Terrific DeMarcus Cousins lifts Sacramento Kings past Utah Jazz for 104 – 103 win – NBA Recap
The Sacramento Kings pulled out a win right at the death over the Utah Jazz 104 – 103 on Friday, to the dismay of the EnergySolutions Arena. The game was contested closely throughout but it was the visitors who pushed harder in the clutch, claiming an invaluable
victory on the road.
With 27 points and 14 rebounds, DeMarcus Cousins led the Kings forward. The second year rookie matched up well with his opposite number at the Jazz, Al Jefferson, who had 27 points and 16 rebounds for a sublime double-double of his own.
However, Cousins had the last laugh in the battle as it was his free-throw that proved to be the winner.
The outspoken centre was pleased about the win, and he didn’t hide it from the Utah fans.
"It was great, especially to come out with a win and have them all go home with a sad face."
Marcus Thornton played pretty well for the Kings too, finishing with 26 points while Isaiah Thomas had 19 and 6 assists.
For Utah, Gordon Hayward helped Al Jefferson out with 19 while Alec Burks came off the bench for 15. Devin Harris had 11 points and 4 assists.
"It's a tough loss. We came out from the beginning and didn't have the energy we thought we would have. We were lethargic and let them hang around and I didn't think we executed our offense like we have been." Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin on the loss.
The first quarter was extremely close, even thought the Kings started off well, going on a 13 – 4 run from jump ball. Slowly but surely however the Jazz ate away their lead and at the end of the first period were just behind, 32 – 29.
Utah carried the momentum into the second quarter and continued to push back the Kings. They wiped away the deficit and took the lead, 47 – 43 with 4:15 on the clock. Afterwards Sacramento were not able to dislodge them, and the first half was concluded
at 59 – 56.
The third period was extremely tight and Sacramento were on the offensive early on. Their efforts bore fruit late in the segment when they drew level, 80 – 80, but the Jazz scored 4 straight to end up on top at 84 – 80.
The Kings though would not be denied, and they charged once again in the final 12 minutes. Utah weren’t able to hold them off, and in the end it all came down to the last minute. Cousins put his team ahead with a free throw and the Jazz were unable to respond,
losing out 104 – 103.
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