Kings Survive Phoenix Comeback, Earn Sixth Win
Nov 19, 2019, 10:39 PM | Updated: 10:39 pm
Photo by Kimani Okearah (Sactown Royalty)
(Sactown Royalty)
With Tuesday’s 120-116 win over the Phoenix Suns, the Sacramento Kings are now 3-0 in rematches against teams that defeated them earlier this season.
The Kings built a 26 point lead early in the third quarter, but allowed the Suns to shoot their way back into the ballgame with a 71 point second half.
“It’s a lesson we hopefully learned and still got a win. NBA games are never over. Our guys stuck together and scrapped it out,” said head coach Luke Walton.
Bogdan Bogdanovic had himself a career night, scoring 31 points, including seven three-pointers, in 35 minutes off the bench.
“We were lucky enough, and smart enough, to learn from this game and win,” said Bogdanovic.
Sacramento backup point guard Cory Joseph, who has taken over the starting spot since De’Aaron Fox’s ankle injury, dished out a career-high 14 assists in the win.
“The way you do all the other things, that defines if you are a winning player,” said Walton, “Whether he makes shots or not, (Cory) makes his team better. He sets the tone for us every night”.
Athletic center Richaun Holmes also turned in a career performance, finishing the game with a 20 point, 15 rebound double-double. He also added two blocks and a steal.
“We were excited about him. Every time I’ve coached against him, he’s killed us. We were excited to get him. He has been as solid and steady as anyone on our team. He’s out there doing what he does really well and our team needs it,” Walton said when asked about Holmes’ consistent contributions since being added to the starting lineup.
The Kings have pulled their way out of an 0-5 hole and now head out on the road with a 6-7 overall record. They will play the Nets in Brooklyn on Friday.
