Marcus Thornton explodes for 36; lifts Sacramento Kings over Boston Celtics – NBA Recap
Sacramento Kings secured an impressive win over the Boston Celtics on Friday with Marcus Thornton on fire. Thornton exploded for 36 points at the Power Balance Pavilion to help the Kings overpower Boston for the 120 – 95 win.
Thornton was on the floor for over 44 minutes and hit 5 from downtown on a 13-of-24 shooting night from the floor. He was partnered in the back court by up and coming point guard Isaiah Thomas, who notched up a terrific double-double with 13 points and 10
assists.
Sacramento forward Jason Thompson was also mightily impressive with a double-double effort; 21 points and 15 rebounds while talented centre DeMarcus Cousins scored 20 and had 7 rebounds.
The injury ravaged Celtics just couldn’t keep up with the young legs of Sacramento. Veteran Ray Allen top scored with 26 points, Paul Pierce had 19 and Brandon Bass added 16.
Kevin Garnett scored 10 and grabbed 9 rebounds while Rajon Rondo had a disappointing shooting night but managed to lay on 12 assists.
The first quarter was unremarkable until a 10 – 2 run put the Kings up by 18 – 12. The Celtics trailed till the end of the period, Sacramento up 26 – 20.
The second quarter was much closer, with the Celtics making inroads on the lead. They did a good job of chasing down the Kings and at the close of the first half were just behind at 52 – 51.
After the interval however Sacramento took over. Coming out of the break all guns blazing, the Kings launched into a 13 – 0 burst that put them way ahead at 65 – 51. Boston were unable to cope already when the Kings reeled off an 8 – 0 burst, taking the
score to 87 – 69. At the end of the third, they were in complete control at 93 – 74, having scored a whopping 41 points in the period.
The final 12 minutes were therefore just a formality. The Celtics had hoped to have lessened the margin of defeat but Sacramento never eased the pressure. In fact, they outscored the visitors again and ended the game with a huge 120 – 95 margin.
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