On This Date: Bjelica’s Big Night Leads Kings Past Wizards
Oct 26, 2020, 8:56 AM | Updated: 8:56 am
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
October 26, 2018: Nemanja Bjelica scores 26 points and grabs 12 rebounds in a narrow Kings win
Two years ago today, Sacramento Kings fans got their first look at what Nemanja Bjelica can do in an expanded role.
The recently-signed forward put on an offensive display, scoring 26 points on nine-of-16 shooting to lead the Kings over the Washington Wizards by a final of 116-112 at Golden 1 Center.
Bjelica, who had spent his first three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, signed with Sacramento in the 2018 summer offseason after contemplating a move to to European Leagues.
The then-30-year-old showed his ability to stretch the floor against Washington, tying a career-high with six made three-pointers to pace the Kings to a narrow victory.
Along with his 26 points, Bjelica was the leading rebounder for Sacramento, grabbing 12 boards over a team-high 36 minutes of action.
Buddy Hield scored 22 points, while De’Aaron Fox added 18 points and nine assists in the win. Willie Cauley-Stein contributed with a double-double, scoring 17 points to go along with 11 rebounds.
Sacramento trailed by six points heading into the final period before an offensive outburst put them out in front. The Kings scored 37 points in the fourth-quarter, hitting clutch free-throws down the stretch to put the game away.
With the win, the Kings improved to 3-3 on the season.
Sports 1140 KHTK will be bringing you plenty of ‘On This Date’ flashbacks over the coming weeks as we prepare for the 2020-21 NBA season.
