Kings Wrap Up California Classic with a Blown-Lead Loss to Lakers
Jul 3, 2019, 4:30 PM | Updated: 4:30 pm
Photo via Kimani Okearah (Sactown Royalty)
(Sactown Royalty)
The Sacramento Kings wrapped up the California Classic on Wednesday afternoon by blowing a 21-point lead to the Los Angeles Lakers, falling 99-97. Sacramento finished the three day tournament with a win and two losses, and now look ahead to regular Summer League action in Las Vegas.
“Overall I think (it’s) really positive from the standpoint of putting ourselves in a position to win all 3 games,” said Kings summer league head coach Jesse Mermuys, “I thought they played hard and played together. Those are great learning experiences for those guys.”
The Kings were in full control, but allowed the Lakers to stage a big comeback, being outscored 36-22 in the final 10 minute quarter. It’s the second night in a row Sacramento has given up the lead late, losing to the Miami Heat 89-88 on Tuesday.
“Second game in a row that we weren’t able to close it out. I know those guys are probably hurting right now, which is a good thing,” said Mermuys.
“I hate losing, no matter if it doesn’t matter or not. I think we are on the same page, energy for all forty minutes in Vegas,” added rookie guard Kyle Guy.
Guy scored 14 points on 29% shooting and also tallied four rebounds and an assist. In all three games of the Classic, Guy shot 40% (9/22) from three-point range.
The Kings will travel to Vegas on Friday and open up Summer League play against the Chinese National Team on Saturday evening.
