featured-image

Sacramento Slips Late to San Antonio

Following slow starts over the previous three games, Coach Michael Malone had to be happy with the way Sacramento came out in San Antonio for preseason game No. 6.

The Kings started 4-of-4 from field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line to lead the defending champions by nine just three minutes into the initial frame. Sacramento would continue the hot shooting and tally 31 points on 65 percent from the field in the first quarter.

Cousins scored six of first eight points en route to a 13-point quarter, in which the aspiring All-Star looked dominant over the Spurs frontline.

San Antonio would take advantage of a sloppy start to the second quarter to tie the game at 31 less than two minutes into the period. Both teams traded leads for much of the quarter.

Sacramento forced four consecutive San Antonio turnovers midway through the frame but was unable to capitalize until a Ramon Sessions steal led to a Darren Collison lay-in to give the Kings a 44-42 lead with 5:39 remaining in the half.

The Kings would then reel off eleven straight to push the lead to nine and Rudy Gay’s 3-point-play a few moments later extended Sacramento’s lead to a game-high 16 points.

At halftime, Sacramento would lead by 11. 

It took Cousins 22 minutes to miss his first shot. No. 15 was 8-of-8 for 22 points until his 15-foot jumper rolled out with 7:41 remaining in the third quarter.

However, Boogie would make his next two shots to improve to 10-of-11 and a game-high 26 points, showcasing the feathery outside touch and strong low post presence Kings fans have grown to love.

Fueled by nine Kings turnovers in the period, San Antonio would outscore Sacramento by 10 in the third to trail by only one heading into the fourth.

Kyle Anderson’s dunk with nine minutes remaining gave San Antonio its first lead since the 6:26 mark in the second quarter, but Landry quickly helped the Kings regain the lead with a beautiful lay-in less than 20 seconds later.

As was the case during the second quarter, both squads would exchange leads for much of the fourth.

The Spurs then showed what led them to their fifth championship a season ago. Led by Tony Parker & backup power forward Jeff Ayres, San Antonio executed to perfection to close the game and pull away with a 106-99 win.

Road Kings

The Kings should be well tested for the upcoming 41-game road schedule. With one more road exhibition contest remaining, Sacramento has already played four in the preseason, eclipsing 15,000 miles traveled.

Cousins in Midseason Form

Big Cuz, looking to become an All-Star for the first time in his young career, appears to be in midseason form. After light work in Saturday’s game against Maccabi Haifa, Cousins came out on fire in San Antonio. No. 15 scored 19 points in the first half while pulling down seven rebounds and shooting 7-of-7 from the field.

Cousins finished with 32 points and has now notched back-to-back preseason double-doubles.

Darren Hot From Three in Preseason

Darren Collison has been impressive from deep this preseason. The sixth-year pro has connected on 8-of-10 from 3-point range over the first six exhibition games. A career 36 percent 3-point shooter, Collison, and all Kings fans, would be happy to see No. 7 connect on 80 percent from long range during the regular season.

Landry Back to Form

Carl Landry recorded his best game of the preseason, notching 15 points and seven rebounds in 18 minutes of action. No. 24 showcased his offensive repertoire in the fourth quarter, grabbing offensive rebounds for lay-ins and spotting up and knocking down the midrange jumper. 

Up Next

Sacramento heads to Las Vegas to battle the L.A. Lakers in the pair's final preseason game this Friday at 7 p.m. PDT. The game will be broadcast exclusively via radio on KHTK Sports 1140 AM.