Sacramento Kings: The Roller Coaster That Was December

December 8th-December 15th

The Kings returned home for a three game stand in Sacramento, licking their wounds after losing nearly every road game they had played to this point (2-8). The first game up pitted them against a young and scrappy Utah Jazz squad looking to crash the playoffs. The Kings got big time performances from its big money guys, as Gay and Cousins both totaled 23 points, in addition to Cousins’ 12 boards and six assists.

Every starter for Sacramento scored in the double digits, and Omri Casspi and Rondo both added their own double-doubles. In Cauley-Stein’s absence, Casspi has started every game, and has certainly been taking advantage of his jump in minutes. The Kings didn’t win by much, but a win is a win and it ended their three game skid.

Several days later, the Kings hosted the New York Knicks and the rookie phenom Kristaps Porzingis in a duel on national television. Sacramento played well, and there were plenty of nice plays by Rondo and company.

Several of their old vices reared their heads late though, as the Kings blew a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter to let New York get within two points. Cousins plays spectacular, physical defense on Porzingis all night, and made the Knicks have to rely on outside shots by Carmelo Anthony and company to stay in the game.

Rondo finished just one rebound shy of yet another triple-double, as he has definitely proven to be worth the money spent on him during the offseason. He has been getting the start nightly, but Darren Collison has done a fantastic job as a backup point guard and sixth-man all year-long.

After the long weekend, the Rockets came to Sleep Train Arena to play the Kings for the second time this month. James Harden and the Rockets battled all game long, but neither team looked sharp. The two teams combined for 49 turnovers, and there were plenty of technicals to be had.

In place of suspended guard Rondo, Collison looked fantastic, nearly notching his own triple-double on the night. Dwight Howard was in foul trouble, and with limited minutes, Cousins and Gay flourished in the post. Both added double-doubles and looked great.

Speaking of great, there’s really no shortage of opportunities to praise Omri Casspi. Starting in place of Cauley-Stein, he averaged 15 points and 6.2 rebounds in the first five games as a full-time starter. That’s the kind of gutsy performance teams need in a playoff-hopeful season.

Next: On The Road Again