Kings Top Warriors In High Scoring Contest

Dec 19, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts to a foul call against Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Golden State Warriors 131-127. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

In the first quarter of this game, the defense was really good for the Kings. The Warriors, however not so much. The Kings were able to shoot at a scorching 54% in the quarter, to the Warriors’ miserable 30%. The Warriors couldn’t buy a basket, and the only starters doing any damage were Stephen Curry and David Lee. Klay Thompson, once again, had the feel of another off night. Both teams opened 3/8, but after that the direction was all Kings. The Kings, with Aaron Brook’s driving began to pull away. They lead 25-12 because of a 17-3 run with 3 minutes left in the quarter. Because of their phenomenal defense, they translated those points to offense, and led the Warriors 33-24 at the end of the first.

Moving to the second quarter, the Kings continued to add pressure, and it was effective, hurting the Warriors. Along with sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette, the Kings were able to push their lead out to 15. Fredette had 11 points in just seven minutes of play. After the tempo quickened to the Warriors’ favor, they forced many turnovers and were able to capitalize. Although they struggled on the glass, they were able to cut the lead to seven. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the Kings, along with Aaron Brook’s buzzer beater closed off the half in good positioning: up 63-55 going into the third. The Warriors, however, outscored the Kings by one point in the third. They needed to have a huge third quarter to pull off a win.

As the second half started, all signs of the Kings and Warriors’ defense went south. Each team bursted offensively, with many fastbreak points. Although Stephen Curry heated up big time for the Warriors, they still had problems on the glass, offensively and defensively. Because of shabby defense each way, the Kings were up 99-88 by the end of an ugly defensively, but pretty offensive quarter.

In the fourth quarter, offensive explosion boomed; for the Warriors, that is. Although the Kings had a solid lead heading into the fourth quarter, Curry, Jarrett Jack, and Klay Thompson, who was in some foul trouble, lead the Warriors to a 27-7 run. The Kings, however, were able to get the best of the Warriors as they finished strong and held on for the 131-127 win.

The Kings are now at 8-17, while the Warriors fall to 17-9. Next action for the Warriors is on Friday against the Bobcats, and the Kings on Friday against the Clippers.