KINGS GET REVENGE OVER RAPTORS FOR HEARTBREAKING LOSS
The last time these two played, the Sacramento Kings led the Toronto Raptors big early then trailed big late in getting beat like a drum from deep, down the lane and above the rim.
That was Jan. 8 at Golden 1 Center, where, if fans were allowed inside, the Kings would have earned their boos after surrendering 144 points in a 21-point loss.
On Friday in Tampa Bay, Fla., temporary home of the Raptors, the tide turned, though it was a virtual fight to the finish. The Kings led big early, had an 18-point lead at one point, saw the lead evaporate down to three but delivered a 126-124 victory at Amalie Arena.
Some of this was perhaps the best showing of the season for the Kings, who extended their winning streak to a season-high three after impressive outings against the Knicks (103-94) and Orlando (121-107), with defense and balanced scoring the keys.
In the first meeting three weeks ago, the Kings had 70 points at the half and trailed 106-103 at one point in the third before it all came apart at the seams.
Said Kings coach Luke Walton before Friday’s game, “We couldn’t keep guys in front of us and they made shots. We feel we’re a better team now.”
There is no debate there.
Walton said extra practice time has led to team cohesion. The Kings have looked more prepared, more active — and just better. Winning works wonders.
Harrison Barnes had 24 points, including two free throws for a 123-119 lead with 7.6 seconds to go. He had seven rebounds and five assists. Buddy Hield had 22 points, De’Aaron Fox 23, Cory Joseph a season-high 16 off the bench, Hassan Whiteside 16 and Tyrese Haliburton had 10 points and a season-high 11 assists.
Whiteside was clobbered on an inside play and had to be cooled by rookie Haliburton with 1:32 to play and a 117-114 lead. Whiteside missed both free throws, then missed a dunk on his next possession, but rebounded it, fired it to Haliburton, who made the 3-pointer for 120-116 lead with 44.6 seconds to go.
Fox, slowed down the stretch after banging knees with Stanley Johnson, made it 121-117 with a free throw with 18.3 to go. He made two more with 4.0 to go to account for the final score.
“Things are turning in the right direction,” Barnes said. “There’s some joy, some fun, playing the right way. The thing about this league is there are so many games. Can’t sit back and relax.”