win totals of 11 and 13, respectively. The Timberwolves allow 108.3 PPG. The Rockets (107.9) are the only other team worse than the Kings defensively, but their fast pace and the 113 points they score every night make up for it. Also in the same neighborhood of poor defense are the 9-win Detroit Pistons at 107.2. Aside from the Rockets, whose blistering pace of play has them leading the NBA in FGA, FTA, and 3PT makes, that is not good company for Sacramento.

Many people could argue that the Kings are a decent defense away from being a solid team. They have almost everything else. They can dominate the paint with Demarcus Cousins. They can play a half-court game with Cousins and Rudy Gay. Reggie Jackson is outstanding for being the third or even fourth option. He can break down defenses by himself, off of screen-and-rolls, or in transition. Reggie Jackson, Rudy Gay, Ben McLemore, and Derrick Williams shine in the open court and can easily share lobs and dunks with each other. Carl Landry and Jerryd Bayless provide consistent bench production. Even their perimeter shooting is better than expected thanks to a much-improved Ben McLemore, a career-best 3PT percentage from Rudy Gay, and timely makes from other guards like Jackon, Bayless, and rookie Nik Stauskas. But very few defense-first players are available to Michael Malone, especially on the perimeter.

So the question remains: how do the Kings improve their defense without destroying all of the other skills they can utilize? Internal development is something the team seems to be banking on, at least as part of the solution. McLemore especially has made strides defensively since his rookie year and has all the physical tools to be a quality defensive player. Similar things can be said about Reggie Jackson. Ray McCallum struggled to get consistent minutes for the majority of his rookie campaign last year, but it was his defense that caught Michael Malone's attention and garnered playing time. The Kings acquired John Henson for the explicit purpose of protecting the rim and continued effort from him will be crucial. Yet even if all of their young players make the desired improvement defensively, the Kings would still likely want more defensive tools. It isn't too early to anticipate a defense-first offseason in Sacramento in order to give Malone some help on the other end of the court.

Warriors the superior team in easy win
Warriors: 113
Kings: 97

Golden State Warriors Top Performers
Stephen Curry: 28 PTS - 7 AST - 9/16 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 8/8 FT
Shaun Livingston: 18 PTS - 6 AST - 8/11 FG - 2/2 FT
David Lee: 18 PTS - 12 REB - 7/13 FG - 4/4 FT
Klay Thompson: 17 PTS - 7 REB - 6/20 FG - 0/7 3PT FG - 5/6 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Reggie Jackson: 19 PTS - 6 REB - 9 AST - 7/13 FG - 5/6 FT
Rudy Gay: 19 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST - 8/14 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 17 REB - 8/14 FG - 2/4 FT
Ray McCallum: 12 PTS - 3 AST - 4/9 FG - 2/2 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Ben McLemore: 3 PTS - 4 REB - 1/11 FG - 0/4 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
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Seven Kings score in double figures to beat Mavs
Kings: 118
Mavericks: 106


Less than a week after a career night against Indiana, Nik Stauskas keeps gaining confidence in his NBA transition

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 16 REB - 8/17 FG - 8/9 FT
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 9/16 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 15 PTS - 8 AST - 5/14 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 13 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 5/11 FG - 3/8 3PT FG
Nik Stauskas: 12 PTS - 2 REB - 4/7 FG - 4/6 3PT FG - 17 MIN
Carl Landry: 11 PTS - 9 REB - 2/4 FG - 7/7 FT - 19 MIN

Dallas Mavericks Top Performers
Monta Ellis: 24 PTS - 4 AST - 9/20 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 4/7 FT
Dirk Nowtizki: 17 PTS - 9 REB - 6/15 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Devin Harris: 16 PTS - 7 AST - 7/11 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 21 MIN
Chandler Parsons: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 6/12 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 3/5 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Big 3 good enough in Utah
Kings: 112
Jazz: 107

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 24 PTS - 3 REB - 3 AST - 2 STL - 2 BLK - 8/18 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 6/6 FT - 5 TO
Reggie Jackson: 20 PTS - 10 AST - 7/11 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 11 REB - 9/17 FG - 2/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 13 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 6/11 FG - 1/4 3PT FG

Utah Jazz Top Performers
Alec Burks: 26 PTS - 4 AST - 12/22 FG - 1/7 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Derrick Favors: 18 PTS - 12 REB - 8/17 FG - 2/2 FT
Gordon Hayward: 17 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 6/13 FG - 2/4 FG - 3/4 FT
Trey Burke: 15 PTS - 10 AST - 5 STL - 6/14 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Kings play a little defense... and win by 23
Kings: 115
Suns: 92


Rudy Gay's recent dominance continued in the easy win

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 26 PTS - 8 REB - 3 AST - 2 STL - 11/20 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 13 REB - 4 AST - 8/12 FG - 2/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 15 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 5/13 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 3/5 FT
Reggie Jackson: 13 PTS - 7 AST - 4/7 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Carl Landry: 13 PTS - 8 REB - 5/8 FG - 3/3 FT

Phoenix Suns Top Performers
Miles Plumlee: 21 PTS - 13 REB - 10/15 FG - 1/2 FT
Markieff Morris: 21 PTS - 9 REB - 5 AST - 8/14 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 4/4
Eric Bledsoe: 14 PTS - 6 AST - 6/17 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 0/2 FT
Gerald Green: 13 PTS - 6 AST - 5/12 FG - 2/8 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Kings hang tough in first half, but get crushed in 3rd quarter 26-10
Bulls: 108
Kings: 91


The biggest positive for Sacramento in the loss was a strong performance from Derrick Williams, accentuated by a reverse baseline dunk in garbage time

Chicago Bulls Top Performers
Derrick Rose: 23 PTS - 4 AST - 10/21 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Jimmy Butler: 22 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 10/20 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Taj Gibson: 11 PTS - 11 REB - 4/6 FG - 3/4 FT
Joakim Noah: 5 PTS - 5 REB - 2/3 FG - 1/2 FT - 28 MIN

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Derrick Williams: 21 PTS - 3 REB - 7/13 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 5/6 FT - 24 MIN
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 14 REB - 3 STL - 5 BLK (Season-High) - 7/14 FG - 4/5 FT
Ben McLemore: 12 PTS - 6 REB - 6/12 FG - 0/3 3PT FG
Rudy Gay: 11 PTS - 4 REB - 5/11 FG - 1/2 3PT FG
Reggie Jackson: 7 PTS - 4 REB - 5 AST - 1/6 FG - 0/3 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Bucks get three 20+ performances in win
Bucks: 106
Kings: 96

Milwaukee Bucks Top Performers
Jabari Parker: 22 PTS - 7 REB - 7/17 FG - 2/8 3PT FG - 6/6 FT
Brandon Knight: 20 PTS - 5 AST - 7/12 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
O.J. Mayo: 20 PTS - 8/10 FG - 2/2 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Ersan Ilyasova: 16 PTS - 8 REB - 5/12 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 5/7 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Reggie Jackson: 17 PTS - 6 AST - 8/14 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
Demarcus Cousins: 16 PTS - 9 REB - 6 AST - 7/15 FG - 2/5 FT
Ben McLemore: 15 PTS - 4/12 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 6/6
Rudy Gay: 11 PTS - 9 REB - 3/9 FG - 5/6 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Thunder win 8th straight, now 45-8 overall.
Cavaliers win 7th straight, now 40-14 overall.
Grizzlies lose 7th straight, now 20-33 overall.
Wizards lose 13th straight, now 16-38 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:
Raptors G Lou Williams set to return from Leg Fracture, has missed last 3 months.

NBA Transactions:

Cavs add more size and depth, give Nuggets quality prospect
Cleveland Cavaliers trade: Tristan Thompson, Matthew Dellavedoba
Denver Nuggets trade: Timofey Mozgov, Nate Robinson

Obviously a legitimate title contender, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a trade to shore up their biggest weaknesses. Short of quality size at center after Anderson Varejao, they acquired unhappy bigman Timofey Mozgov from the Nuggets in exchange for Tristan Thompson. Thompson has been forced to play a lot of center in his relatively short career but the team still wanted a larger backup center. Thompson saw his minutes reduce this season in Cleveland due to lineups featuring Kevin Love at center. Those small lineups were often out of necessity in Cleveland, and the addition of Mozgov gives the Cavs flexibility to keep a larger team on the floor without Varejao. Nate Robinson was also included in the trade and can provide a scoring bunch off the bench. Still a team in transition, the Nuggets shed salary and acquire a pair of decent prospects in Thompson and guard Matthew Dellavedoba.

All-Star Weekend 2015

Rising Stars Challenge Invitees

Team Shaq:
Starters:
Michael Carter-Williams (PHI) - Nik Stauskas (SAC) - Jabari Parker (MIL) - Julius Randle (LAL) - Mason Plumlee (BKN)

Reserves:
Hollis Thompson (PHI)
Nerlens Noel (PHI)
Marcus Smart (BOS)
Elfrid Payton (ORL)
Andrew Wiggins (MIN)

Team Chuck:
Starters:
Trey Burke (UTA) - Victor Oladipo (ORL) - Bojan Bogdanovic (BKN) - Anthony Bennett (MIN) - Joel Embiid (PHI)

Reserves:
Stephen Adams (OKC)
Dante Exum (UTA)
Gorgui Dieng (MIN)
Nate Wolters (MIL)
Kelly Olynyk (BOS)

All-Star Saturday

Sprite Slam Dunk

Winner: Terrence Ross (TOR)
2nd: Andrew Wiggins (MIN)
3rd: Zach Lavine (MIN)
4th: Andre Drummond (DET)

Foot Locker 3PT Shootout

Winner: Kyle Korver (ATL)
2nd: Kevin Durant (OKC)
3rd: James Harden (HOU)
4th: Chandler Parsons (DAL)
5th: Klay Thompson (GS)
6th: Damian Lillard (POR)

NBA All-Star Game 2015

Western Conference

West Starters:
Russell Westbrook (OKC) - James Harden (HOU) - Kevin Durant (OKC) - Blake Griffin (LAC) Dwight Howard (HOU)

Reserves:
Damian Lillard (POR)
Monta Ellis (DAL)
Chandler Parsons (DAL)
Anthony Davis (NOP)
Demarcus Cousins (SAC)
Stephen Curry (GS)
Eric Bledsoe (PHX)
Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)

Eastern Conference:

East Starters:
Derrick Rose (CHI - 5th Appearance) - John Wall (WAS) - Lebron James (CLE) - Carmelo Anthony (NY) - Paul George (IND)

Reserves:
Michael Carter-Williams (PHI)
Demar Derozan (TOR)
Josh Smith (DET)
Kevin Love (CLE)
Al Jefferson (CHA)
Deron Williams (BKN)
Kyrie Irving (CLE)
Kyle Lowry (TOR)

Woah, I've missed a lot of stuff.

Good to see you still in the Playoff race, those young T-Wolves doing way too well chasing you down. Stauskas getting some time, that's nice

Also, Korver won the shootout, hell yeah.

Rudy, Boogie get no help in Boston
Celtics: 94
Kings: 78

Boston Celtics Top Performers
Evan Turner: 23 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 9/18 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Avery Bradley: 13 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 4/14 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 4/5 FT
Rajon Rondo: 13 PTS - 9 AST - 4/10 FG - 0/3 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Jared Sullinger: 12 PTS - 16 REB - 5/7 FG - 2/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 8 REB - 5 AST - 3 STL - 8/16 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 17 PTS - 18 REB - 6/18 FG - 5/7 FT
Carl Landry: 11 PTS - 4/8 FG - 3/3 FT - 17 MIN
Reggie Jackson: 8 PTS - 2 AST - 2/10 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Cousins disappears in loss to Clips
Clippers: 104
Kings: 89

Los Angeles Clippers Top Performers
Blake Griffin: 20 PTS - 8 REB - 7/12 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
J.J. Redick: 20 PTS - 7/8 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Jamal Crawford: 18 PTS - 4 AST - 6/15 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Darren Collison: 13 PTS - 7 AST - 3/4 FG - 7/8 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ben McLemore: 18 PTS - 6 AST - 7/17 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 12 PTS - 4 REB - 6 AST - 2/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 7/7 FT
Rudy Gay: 9 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 3/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 8 PTS - 4 REB - 3/6 FG - 2/2 FT - 5 FLS - 24 MIN
-------------------------------------------------------------

Rudy's efficiency and career-best assists end losing skid
Kings: 102
Grizzlies: 87


In his return to game action, Jerryd Bayless was another former Grizzly, along with Rudy Gay, to help the Kings beat his former team

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 22 PTS - 5 REB - 9 AST (Career-High) - 6/9 FG - 3/3 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 7 REB - 7/14 FG - 6/8 FT
Reggie Jackson: 11 PTS - 4 REB - 2 AST - 4 STL - 3/13 FG - 5/6 FT
Ben McLemore: 11 PTS - 4/6 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Jerryd Bayless: 10 PTS - 3/6 FG - 4/4 FT - 13 MIN

Memphis Grizzlies Top Performers
Marc Gasol: 22 PTS - 16 REB - 10/21 FG - 2/3 FT
Zach Randolph: 17 PTS - 11 REB - 8/22 FG - 1/1 FT
Mike Conley: 17 PTS - 6 AST - 5/12 FG - 7/8 FT
Courtney Lee: 9 PTS - 4/11 FG - 1/7 3PT FG
-------------------------------------------------------------

Spurs use 37 bench points to top Kings
Spurs: 85
Kings: 78

San Antonio Spurs Top Performers
Boris Diaw: 16 PTS - 3 REB - 6/11 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 2/4 FT
Tim Duncan: 14 PTS - 12 REB - 5/10 FG - 4/5 FT
Danny Green: 14 PTS - 5 REB - 4/10 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 5/7 FT
Kawhi Leonard: 8 PTS - 12 REB - 3/8 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Tony Parker: 6 PTS - 9 AST - 2/10 FG - 2/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 21 PTS - 6 REB - 6/17 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 13 PTS - 16 REB - 6/18 FG - 1/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 10 PTS - 4/8 FG - 0/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 7 PTS - 9 AST - 2/6 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Kings grind out tough OT victory
Kings: 103
Trailblazers: 102


Like a veteran and a 6th man should, Carl Landry delivered in crunch time for his team

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 21 PTS - 9 REB - 8/19 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 18 PTS - 3 REB - 7/12 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 16 PTS - 10 AST - 7/11 FG
Carl Landry: 12 PTS - 10 REB - 4/7 FG - 4/4 FT - 22 MIN
Demarcus Cousins: 12 PTS - 11 REB - 6/21 FG - 7 OFF REB - 6 FLS - 33 MIN

Portland Trailblazers Top Performers
Damian Lillard: 34 PTS - 9 AST - 12/27 FG - 4/11 3PT FG - 6/8 FT - 47 MIN
Robin Lopez: 17 PTS - 8 REB - 8/11 FG - 1/2 FT
Wesley Matthews: 17 PTS - 5 AST - 6/14 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Lamarcus Aldridge: 13 PTS - 13 REB - 6/11 FG - 1/2 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Nets lose 5th straight, now 28-31 overall.
Cavaliers F Shawn Marion announces plans to retire after this season.

NBA Injury Updates:
Thunder F Kevin Durant out 2-4 weeks with Pulled Lower Back Muscle.
Bulls G Derrick Rose out day-to-day with Sore Knee.
Timberwolves C Nikola Pekovic out 6-8 weeks with Broken Arm.
Magic G Elfrid Payton out for season with Dislocated Patella.

NBA Transactions:
Magic extend F Tobias Harris with 3yr/$18.45M deal.

Kings start 7-game trip right
Kings: 101
Spurs: 96


Whenever you can say you out-executed the Spurs down the stretch, it is bound to make any coach happy

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 20 REB - 8/21 FG - 8/10 FT - 41 MIN
Reggie Jackson: 22 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 7/18 FG - 3/8 3PT FG - 5/5 FT - 39 MIN
Ben McLemore: 12 PTS - 3 REB - 6 AST - 4/11 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Rudy Gay: 11 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 5/8 FG - 1/2 FT

San Antonio Spurs Top Performers
Kawhi Leonard: 20 PTS - 4 REB - 7 AST - 8/15 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Tim Duncan: 18 PTS - 13 REB - 9/15 FG
Tony Parker: 16 PTS - 4 AST - 7/17 FG - 2/4 FT
Manu Ginobli: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 7/12 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Defense, supporting cast let down Cousins' 42
Magic: 112
Kings: 108


On a career night, Demarcus Cousins could do everything except secure the win

Orlando Magic Top Performers
Victor Oladipo: 23 PTS - 7 REB - 7 AST - 8/19 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 5/7 FT
Nikola Vucevic: 19 PTS - 10 REB - 8/14 FG - 3/3 FT
Goran Dragic: 18 PTS - 6 REB - 9 AST - 6/17 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 4/5 FT
Maurice Harkless: 15 PTS - 6/10 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 42 PTS (Career-High) - 7 REB - 17/29 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 7/10 FT
Derrick Williams: 10 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 5/7 FG - 12 MIN
Rudy Gay: 9 PTS - 8 REB - 4 AST - 3/9 FG - 3/3 FT
John Henson: 8 PTS - 8 REB - 2 BLK - 2/2 FG - 4/4 FT
Ray McCallum: 8 PTS - 2 AST - 4/7 FG - 19 MIN
-------------------------------------------------------------

Kings cover Deng, D-Wade in solid road win
Kings: 106
Heat: 96

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 22 PTS - 8 REB - 9/14 FG - 4/6 FT
John Henson: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 7/9 FG - 2/5 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 16 PTS - 10 REB - 4 AST - 2 STL - 2 BLK - 5/14 FG - 6/9 FT
Carl Landry: 16 PTS - 6 REB - 7/10 FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 11 PTS - 4 REB - 5 AST - 3/7 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 4/5 FT

Miami Heat Top Performers
Luol Deng: 19 PTS - 5 REB - 6/18 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 6/6 FT
Norris Cole: 17 PTS - 5 AST - 6/9 FG - 3/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Josh McRoberts: 15 PTS - 6 REB - 5/8 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Chris Bosh: 13 PTS - 8 REB - 5/11 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Dwayne Wade: 6 PTS - 3 REB - 2/10 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Hawks out-D Kings, force 20 turnovers
Hawks: 89
Kings: 85

Atlanta Hawks Top Performers
Kent Bazemore: 18 PTS - 4 AST - 3 STL - 6/14 FG - 3/8 3PT FG - 3/7 FT
Al Horford: 13 PTS - 6 REB - 6/12 FG - 1/3 FT
Kyle Korver: 11 PTS - 6 REB - 3/7 FG - 0/4 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Paul Millsap: 7 PTS - 7 REB - 3/15 FG - 1/1 FT
Jeff Teague: 7 PTS - 3 REB - 4 AST - 2/6 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 14 REB - 7/15 FG - 4/4 FT
Reggie Jackson: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 4/13 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 6/7 FT
Rudy Gay: 12 PTS - 5 REB - 5/8 FG - 2/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 12 PTS - 3 REB - 5/10 FG - 2/4 3PT FG
-------------------------------------------------------------

Kings embarrassed in Charlotte
Hornets: 119
Kings: 89

Charlotte Hornets Top Performers
Kemba Walker: 22 PTS - 6 AST - 3 STL - 8/17 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Al Jefferson: 19 PTS - 10 REB - 7/18 FG - 5/6 FT
Lance Stephenson: 18 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 8/17 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Cody Zeller: 14 PTS - 15 REB - 7/9 FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 25 PTS - 7 REB - 11/16 FG - 3/3 FT
Reggie Jackson: 13 PTS - 2 REB - 2 AST - 4/6 FG - 3/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Derrick Williams: 12 PTS - 4 REB - 2 STL - 4/6 FG - 4/6 FT - 30 MIN
Rudy Gay: 11 PTS - 5 REB - 5/11 FG - 1/2 FT - 24 MIN
Quincy Acy: 8 PTS (Season-High) - 5 REB - 3/6 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 1/3 FT - 20 MIN (Season-High)
-------------------------------------------------------------

After bad loss, team effort gives Kings win in Philly
Kings: 113
Sixers: 104


Even Nerlens Noel wanted nothing to do with Ben McLemore's windmill slam

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 22 PTS - 6 REB - 4 AST - 3 STL - 2 BLK - 9/15 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 20 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 6/11 FG - 8/10 FT
Ben McLemore: 20 PTS - 3 REB - 8/12 FG - 4/5 FT
Derrick Williams: 17 PTS - 4 REB - 6/9 FG - 5/6 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 14 PTS - 17 REB - 6/20 FG - 2/6 FT

Philadelphia 76ers Top Performers
Arnett Moultrie: 18 PTS - 8 REB - 8/13 FG - 2/4 FT
K.J. McDaniels: 15 PTS - 7 REB - 6/13 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Joel Embiid: 14 PTS - 9 REB - 6/15 FG - 2/3 FT
Michael Carter-Williams: 11 PTS - 14 AST - 3/12 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Dominant performance in D.C. caps road trip at 4-3
Kings: 117
Wizards: 97

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 27 PTS - 11 REB - 10/15 FG - 7/7 FT
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 7/13 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Reggie Jackson: 20 PTS - 7 REB - 7 AST - 6/11 FG - 8/9 FT
Ben McLemore: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 5/15 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 4/4 FT

Washington Wizards Top Performers
John Wall: 27 PTS - 10 AST - 11/24 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 4/6 FT
Bradley Beal: 17 PTS - 5 REB - 6/17 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Paul Pierce: 16 PTS - 5/14 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Marcin Gortat: 11 PTS - 7 REB - 4/4 FG - 3/3 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Wizards lose 7th straight, now 18-48 overall.
Sixers lose 9th straight, now 16-50 overall.
Spurs F Tim Duncan announces plans to retire after this season.

NBA Injury Updates:
Timberwolves G Kevin Martin out 4-6 weeks with Broken Leg.
Raptors C Jonas Valanciunas out 2-4 weeks with Foot Stress Fracture.
Mavericks G Monta Ellis out 1-2 weeks with Hand Fracture.

NBA Transactions:
Wizards dismiss Head Coach Randy Wittman.

Love the work that McLemore is doing.

Kings drop close one in return to Sactown
Hawks: 103
Kings: 99

Atlanta Hawks Top Performers
Jeff Teague: 18 PTS - 7 AST - 7/13 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Al Horford: 14 PTS - 6 REB - 6/17 FG - 2/2 FT
Paul Millsap: 13 PTS - 8 REB - 6/11 FG - 1/4 3PT FG
Thabo Sefolosha: 13 PTS - 4/4 FG - 2/2 3PT FG - 3/3 FT - 19 MIN

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 21 PTS - 8 REB - 8/13 FG - 5/6 FT
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 6 REB - 4 AST - 6/15 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 7/9 FT
Ben McLemore: 14 PTS - 4 REB - 6/13 FG - 2/5 3PT FG
Reggie Jackson: 5 PTS - 7 REB - 9 AST - 1/6 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Kings hand out FTs to Clips
Clippers: 105
Kings: 97

Los Angeles Clippers Top Performers
Darren Collison: 28 PTS - 8 AST - 7/13 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 11/12 FT
Blake Griffin: 23 PTS - 11 REB - 11/21 FG - 1/2 FT
Jamal Crawford: 19 PTS - 2 REB - 2/6 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 13/15 FT
Deandre Jordan: 0 PTS - 13 REB - 4 BLK - 0/4 FG - 0/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ben McLemore: 17 PTS - 6/7 FG - 4/5 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Rudy Gay: 16 PTS - 10 REB - 5/11 FG - 6/6 FT
John Henson: 16 PTS - 7 REB - 7/9 FG - 2/3 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 15 PTS - 9 REB - 3/14 FG - 9/10 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Kings get payback for 30-point loss in Charlotte
Kings: 108
Hornets: 107


It's not often that we see John Henson score in double figures, so doing it twice in a row is noteworthy

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 22 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 7/9 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 6/8 FT
Ben McLemore: 19 PTS - 6 REB - 5/15 FG - 1/7 3PT FG - 8/9 FT
Reggie Jackson: 15 PTS - 5 REB - 9 AST - 5/13 FG - 3/7 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 15 PTS - 19 REB - 3/12 FG - 9/16 FT
John Henson: 11 PTS - 8 REB - 5/9 FG - 1/4 FT

Charlotte Hornets Top Performers
Lance Stephenson: 27 PTS - 9 REB - 8 AST - 12/27 FG - 3/7 3PT FG - 0/2 FT
Al Jefferson: 22 PTS - 5 REB - 11/18 FG
Noah Vonleh: 17 PTS - 5 REB - 8/12 FG - 1/2 FT
Kemba Walker: 12 PTS - 9 AST - 4/12 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Two Henson misses give Wizards hope, but Cousins and McLemore help Kings close out in 2OT
Kings: 139
Wizards: 132


Forgotten in the drama of a 2OT thriller, Ben McLemore continues to shine with his athleticism and movement off the ball

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 31 PTS - 18 REB - 10/29 FG - 11/16 FT - 50 MIN (Career-High)
Ben McLemore: 25 PTS - 6 REB - 10/14 FG - 4/6 3PT FG - 1/2 FT - 51 MIN (Career-High)
Rudy Gay: 25 PTS - 8 REB - 6 AST - 8/20 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 6/8 FT - 46 MIN
Ray McCallum: 18 PTS (Season-High) - 3 AST - 6/11 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 4/5 FT - 22 MIN
John Henson: 14 PTS - 15 REB - 3 BLK - 5/8 FG - 4/8 FT

Washington Wizards Top Performers
John Wall: 43 PTS (Season-High) - 17 AST (Career-High) - 18/32 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 5/6 FT - 52 MIN (Career-High)
Paul Pierce: 20 PTS - 7/17 FG - 5/9 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Bradley Beal: 19 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 8/30 FG - 3/12 3PT FG
Marcin Gortat: 11 PTS - 18 REB - 4 BLK - 5/6 FG - 1/2 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Bulls win 5th straight, now 57-15 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:
Nuggets G Gary Harris out 8-10 weeks with Broken Ankle.
Hornets F Noah Vonleh out 6-8 weeks with Broken Leg.
Heat F Danny Granger out 4-6 weeks with Knee Tendinitis.

NBA Transactions:
Jazz dismiss Head Coach Quinn Snyder.

Kings coast to win over Sixers
Kings: 104
Sixers: 97

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 9 REB - 8/21 FG - 8/14 FT
Rudy Gay: 18 PTS - 8 REB - 7/9 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
Ben McLemore: 13 PTS - 4/8 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Reggie Jackson: 8 PTS - 6 AST - 3/3 FG - 2/2 3PT FG

Philadelphia 76ers Top Performers
Jason Richardson: 18 PTS - 3 AST - 6/16 FG - 3/9 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Tony Wroten: 15 PTS - 7/12 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
Luc Mbah a Moute: 14 PTS - 11 REB - 6/12 FG - 2/3 FT
Michael Carter-Williams: 14 PTS - 8 AST - 6/16 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Joel Embiid: 11 PTS - 10 REB - 4/9 FG - 3/4 FT
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Green's 22 leads winning Suns effort
Suns: 117
Kings: 109

Phoenix Suns Top Performers
Gerald Green: 22 PTS - 5 REB - 8/11 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Eric Bledsoe: 18 PTS - 7 REB - 10 AST - 6/13 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Zoran Dragic: 18 PTS - 6 REB - 5 AST - 8/13 FG - 2/3 3PT FG
Miles Plumlee: 18 PTS - 4 REB - 8/15 FG - 2/3 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 9 REB - 8/21 FG - 8/14 FT
Rudy Gay: 18 PTS - 8 REB - 7/9 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
Ben McLemore: 13 PTS - 4/8 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Reggie Jackson: 8 PTS - 6 AST - 3/3 FG - 2/2 3PT FG
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Pelicans win critical game in race for 8th
Pelicans: 113
Kings: 104


Demarcus Cousins may have won the individual battle of future frontcourt stars, but Anthony Davis got the last laugh as his team gained ground for the 8th seed

New Orleans Pelicans Top Performers
Jrue Holiday: 24 PTS - 5 REB - 9 AST - 11/19 FG - 2/6 FT
Tyreke Evans: 20 PTS - 6 REB - 9 AST - 9/15 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Austin Rivers: 18 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST - 6/14 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Anthony Davis: 17 PTS - 11 REB - 7/12 FG - 3/5 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 21 PTS - 17 REB - 9/13 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 4 REB - 2 AST - 3 STL - 10/19 FG
Reggie Jackson: 10 PTS - 6 AST - 4/7 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Ray McCallum: 10 PTS - 5 AST - 3/9 FG - 4/4 FT - 19 MIN
Derrick Williams: 10 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 5/7 FG - 0/2 FT - 18 MIN
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Gasol, Z-Bo cannot carry Grizzlies in Memphis
Kings: 91
Grizzlies: 88

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 25 PTS - 14 REB - 3 STL - 6/12 FG - 13/13 FT
Ben McLemore: 16 PTS - 6/10 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Reggie Jackson: 13 PTS - 5 REB - 7 AST - 6/14 FG - 1/6 3PT FG
Rudy Gay: 7 PTS - 7 REB - 3/15 FG - 0/5 3PT FG - 1/2 FT

Memphis Grizzlies Top Performers
Zach Randolph: 28 PTS - 12 REB - 11/25 FG - 6/8 FT
Marc Gasol: 27 PTS - 10 REB - 11/16 FG - 5/6 FT
Tony Allen: 9 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 4/7 FG - 1/2 FT
Mike Conley: 6 PTS - 4 REB - 8 AST - 3/8 FG - 0/3 3PT FG
-------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:

NBA Injury Updates:
Grizzlies G Vince Carter our for season with Torn Achillies.
Hawks F Adreian Payne out 6-8 weeks with Broken Ankle.

NBA Transactions:
Lakes dismiss Head Coach Byron Scott.

February/March Summary
Pelicans flying back north


Despite being picked by many to make the jump into the postseason, the Pelicans struggled to start the season and quickly found themselves buried in the basement of the tough Western Conference. Surefire superstar Anthony Davis and talented supporting cast of Holiday, Evans, Anderson, Asik, and Gordon had a choice of joining together and lifting their team or bailing on the season and playing selfishly for their own stats. Fortunately for the New Orleans fans, they chose the first option. Very quietly, they gained ground through December and January and set themselves up for the push they are currently in the midst of. New Orleans has gone 16-7 in their last 23 games and succeeded in running down the 8th seed Kings. That effort was culminated by a 113-104 win over the Kings last Friday. The Pelicans and Kings currently boast identical records and each have the same number of games to go in the season. The Kings hold the tiebreaker over the Pelicans by virtue of their 2-1 record against them so far this year. They play each other once more however on April 3rd, and it is quite possible that contest will determine who gets into the postseason.


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For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights. Kings Month in Review


Kings showing improved defensive effort, but unable to run away with 8th seed
Even Demarcus Cousins is shocked at the turnaround since the All-Star break. A Kings defense that was allowing over 107 PPG is now giving up just 102.4 in 20 games since ASW. If you throw out the outlier of a 2OT game against Washington which the Kings still won 139-132, that average drops to a respectable 100.7 PPG. No roster changes were made at the trade deadline, and so Mike Malone has achieved these improvements with the exact same defensive pieces he had when his team was giving up 107 a night. Yet even with the significant improvements, the Kings have not locked up the playoff seed that their record had them holding for the majority of the season. The Pelicans have turned into a very hot team as of late and caught up to the Kings. If not for Sacramento's improved defense, they would likely find themselves sitting completely outside the playoff picture now with little hope of regaining a playoff spot. In the short-term, Coach Malone has to continue to hope that his stars of Cousins and Gay keep providing offense in order to win games and hold off New Orleans for the 8th seed.

The defensive strides made by the team bring hope to the fans and to team management, but also raise some questions going forward. The team could pursue more defensive firepower this offseason and try to build a top-5 NBA defense. The old mantra of defense winning championships still holds true, right? Or do they seek another offensive force to put with Cousins and Gay and rely on their team defense to keep improving? Recent title winners like the Heat and this season's vogue title favorites in OKC and Chicago have at least 3 or 4 legitimate options to score 20+ every night. A solid team defense can be enough when a team has multiple offensive stars. The outcome of this season will likely have an impact on which path the Kings decide to take in building around Demarcus Cousins.

I must say, I find it to be one of the most interesting and realistic stories to follow at the moment. I got a question - are you able to depict real Kings that well because you are from California yourself and follow the team? Anyways, keep it up

Harden has monster night in easy win
Rockets: 116
Kings: 84

Houston Rockets Top Performers
James Harden: 45 PTS - 8 REB - 7 AST - 12/20 FG - 7/14 3PT FG - 14/15 FT
Terrence Jones: 17 PTS - 9 REB - 8/14 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
Dwight Howard: 16 PTS - 10 REB - 7/11 FG - 2/3 FT
Troy Daniels: 11 PTS - 7 REB - 4/10 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 1/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ben McLemore: 18 PTS - 5 REB - 5/7 FG - 8/10 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 16 PTS - 9 REB - 6/22 FG - 4/4 FT
Reggie Jackson: 10 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 3/12 FG - 0/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Rudy Gay: 7 PTS - 9 REB - 3/16 FG - 1/1 FT
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Pelicans beat Kings again and take the lead in playoff picture
Pelicans: 113
Kings: 104


Of all the possible surprise performances, a Jimmer Fredette revenge game was not something many anticipated

New Orleans Pelicans Top Performers
Jrue Holiday: 34 PTS - 6 AST - 12/21 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 9/10 FT
Jimmer Fredette: 19 PTS - 6 REB - 5 AST - 7/14 FG - 3/8 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Anthony Davis: 17 PTS - 12 REB - 7/10 FG - 3/5 FT
Tyreke Evans: 8 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 4/12 FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 25 PTS - 16 REB - 8/20 FG - 9/10 FT
Rudy Gay: 17 PTS - 7 REB - 6/14 FG - 5/6 FT
Derrick Williams: 11 PTS - 4/8 FG - 3/4 FT - 19 MIN
Reggie Jackson: 10 PTS - 3 REB - 6 AST - 3/8 FG - 4/4 FT
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Multiple strong performances give Kings much-needed win
Kings: 116
Jazz: 109


John Henson's game may still be fairly one-dimensional, but tonight he showcased that aspect well

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 29 PTS - 18 REB - 10/23 FG - 9/10 FT
Rudy Gay: 23 PTS - 8 REB - 4 AST - 8/14 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Reggie Jackson: 23 PTS - 5 AST - 6/17 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 10/12 FT
Ben McLemore: 17 PTS - 9 AST (Career-High) - 7/10 FG - 3/4 3PT FG
John Henson: 10 PTS - 11 REB - 6 BLK (Season-High) - 5/6 FG

Utah Jazz Top Performers
Derrick Favors: 17 PTS - 8 REB - 7/14 FG - 3/4 FT
Alec Burks: 17 PTS - 3 REB - 9 AST - 7/12 FG - 3/6 3PT FG
Trey Burke: 14 PTS - 4 REB - 7 AST - 4/10 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Gordon Hayward: 13 PTS - 4 REB - 5/12 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
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Defense returns for Kings against Wolves
Kings: 94
Timberwolves: 87

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 13 REB - 8/15 FG - 4/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 6/10 FG - 4/6 FT
Rudy Gay: 15 PTS - 12 REB - 6/13 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 8 PTS - 5 AST - 2/7 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT - 5 TO

Minnesota Timberwolves Top Performers
Zach LaVine: 16 PTS - 6 REB - 7/14 FG - 2/6 3PT FG
Mo Williams: 14 PTS - 4 AST - 7/8 FG
Anthony Bennett: 12 PTS - 7 REB - 4/11 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Andrew Wiggins: 12 PTS - 6 REB - 5/12 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
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Inconsistency continues, Kings allow 126 to Jazz
Jazz: 126
Kings: 113


Nik Stauskas had clearly his best NBA performance and was the main bright spot in an ugly Kings loss

Utah Jazz Top Performers
Derrick Favors: 25 PTS - 12 REB - 9/14 FG - 3/4 FT
Gordon Hayward: 21 PTS - 7 REB - 8/15 FG - 4/6 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Alec Burks: 19 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 8/15 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Trey Burke: 16 PTS - 6 REB - 5 AST - 7/21 FG - 1/7 3PT FG - 1/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 29 PTS - 18 REB - 10/23 FG - 9/10 FT
Nik Stauskas: 21 PTS (Career-High) - 3 AST - 7/13 FG - 7/12 3PT FG (Career-High) - 22 MIN
Rudy Gay: 15 PTS - 3 AST - 6/11 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Ben McLemore: 12 PTS - 5/9 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Ray McCallum: 3 PTS - 12 AST (Career-High) - 1/5 FG - 1/2 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Nets lose 5th straight, now 37-41 overall.
Wizards G Andre Miller announces plans to retire after this season.

NBA Injury Updates:
Mavericks F Chandler Parsons out for Season with Torn ACL.

NBA Transactions:

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Thu Jan 29, 2015 4:58 pm, edited 3 times in total.

That Pelicans loss might come back to haunt you. Hopefully it won't cost you.

Consider a rebuild if you miss the playoffs. Don't think I've ever seen a roster teardown at this point in a story.

I must say, I find it to be one of the most interesting and realistic stories to follow at the moment. I got a question - are you able to depict real Kings that well because you are from California yourself and follow the team? Anyways, keep it up

I don't know if it's that accurate now with me keeping Malone and trying to push for the postseason, but absolutely I am.

That Pelicans loss might come back to haunt you. Hopefully it won't cost you.

If I'd have won either I think I'd be pretty comfortable in 8th. Denver isn't going to catch me and I could have had the tiebreaker on NO if I had taken either of them. We're still perfectly tied in records and have a 2-2 season series split. I play OKC once down the stretch, but have 2 games against the Lakers I should win.

Consider a rebuild if you miss the playoffs. Don't think I've ever seen a roster teardown at this point in a story.

I did think about it, but unfortunately the time to do it was at this trade deadline. Both Rudy and Reggie Jackson are expiring and my hands are tied. I have to stay the course and try and keep them. I don't think I can afford to let my #2 and #3 players both walk for nothing, even if I just trade them later.

Things certainly can't remain as they are though, whether I make the playoffs or not. I feel my starting 5 is divided based on playstyle and I have to choose a gameplan going forward. Assuming one of my trade targets is obtainable and I get a few of my FA options, I'm excited for a pretty big offseason. That's part of the reason I've spent a lot of free time on my thread recently

Thunder roll as KD and Westbrook combine for 67
Thunder: 111
Kings: 103

Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Kevin Durant: 34 PTS - 8 REB - 6 AST - 13/29 FG - 5/9 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Russell Westbrook: 33 PTS - 6 AST - 13/22 FG - 0/3 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Jeremy Lamb: 14 PTS - 5 REB - 6/16 FG - 2/6 3PT FG
Serge Ibaka: 4 PTS - 18 REB - 2/7 FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 20 REB - 9/20 FG - 6/8 FT
Ben McLemore: 19 PTS - 8/18 FG - 3/9 3PT FG
Rudy Gay: 18 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST - 6/18 FG - 6/7 FT
Reggie Jackson: 12 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 3/11 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
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McCallum's season high boosts Kings to win in Denver
Kings: 114
Nuggets: 103


With the team's playoff chances in the balance, Ray McCallum had arguably the best game of his career with an incredible 25 points on just 9 shots

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ray McCallum: 25 PTS - 6 AST - 4 STL - 6/9 FG - 2/2 3PT FG - 11/12 FT
Ben McLemore: 23 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 10/20 FG - 2/8 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Rudy Gay: 21 PTS - 3 REB - 6 AST - 7/12 FG - 2/2 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 14 PTS - 8 REB - 4 AST - 6/15 FG - 2/2 FT

Denver Nuggets Top Performers
Ty Lawson: 29 PTS - 5 REB - 9 AST - 11/23 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 5/8 FT
Wilson Chandler: 17 PTS - 7/14 FG - 2/8 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Javale McGee: 14 PTS - 6 REB - 6/8 FG - 2/2 FT
Kenneth Faried: 10 PTS - 9 REB - 4/12 FG - 2/5 FT
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Kobe, Swaggy-P, and Kings D combine to give Kings victory in last home game of the year
Kings: 116
Lakers: 85


Aside from poor Laker shooting, Rudy Gay did his part to keep his team ahead

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 26 PTS - 7 REB - 10/18 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 11 REB - 7/16 FG - 6/8 FT
Ben McLemore: 16 PTS - 6 REB - 3 AST - 6/8 FG - 4/5 3PT FG
Reggie Jackson: 7 PTS - 7 AST - 3/6 FG - 1/2 3PT FG

Los Angeles Lakers Top Performers
Steve Nash: 13 PTS - 7 AST - 5/9 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Carlos Boozer: 12 PTS - 5 REB - 4/11 FG - 4/4 FT
Kobe Bryant: 10 PTS - 2 REB - 4 AST - 5/16 FG - 0/4 3PT FG
Nick Young: 7 PTS - 2 REB - 3/12 FG - 1/5 3PT FG
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Kings claim sweep of Lakers and playoff spot, but pay for it
Kings: 98
Lakers: 94

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 21 PTS - 9 REB - 9/16 FG - 3/5 FT
Rudy Gay: 19 PTS - 9 REB - 8/19 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 14 PTS - 6 REB - 5 AST - 4/9 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 4/5 FT
John Henson: 10 PTS - 9 REB - 2 BLK - 4/5 FG - 2/4 FT

Los Angeles Lakers Top Performers
Nick Young: 17 PTS - 5 REB - 7/12 FG - 3/6 3PT FT
Kobe Bryant: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 2 AST - 6/11 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Carlos Boozer: 12 PTS - 7 REB - 3/7 FG - 6/6 FT
Jordan Clarkson: 12 PTS - 2 REB - 2 AST - 3/4 FG - 6/8 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------


For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights.

McLemore ruled out for postseason



The Sacramento Kings announced that G Ben McLemore will miss the entire postseason following a partial fracture in his right thigh. He sustained the injury late in the Kings' 98-94 win over the Lakers in Los Angeles. He left the court with assistance, but the team was hopeful the prognosis would be less severe. Recovery time for McLemore is 4-6 weeks, and is expected to recover well over the offseason and be 100% for next season.

That win in L.A. and the Pelicans' loss to the Spurs gave the Kings their first playoff appearance in a decade, yet will likely bow out quickly in the first round. A series against the #1 seed Thunder would have been near impossible even with McLemore and now most consider the Kings lucky if they avoid a sweep. Despite the injury, McLemore appeared in all 82 games for the Kings this season, averaging 12.8 PPG shooting 50% overall and 42% from downtown.
-------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:

NBA Injury Updates:
Kings G Ben McLemore out 4-6 weeks with Broken Thigh.

NBA Transactions:

Youch, a broken thigh sounds painful. Good work finishing .500 and eking out a playoff spot though!

2014-15 Season Awards




Playoffs Preview

Western Conference Playoffs

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs (8) Sacramento Kings
K. Durant: 25.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.7 APG vs D. Cousins: 19.6 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG
The Thunder easily cruised through a 63-win season and have more star power than any other team can boast. Newly-crowned MVP Russell Westbrook is supported by 6th Man of the Year Isaiah Thomas in the Thunder backcourt, while their defensive frontline is anchored by Serge Ibaka and new starting center Stephen Adams. That doesn't even mention Kevin Durant. They are clearly expected to come out of the West into the Finals, and the Kings shouldn't present much challenge.

The Kings are considered by most to be a feel-good story and a team finally on the rise by outsiders, but people closer to the team are worried about their inconsistent effort and unclear gameplan down the stretch of the season. Demarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay led them to a .500 season and were supported by a year for Ben McLemore in which he was in the discussion for Most Improved Player. Unfortunately for Sacramento, McLemore went down with injury in game 82 and made an already difficult series impossible.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs (7) Golden State Warriors
K. Leonard: 15.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.7 SPG vs S. Curry: 22.6 PPG, 9.1 APG, 1.9 SPG
The Spurs have seemed to be ageless for over a decade, but this season might be the beginning of the end. The statistical numbers for Duncan, Ginobli, and even Parker are significantly down. Injuries also took their toll at the end of the year with both Tim Duncan (Broken Leg) and Tiago Splitter (Pulled Calf Muscle) ruled out for at least this series. Manu Ginobli is hindered by a severe ankle sprain but is expected to still tough it out. If they can get past the Warriors though, they should get their frontcourt healthy and pose the biggest threat to the Thunder due to their experience.

Meanwhile, the Warriors are now in perfect health with Andrew Bogut at 100% after a back injury. Considering the Spurs' lack of depth inside, a strong series from Bogut and David Lee to compliment the scoring from Curry (22.6) and Thompson (24.7) would give Golden State a legitimate chance to advance. Some might consider the Dubs the favorites in this series considering the injury situation despite being the 7th seed.

(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs (6) Dallas Mavericks
B. Griffin: 22.0 PPG, 9.4 RPG vs D. Nowtizki: 20.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG
The Clippers only got 9 games from CP3 before losing him to a Torn Achillies. Darren Collison filled in admirably, but the preseason expectations of the Clippers as title contenders still went down with Paul. They are still a competent team with quality perimeter shooting and an adequate defense to go with the flash of Lob City. They do hope to let Griffin take advantage of Dirk inside just as much as Nowitzki can take Blake away from the basket on the other end.

Just like the Clippers, the Mavericks had some bad news on the injury front during the season as offseason addition Chandler Parsons went down with a Torn ACL. Nowtizki and Ellis are still a challenging duo to cover defensively, but, like the Clippers, aren't seen as a viable threat to OKC or the Spurs if they survive GS and get healthy.

(4) Portland Trailblazers vs. (5) Houston Rockets
D. Lillard: 25.9 PPG, 9.2 APG vs J. Harden: 27.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 7.3 APG
The 4-5 matchup is good news for teams like the Thunder and Spurs in that one of the two biggest dark-horse teams out West will be out in the first round. The Blazers have been carried by a breakout year from MIP winner Damian Lillard and very balanced production from Aldridge (16.0 PPG), Batum (15.6 PPG), and Matthews (14.2 PPG). Portland has the team chemistry and a pair of quality late-game options to win a 7-game series against anybody.

As much as Lillard caried Portland, Houston had even more of their load shouldered by James Harden. With an incredible season line of 27-7-7, Harden had his Rockets with the NBA-best 3PT percentage, 3PT FGs made, and 2nd in team scoring. Howard adds 19-11-2 on a nightly basis, but the lack of #3 option gives some concern about Houston's chances against stronger defensive teams in the postseason.

Eastern Conference Playoffs

(1) Chicago Bulls vs (8) New York Knicks
D. Rose: 29.3 PPG, 5.3 APG vs C. Anthony:17.4 PPG, 7.2 APG
Just like OKC, the Bulls easily secured a #1 seed, posted 63 wins, and have more talent and depth than almost anybody they will see until a possible meeting with the same Thunder in the Finals. A Thunder-Bulls Finals is what most NBA fans are hoping for, and Chicago likely won't have much trouble with the Knicks in the first round.

Carmelo Anthony carried the vast majority of the load for the Knicks all season, and a defensive team like Chicago with defensive stoppers like Jimmy Butler can key in on that. J.R. Smith was the Knicks' #2 scorer by a wide margin, but the margin between Smith and Melo was wider still. A lack of ball movement and balanced production will surely not help the Knicks as they try to avoid being swept by the Bulls.

(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs (7) Atlanta Hawks
L. James: 25.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 5.3 APG vs A. Horford: 16.8 PPG,7.6 RPG
Lebron's return to Cleveland was accompanied by the addition of Kevin Love to join Kyrie Irving, and things went according to expectations. The expected adjustment period lingered for the first half of the year but the Cavs still topped the Eastern Conference aside from the red-hot Bulls. They have the most talent of any team in the East next to Chicago and the conference finals promise to be a quality series... if they get through a semifinal series that would offer its own storylines (TOR/MIA).

The Hawks won't walk away quietly though as their dynamic and balanced team play offer an underdog story to the star-laden Cavaliers. Their offensive production as a team was underwhemling during the season however, so their defense will need to play to its usual level to give themselves a chance.

(3) Toronto Raptors vs (6) Miami Heat
D. Derozan: 24.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.1 APG vs Chris Bosh: 20.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG
Demar Derozan had a breakout season up north for Toronto. Averaging almost 25-5-5, Derozan's Raptors quietly led the rest of the East while Chicago and Cleveland were holding the accelerator to the floor during the regular season. Both Derozan and Kyle Lowry were awarded with All-Star appearances for their efforts this season. The Raptors cannot remain as a quiet, dark horse team any longer, as they will likely need to go through both Cleveland and Chicago to reach the Finals.

Lebron's departure from Miami left Chris Bosh with a chance to resume a #1 role, who took his Heat to a #6 seed. They might have had chance to make a decent playoff run if not for a bad matchup with Toronto. A lack of production aside from Bosh and Wade won't help matters either.

(4) Charlotte Hornets vs (5) Indiana Pacers
A. Jefferson: 19.0 PPG, 10.7 RPG vs P. George: 20.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.7 APG
Charlotte saw their franchise go through a rebrand, returning to the Hornets moniker and bringing in talented but eccentric Lance Stephenson to play with Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson. Stephenson didn't need to step in as a star for the Hornets thanks to the established duo and a strong defensive gameplan already in Charlotte. Fortunately he didn't ruin their defense or team chemistry either and now gets to face his former Pacer teammates in the postseason.

The Pacers didn't make the jump they were hoping for after reach the Eastern Conference Finals recently, and instead seemed to regress. Lance Stephenson left in free agency to play for these same Hornets, Roy Hibbert had a dip in production, and some of their veteran pieces like David West and Luis Scola are another year older. Paul George has a lot to carry if he wants to see his Pacers advance past Charlotte.