Spurs Run Away From Kings In Fourth Quarter For Win

The San Antonio Spurs seem to always amaze the NBA world with their persistent lineup and work ethic when playing great basketball, especially this year with the amount of depth the team has. Last night, they continued this run when they played the Sacramento Kings last night in Sacramento, winning in high fashion with a 106-88 defeat.

After a close game through the first three quarters, the Spurs went on a 34-19 run in the fourth quarter and burying the Kings offensively throughout the 12-minute timeframe, thanks to the Spurs bench who put up 24 points of their own. Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs in points with 24 points, followed by LaMarcus Aldridge with 16, and longtime Spurs veterans Tony Parker and Tim Duncan having 13 and 11, respectively. The Spurs bench were the stars of the game with reserve guard Patty Mills having seven points and four steals. “I understand you can’t live and die off your shot, so if my shot is not falling I have to do other things,” Mills said.

The Kings were on hand with the Spurs throughout the night, especially in the third quarter when returning star center DeMarcus Cousins dropped 13 points and 9 of 12 free throws to bring the outing to a three-point game before the fourth quarter meltdown by the Kings. Cousins would finish the game with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds. The overall picture for the Kings is not a good start for the season with their record at 1-7 and losing their last six games. “I’ve been in positions where you have bad starts. I’ve had everything in my life, from six straight to nine straight,” newly hired Kings coach George Karl said. “We just have to play more 48 minutes of basketball, more solid basketball and more together basketball.”

Upcoming games for both teams include the Spurs going to Portland to face the Trailblazers while the Kings stay home to play the Detroit Pistons, both happening on Wednesday night.