Thanks to 75 combined points from the Kings Big Three, Sacramento earned an important win over Oklahoma City. Now, the team tries to keep the momentum rolling as Denver comes to town.
Although DeMarcus Cousins played only 22 minutes in the second meeting between these two teams in early November, the big man registered 30 points and 11 rebounds. Rudy Gay added 29 points and Darren Collsion earned 10 points and 8 assists to propel the Kings to a 131-109 win.
Now, they’ll look for a 3-0 season series lead against Denver.
“When [Rudy and DeMarcus] are executing and clicking at the pace they were the other night, then we’re very difficult to guard,” admitted Corbin. “We’ve got the inside-outside presence, you could try to double-team them, but they have the ability to pass and get their teammates involved. So, the more we can get those guys going, the better chance we have to win ball games.”
The Nuggets have won three games in a row and most recently defeated Orlando, 93-90, after a last-second shot from the Magic clanged off the rim.
- Although the purple and black have won three consecutive games against the Nuggets dating back to last season, the Kings trail by one game in the all-time series, 84-83.
- Sacramento’s win over the Thunder snapped a 12-game losing streak to OKC dating back to 2012.
- Following a 23-point, 15−rebound night against OKC, DeMarcus Cousins has now scored 20 or more points in 13 of the last 16 games he has played in.
- On the road this season, the Nuggets are 2-11 when surrendering more than 100 points.
- In three of the past four games, Denver’s Ty Lawson has scored at least 20 points. This season, he’s averaging a double-double with 16.5 points and 10.1 assists per game. He currently ranks second in the NBA in assists per game.
Projected Starters
Broadcasts: TV – CSNCA
Comcast - 34 / 721
Dish - 451 / 9539
Dish Hopper – 412-39
DirecTV - 698-1
AT&T - 768 / 1768
Radio – KHTK Sports 1140 AM
Collison Preps for Lawson Showdown
Despite battling symptoms of an illness, Darren Collison put together an impressive showing against the Thunder on Wednesday night. Whether he was beating the buzzer with a long three, driving to the hoop or connecting on a career-high five treys, the point guard was literally doing it all.
“He felt the symptoms [of a cold] coming on after practice the other day, but he was fine,” said Corbin.
“[His performance] showed a lot about who he is, his character and his understanding that we need him to be effective for us to have a chance to win.”
Collison has proven to be a vital part of the Kings attack on both ends of the floor. History also suggests he will be crucial to slowing down the Nuggets attack.
“They’ve always been an up-tempo team, so we’ll see a lot of one-on-one play,” said Corbin. “[They try] to attack you early, so we have to do a great job getting back in transition and setting our defense and try to force them into a half-court game.
“Lawson and Robinson, when they’re coming down the floor they need to see bodies in the gaps.”
One of those bodies with be wearing No. 7. Collison helped hold Lawson to 13 points on Nov. 5 and 9 points on Nov. 3 in Denver, while adding 21 points and six assists on the offensive end.
Tweets of the Day
Injury Report:
Kings:
Nuggets: