Fresh off being named Western Conference Player of the Week, DeMarcus Cousins opened Monday’s game on a tear. In the first 12 minutes of action, Cousins recorded 18 points, five rebounds and three assists en route to a 14-point Sacramento lead. Boogie and company hit on 67 percent of their field goal attempts, assisting on 10 of their 14 baskets.
Eleven first half turnovers allowed Philadelphia to remain within striking distance despite 61-percent shooting by the Kings. Holding the Sixers to just 5-of-19 from beyond the arc at halftime, Sactown led by seven. Willie Cauley-Stein and DMC combined for 30 first half points, shooting a combined 12-of-16 from the field.
Philadelphia would however come roaring back. The Sixers nearly totaled their first half output in the third quarter alone, scoring 42 points on 70-plus percent shooting. By the quarter’s buzzer, Philly had turned a one-time 16-point deficit into a five-point lead.
Boogie went back to work in the final 12 minutes. He scored 16 of his 46 points on four shots and pulled the team within one possession with a minute left on the clock. Down by three with four seconds remaining in regulation, Arron Afflalo launched a three at the buzzer that fell just short, cementing a 122-119 defeat.
After 22 first half assists, the team finished with just nine in the final 24 minutes.
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