Kings Break 3-Point Franchise Record in Win vs Minnesota
Dec 13, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:38 am
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter
Returning home from a very successful 3-1 road trip, the Sacramento Kings took the floor on WWE Night inside the Golden 1 Center for game 1 of a very difficult 13 game stretch against the Western Conference. Statistically one of the best deep shooting teams in the league, the Kings relied heavily on the long-ball, making a franchise record 19 three pointers. As a whole, Sacramento shot 58% for the whole night, earning their 2nd victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, and 15th win this season, 141-130.
“Pretty exciting game to watch as a fan” said head coach Dave Joerger, “I love the chemistry that we have for out team. Hats off to Yogi Ferrell for being a professional and staying ready. A lot of atta boys to go around”.
Coach Joerger was right to highlight the play of Ferrell, who despite getting very little opportunity so far this season, provided 17 points and six assists in 16 crucial minutes off the bench.
“I was a little winded to be honest” Ferrell said with a smile, “I just gotta stay true to myself and stay ready. That’s what I’ve always done through my career”.
“He came in off the bench, really led the 2nd unit, and kept the pace where it was” De’Aaron Fox said following the win.
Ferrell was one of seven Kings to finish in double-figures scoring. Along with the shooting success, Sacramento’s ball movement was exceptional. The Kings finished with 34 assists on the night and only 10 turnovers. Nemanja Bjelica had another strong performance against his former team, scoring 25 points including four three-pointers.
“I was trying to stay aggressive early,” Bjelica said, “This game was very special to me”.
Timberwolves star Karl Anthony-Towns, who scored 39 points against the Kings earlier this season, struggled offensively tonight, scoring 19 points on 15 shots. Willie Cauley-Stein had a solid game defensively, using his length to bother KAT around the rim.
The Kings host the Golden State Warriors for the first time this season on Friday night. The Warriors defeated the Kings by just a point last month without Steph Curry and Draymond Green. Golden State fell to the Toronto Raptors 113-93 on Wednesday.
