NBA.COM
November 03, 2015
Kings come back late but fall in double-OT
Some times you just love NBA basketball.
In a thrilling double over-time game, it was Trevor Ariza and James Harden hitting the clutch shots in the end to finish the game. But the two shots in the end were not the thrilling part of the game.
The third quarter ended 68-80, with the home team having a quite compfortable advantage. Kings were sloppy with the ball and not quick enough in defense to stop the Rockets shooters. Yet in the forth, both McLemore and Cousins stepped their games up and caught the lead back. Sacramento played amazing ball and went on a 14-6 run to catch up. The game was tight until the very end, when Harden stepped up and hit an amazing two to give them the lead. The shot was just across the line fade-away right into McLemores' face.
With only 0.4 seconds on the clock, the Kings ran a play, where the ball ended up in Collisons' hand, who then hit it quickly. It looked like it was all over, but after the review, the officials called it a basket and the game went to overtime.
There, the Kings took an early lead, yet Houston had no problem taking shots and instantly getting it back. Cauley-Stein got an easy dunk to take the lead, yet it was Harden yet again who closed it out and sent the game to the second overtime.
In there, Houston took a six point lead, which was ultimately the biggest in OT. Kings did hit their shots well and Cousins was playing amazingly, but it was just not enough for them to claw it back.
FIRE INSIDE
Coach Webber was very happy with the play the team showed in the forth, yet insists that this shouldn't have happened. "Look, I love these guys and their fire in the end. They showed me that they really wanted to win it. Losing it in double overtime is never easy, but clawing a 12-point game back and sending it there speaks volumes. Still, we got to take care of the ball better.
INJURY PROBLEMS EARLY
With Rudy Gay missing last few games and possibly more, Willie Cauley-Stein also picked up an injury during the game. "Willie strained his ankle, but some ice on it and rest should get him back next game, he did play till the end. Rudy is out with his lower back problems for a bit, but hopefully won't miss more than 2 games.
BIG LEADERS
The two teams were led by Cousins and Harden, who both had terrific nights. Harden scored 30 points, along with 12 assists and 8 rebounds. Cousins on the other end had 45 points with 9 rebounds and 3 blocks. The only man with more blocks was Cauley-Stein with 6 of them. Cousins said that he was happy with his performance, yet would take the win instead of the big game. "I want to go out every night and win. I will do my best because of it, but I will be honest, I would rather win than have these nights. Still, if I got to ball, I will."
UP NEXT
Spurs: Host Miami Heat
Kings: Host Toronto Raptors