The Kings did not take the lead until there were only 10.8 ticks left on the clock, but Tyreke Evans hit one of two free throws to break the tie and the Wizards couldn't convert at the buzzer, losing 95-94.
Both offenses were on fire in the early going, shooting well over 50% as the teams combined for 63 first quarter points. Tyreke Evans in particular scored 13 of his 21 points in the first quarter. The second quarter saw things cool down quite a bit but the Wizards would open up an 8 point lead over Sacramento at the break. The third quarter opened up with more Wizards as they would go ahead by as many as 11 on a couple of Beal three pointers. By the end of the quarter though, the Kings would cut it to five on some hot shooting by Fredette. The final frame saw the Wizards hold off the Kings the whole way until the very end when the Kings would tie it with just over a minute to go on a Salmons three and take their lead on an Evans free throw with 10 seconds left. On the final possession both Wall and Beal got decent looks but could not get something to the fall.
Bradley Beal was the man of the night for the Wizards as he set career highs in points and threes with 26 and 6 respectively. He only missed one three ball in the game and shot 9/14 overall. John Wall had a very solid third game back as he had a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists. Wall also only turned the ball over once in the game. Nene also bounced back from a quiet game against Orlando to post a big line of 15 points, 9 boards and 6 assists. Seraphin with 16 and Webster with 10 rounded out the Wizards double digit scorers.
DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and John Salmons led the Kings with 21 points each. Cousins had 16 boards to give him a double-double and Evans just missed a triple-double adding 8 points and 8 boards.
The Wizards west coast trip continues Friday night in Denver. Tip-off is at 9pm.
