Protests delay start of Kings’ win over Hawks
Hornets roll to teamrecord 61-point win
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The game between the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks started after a 19-minute delay Thursday because of protesters who were locked arm-in-arm surrounding entrances to Golden1 Center.
A massive crowd shut down nearby freeways and gathered in the surrounding streets to protest the police shooting of Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man who was in the backyard of his grandparents’ house Sunday night. According to reports, Clark was shot 20 times.
Only a few hundred fans made it into the Golden1 Center to see the Kings’ 105-90 win over the Hawks before police decided to not allow anyone else to enter. Several of those who did get in were allowed to move down into the lower bowl of the arena, leaving the upper deck empty. Those fans were also given a free nonalcoholic beverage.
The Kings later issued a statement regarding potential refunds for those fans who were unable to get inside.
“Tonight’s game began with a delay. Due to law enforcement being unable to ensure ticketed fans could safely enter the arena, the arena remains closed and we ask fans outside to travel home. We will issue further information soon regarding a refund.”
HORNETS 140, GRIZZLIES 79: In Charlotte, N.C., Kemba Walker scored 46 points and made 10 3-pointers, and Charlotte rolled to the most lopsided victory in franchise history.
Walker had the ninth 40-point game of his career as the Hornets easily overcame the absence of the suspended Dwight Howard. Walker hit 13 of 18 shots overall.
PELICANS 128, LAKERS 125: In New Orleans, Anthony Davis capped a 33-point performance with two clutch free throws and a game-sealing steal in the final seconds, Rajon Rondo had 24 points and 10 assists, and New Orleans erased an 11-point, fourth-quarter deficit to beat Los Angeles.
ROCKETS 100, PISTONS 96 (OT): In Houston, James Harden scored 21 points, including 10 of Houston’s 12 points in overtime, to lift the Rockets over Detroit.
Eric Gordon added 22 points for Houston. 76ERS 118, MAGIC 98: In Orladno, Fla., Joel Embiid had 17 points and nine rebounds in just 20 minutes and surging Philadelphia moved closer to a playoff berth with a victory over Orlando.
The 76ers (41-30) won their fifth straight and clinched their first non-losing season in six years.
JAZZ 119, MAVERICKS 112: In Dallas, Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and Utah got back on the winning track by beating Dallas.
Two nights after a loss to Atlanta ended a nine-game winning streak, Utah moved into a tie with Minnesota for seventh place in the Western Conference playoff race.