76ers Overcome Slow Start To Defeat Pistons
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 114-106, at Little Ceasars Arena in Group play of the In-Season Tournament.
The 76ers (7-1) pushed their winning streak to seven games with a comeback win over the Pistons (2-8) on the road. On the counterpart, the Pistons have now lost seven games in a row. However, Philadelphia did not look good in the early stages of this contest. The Pistons looked far more comfortable and won the first quarter by a 33-21 score, but the Sixers showed signs of life in the second quarter following a 27-23 score. The 76ers kept the momentum going in the second half and outscored Detroit by a 35-21 score in the third quarter, turning the game around and taking the lead with 12 minutes left. The Pistons did not have enough in them to mount a comeback. The 76ers closed things out easily with a 31-29 score in the final quarter. The Sixers are now 1-0 in the In-Season Tournament, while the Pistons are 0-1.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with 33 points and 16 rebounds, but he also added three assists and two blocks. Tyrese Maxey impressed and finished with 29 points and 10 assists. Maxey also delivered six boards, four steals and a block. Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered eight points and eight rebounds. Tobias Harris had 24 points and five rebounds. DeAnthony Melton recorded 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. The Sixers shot 42.2 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range.
Killian Hayes was the leading scorer for the Pistons and finished with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Cade Cunningham had 21 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Ausar Thompson had another double-double and finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The rookie also gathered four assists and three blocks. Isaiah Stewart finished with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists. Stanley Umude added 10 points off the bench.
The 76ers (7-1) pushed their winning streak to seven games with a comeback win over the Pistons (2-8) on the road. On the counterpart, the Pistons have now lost seven games in a row. However, Philadelphia did not look good in the early stages of this contest. The Pistons looked far more comfortable and won the first quarter by a 33-21 score, but the Sixers showed signs of life in the second quarter following a 27-23 score. The 76ers kept the momentum going in the second half and outscored Detroit by a 35-21 score in the third quarter, turning the game around and taking the lead with 12 minutes left. The Pistons did not have enough in them to mount a comeback. The 76ers closed things out easily with a 31-29 score in the final quarter. The Sixers are now 1-0 in the In-Season Tournament, while the Pistons are 0-1.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with 33 points and 16 rebounds, but he also added three assists and two blocks. Tyrese Maxey impressed and finished with 29 points and 10 assists. Maxey also delivered six boards, four steals and a block. Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered eight points and eight rebounds. Tobias Harris had 24 points and five rebounds. DeAnthony Melton recorded 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. The Sixers shot 42.2 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three-point range.
Killian Hayes was the leading scorer for the Pistons and finished with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Cade Cunningham had 21 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Ausar Thompson had another double-double and finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The rookie also gathered four assists and three blocks. Isaiah Stewart finished with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists. Stanley Umude added 10 points off the bench.
Hornets Mount Comeback To Defeat Wizards
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Washington Wizards, 124-117, at Capital Arena on Friday in Group play of the In-Season Tournament.
The Hornets (3-5) had to come from behind to secure an impressive win over the Wizards (2-6) on the road. With the win, the Hornets are now 1-0 in the In-Season Tournament, while the Wizards fell to 0-2. However, Washington looked like the better team early on and jumped to a 27-22 lead in the first quarter. The Wizards didn’t step their foot off the gas in the second quarter and bolstered their lead even further following a 36-35 score just before halftime. The Wizards extended the advantage in the third quarter and entered the final 12 minutes of play up by nine points. It seems the Wizards had enough in them to close things out, but that was not the case. The Hornets looked impressive in the fourth quarter and flipped the script entirely. A 36-20 score in the final 12 minutes allowed the Hornets to escape with a comeback win over Washington.
LaMelo Ball was the best player for the Hornets after putting up 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Mark Williams impressed at both ends and finished with 15 points and 18 rebounds. Gordon Hayward recorded 22 points, eight assists, four steals and four rebounds. Brandon Miller chipped in with 12 points. P.J. Washington contributed nine points, eight rebounds and four assists. Nick Richards delivered 15 points.
Kyle Kuzma was the leading scorer for the Wizards with 15 points and six rebounds. Corey Kispert also ended as one of Washington’s top scorers with 15 points, though he came off the bench. Jordan Poole posted 14 points and six assists but shot 6-for-13 from the field. Tyus Jones had 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Daniel Gafford ended with 10 points and eight rebounds while adding four blocks.
The Hornets (3-5) had to come from behind to secure an impressive win over the Wizards (2-6) on the road. With the win, the Hornets are now 1-0 in the In-Season Tournament, while the Wizards fell to 0-2. However, Washington looked like the better team early on and jumped to a 27-22 lead in the first quarter. The Wizards didn’t step their foot off the gas in the second quarter and bolstered their lead even further following a 36-35 score just before halftime. The Wizards extended the advantage in the third quarter and entered the final 12 minutes of play up by nine points. It seems the Wizards had enough in them to close things out, but that was not the case. The Hornets looked impressive in the fourth quarter and flipped the script entirely. A 36-20 score in the final 12 minutes allowed the Hornets to escape with a comeback win over Washington.
LaMelo Ball was the best player for the Hornets after putting up 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Mark Williams impressed at both ends and finished with 15 points and 18 rebounds. Gordon Hayward recorded 22 points, eight assists, four steals and four rebounds. Brandon Miller chipped in with 12 points. P.J. Washington contributed nine points, eight rebounds and four assists. Nick Richards delivered 15 points.
Kyle Kuzma was the leading scorer for the Wizards with 15 points and six rebounds. Corey Kispert also ended as one of Washington’s top scorers with 15 points, though he came off the bench. Jordan Poole posted 14 points and six assists but shot 6-for-13 from the field. Tyus Jones had 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Daniel Gafford ended with 10 points and eight rebounds while adding four blocks.
Celtics Handle Nets, 121-107
The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 121-107, at TD Garden on Friday night in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play.
The Celtics (6-2) managed to come out of the locker room lighting up the scoreboard despite seeing Jayson Tatum going without a single point in the period, with Boston heading into the second with a 38-33 lead. The hosts added another seven points to their advantage over the Nets (4-5) before halftime, and Brooklyn was only able to make a three-point dent in its deficit during the third. That set up a relatively comfortable final period for Joe Mazzulla's club, who moved its home record to a perfect 3-0.
Lonnie Walker led the Nets with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Trenton Watford and Dennis Smith posted matching 14-point tallies while recording seven rebounds and seven assists, respectively. Mikal Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie contributed 12 points apiece while managing five and four rebounds, respectively. Dinwiddie added four assists. Cameron Johnson furnished 11 points and five rebounds.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 28 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Tatum generated a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, even as he failed to score in the third period as well. Sam Hauser poured in 15 points. Jrue Holiday had a near triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Payton Pritchard delivered 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Derrick White finished with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds and one block.
The Nets head back home to host the Washington Wizards on Sunday afternoon, while the Celtics host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday evening.
The Celtics (6-2) managed to come out of the locker room lighting up the scoreboard despite seeing Jayson Tatum going without a single point in the period, with Boston heading into the second with a 38-33 lead. The hosts added another seven points to their advantage over the Nets (4-5) before halftime, and Brooklyn was only able to make a three-point dent in its deficit during the third. That set up a relatively comfortable final period for Joe Mazzulla's club, who moved its home record to a perfect 3-0.
Lonnie Walker led the Nets with 20 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Trenton Watford and Dennis Smith posted matching 14-point tallies while recording seven rebounds and seven assists, respectively. Mikal Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie contributed 12 points apiece while managing five and four rebounds, respectively. Dinwiddie added four assists. Cameron Johnson furnished 11 points and five rebounds.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 28 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Tatum generated a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three assists, even as he failed to score in the third period as well. Sam Hauser poured in 15 points. Jrue Holiday had a near triple-double of 13 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Payton Pritchard delivered 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Derrick White finished with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds and one block.
The Nets head back home to host the Washington Wizards on Sunday afternoon, while the Celtics host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday evening.
Rockets Edge Pelicans, 104-101
The Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 104-101, at Toyota Center on Friday night in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play.
The Pelicans (4-5) opened the game in solid form offensively, emerging from the first period with a 31-26 lead. The Rockets (5-3) surged back in the second, however, dominating New Orleans by a 28-17 margin to take a six-point advantage into halftime. The visitors turned the tables right back in the third by re-establishing a nine-point edge, but Houston overcame its final deficit of two points with a 6-1 run in the final 47.1 seconds.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 31 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one block. Zion Williamson delivered 24 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Jonas Valanciunas posted 15 points, nine boards, two assists and four blocks. Jordan Hawkins supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and two steals. Dyson Daniels pitched in a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 25 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Alperen Sengun followed with 24 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet turned in 20 points, eight assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Dillon Brooks compiled 10 points, two boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Pelicans return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday evening, while the Rockets remain home and host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening as well.
The Pelicans (4-5) opened the game in solid form offensively, emerging from the first period with a 31-26 lead. The Rockets (5-3) surged back in the second, however, dominating New Orleans by a 28-17 margin to take a six-point advantage into halftime. The visitors turned the tables right back in the third by re-establishing a nine-point edge, but Houston overcame its final deficit of two points with a 6-1 run in the final 47.1 seconds.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 31 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one block. Zion Williamson delivered 24 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Jonas Valanciunas posted 15 points, nine boards, two assists and four blocks. Jordan Hawkins supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and two steals. Dyson Daniels pitched in a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 25 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Alperen Sengun followed with 24 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet turned in 20 points, eight assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Dillon Brooks compiled 10 points, two boards, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Pelicans return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday evening, while the Rockets remain home and host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening as well.
Timberwolves Notch Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 117-110, in In-Season Tournament Group Play at AT-and-T Center on Friday evening.
The Spurs got out to a solid start and led by five points after one quarter. The Timberwolves picked up the pace in the second and outscored the hosts by seven points in the quarter to claim a two-point edge by halftime. The visitors continued with the momentum in the third and outscored the Spurs, 34-19, in the quarter to claim a 23-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Spurs put up a valiant effort in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Timberwolves held on for their fifth straight win.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 29 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, in 34 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Rudy Gobert tallied 11 points, 10 rebounds and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 49.4 percent from the field, including 10-for-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell poured in 29 points each to lead the Spurs. Jeremy Sochan added 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Zach Collins was the only other player to score in double digits, with 11 points. The Spurs shot 46.7 percent from the field, including 12-for-34 from long range.
The Spurs (3-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Sunday. The Timberwolves (6-2) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Sunday.
The Spurs got out to a solid start and led by five points after one quarter. The Timberwolves picked up the pace in the second and outscored the hosts by seven points in the quarter to claim a two-point edge by halftime. The visitors continued with the momentum in the third and outscored the Spurs, 34-19, in the quarter to claim a 23-point cushion heading into the final frame. The Spurs put up a valiant effort in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Timberwolves held on for their fifth straight win.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 29 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, in 34 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 28 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, while Rudy Gobert tallied 11 points, 10 rebounds and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 49.4 percent from the field, including 10-for-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell poured in 29 points each to lead the Spurs. Jeremy Sochan added 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Zach Collins was the only other player to score in double digits, with 11 points. The Spurs shot 46.7 percent from the field, including 12-for-34 from long range.
The Spurs (3-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Sunday. The Timberwolves (6-2) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Sunday.
Jazz Finish Strong To Shut Down Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 127-121, in In-Season Tournament Group Play at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Jazz led, 34-32, through one quarter. The visitors picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Grizzlies, 42-31, in the quarter to make it a 13-point game by halftime. The Grizzlies came out stronger in the third quarter and managed to trim five points off the deficit, making it an eight-point game heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies continued to battle and tied it up at 114, midway through the fourth, but the Jazz reclaimed control and closed out the road win, ending a four-game slide.
Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen delivered 26 points each to lead the way for the Jazz. John Collins added 18 points, three rebounds and four blocks, while Ochai Agbaji chipped in 15 points, six rebounds, a steal and two blocks. The Grizzlies shot 53.9 percent from the field, including 18-for-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Desmond Bane poured in 37 points on 14-for-28 shooting to lead the Grizzlies. Bismack Biyombo followed up with 15 points, 14 rebounds and a steal, while Luke Kennard, Jacob Gilyard and Jaren Jackson tallied 14 points each. The Grizzlies shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 19-for-48 from long range.
The Grizzlies (1-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in L.A. on Sunday. The Jazz (3-7) play host to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Jazz led, 34-32, through one quarter. The visitors picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Grizzlies, 42-31, in the quarter to make it a 13-point game by halftime. The Grizzlies came out stronger in the third quarter and managed to trim five points off the deficit, making it an eight-point game heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies continued to battle and tied it up at 114, midway through the fourth, but the Jazz reclaimed control and closed out the road win, ending a four-game slide.
Jordan Clarkson and Lauri Markkanen delivered 26 points each to lead the way for the Jazz. John Collins added 18 points, three rebounds and four blocks, while Ochai Agbaji chipped in 15 points, six rebounds, a steal and two blocks. The Grizzlies shot 53.9 percent from the field, including 18-for-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Desmond Bane poured in 37 points on 14-for-28 shooting to lead the Grizzlies. Bismack Biyombo followed up with 15 points, 14 rebounds and a steal, while Luke Kennard, Jacob Gilyard and Jaren Jackson tallied 14 points each. The Grizzlies shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 19-for-48 from long range.
The Grizzlies (1-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Clippers in L.A. on Sunday. The Jazz (3-7) play host to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday.
Mavs Too Much For Clippers
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 144-126, in In-Season Tournament Group Play at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Clippers led, 33-30, after one quarter. The Mavs came out on another level in the second and outscored the visitors, 47-18, to take a 26-point advantage into the break. The Clippers regrouped at halftime and tied the Mavs with 38 points each in the third, as it remained a 26-point difference heading into the final quarter. The Clippers continued to press in the fourth, but the Mavericks held their ground enough to close out the home win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Clippers.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 44 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Tim Hardaway chipped in 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Mavericks shot 52 percent from the field, including 19-for-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points, three rebounds and four assists, in 29 minutes. Bones Hyland followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Russell Westbrook and James Harden chipped in 14 points each. The Clippers shot 48.9 percent from the field, including 8-for-27 from deep.
The Clippers (3-5) hope to end their slide as they play host to the Grizzlies on Sunday. The Mavs (7-2) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Clippers led, 33-30, after one quarter. The Mavs came out on another level in the second and outscored the visitors, 47-18, to take a 26-point advantage into the break. The Clippers regrouped at halftime and tied the Mavs with 38 points each in the third, as it remained a 26-point difference heading into the final quarter. The Clippers continued to press in the fourth, but the Mavericks held their ground enough to close out the home win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Clippers.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 44 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Tim Hardaway chipped in 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Mavericks shot 52 percent from the field, including 19-for-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points, three rebounds and four assists, in 29 minutes. Bones Hyland followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Russell Westbrook and James Harden chipped in 14 points each. The Clippers shot 48.9 percent from the field, including 8-for-27 from deep.
The Clippers (3-5) hope to end their slide as they play host to the Grizzlies on Sunday. The Mavs (7-2) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday.
Lakers Defeat Suns, 122-119
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 122-119, in Group Play of the NBA In-Season Tournament at Footprint Center on Friday.
While there was only one tie and two lead changes in this game, it wasn't decided until the final seconds. Phoenix actually had a double-digit lead late in the third quarter, but a 16-2 run to start the fourth quarter allowed LA to complete their comeback. They never relinquished the lead after that run. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 45 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-assisted Phoenix, 27-22, while out-blocking them, 7-1.
The Lakers (4-5) were led by LeBron James, collecting 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists on 11-of-17 from the field. D'Angelo Russell finished with 19 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Anthony Davis accrued 18 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Cam Reddish registered 17 points, three rebounds and three steals. Austin Reaves led the bench with 15 points and seven assists.
The Suns (4-5) were led by Kevin Durant, finishing with 38 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Bradley Beal tallied 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic provided 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Eric Gordon led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Phoenix playing host to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles returning home to face the Portland Trail Blazers.
While there was only one tie and two lead changes in this game, it wasn't decided until the final seconds. Phoenix actually had a double-digit lead late in the third quarter, but a 16-2 run to start the fourth quarter allowed LA to complete their comeback. They never relinquished the lead after that run. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 45 percent from the field and 41 percent from long range. Los Angeles also out-assisted Phoenix, 27-22, while out-blocking them, 7-1.
The Lakers (4-5) were led by LeBron James, collecting 32 points, 11 rebounds and six assists on 11-of-17 from the field. D'Angelo Russell finished with 19 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Anthony Davis accrued 18 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Cam Reddish registered 17 points, three rebounds and three steals. Austin Reaves led the bench with 15 points and seven assists.
The Suns (4-5) were led by Kevin Durant, finishing with 38 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Bradley Beal tallied 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic provided 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Eric Gordon led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Phoenix playing host to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles returning home to face the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kings Defeat Thunder, 105-98
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 105-98, in Group Play of the NBA Play-In Tournament at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
A 34-20 first quarter set the foundation for Sacramento in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. The Kings never had a double-digit lead in the second half, but Oklahoma City never attempted a game-tying shot in the fourth quarter. Sacramento out-rebounded Oklahoma City, 62-47, while out-assisting them, 28-21. The Kings also had 16 offensive rebounds to the Thunder's five, outscoring them in second-chance points, 23-6.
The Thunder (5-4) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexaner, accruing 33 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Jalen Williams amassed 14 points and five rebounds. Josh Giddey generated 13 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Chet Holmgren had 12 points and seven boards. No other player reached double figures in scoring.
The Kings (4-4) were led by Kevin Huerter, collecting 28 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three steals. Keegan Murray totaled 24 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Domantas Sabonis tallied 17 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and two blocks. Malik Monk led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and eight assists.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Monday in a home matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A 34-20 first quarter set the foundation for Sacramento in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. The Kings never had a double-digit lead in the second half, but Oklahoma City never attempted a game-tying shot in the fourth quarter. Sacramento out-rebounded Oklahoma City, 62-47, while out-assisting them, 28-21. The Kings also had 16 offensive rebounds to the Thunder's five, outscoring them in second-chance points, 23-6.
The Thunder (5-4) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexaner, accruing 33 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Jalen Williams amassed 14 points and five rebounds. Josh Giddey generated 13 points, four rebounds and five assists, while Chet Holmgren had 12 points and seven boards. No other player reached double figures in scoring.
The Kings (4-4) were led by Kevin Huerter, collecting 28 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three steals. Keegan Murray totaled 24 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Domantas Sabonis tallied 17 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and two blocks. Malik Monk led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and eight assists.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Monday in a home matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.