Sac-Town Crown – Sacramento Kings Report – Kings vs Heat

Kings Heat Up in Downtown Sac-Town

The Kings narrowly lost their previous meeting with the Miami Heat, in last second/overtime heartbreak.

Both the Kings and Heat would be short handed because of injuries and recent trades.

Sacramento started out hot and were able to dictate most of the game. The Kings played tough defense, didn"t let Bam Adebayo completely dominate (he tried to though), shared the ball on offense and claimed their fifth win in their last seven games. Sacramento was led by Bogdan Bogdanovich, who had 23 points, on 8-16 shooting, 6-13 from 3 point range, while grabbing 3 steals.

‘Tom"s Tidbits" – Kings vs Heat

Injury news and notes: Marvin Bagley III (foot) and Richaun Holmes (shoulder soreness) are OUT. Holmes has been rumored to return soon. Recent Kings additions Jabari Parker and Alex Len are also out due to injuries. Miami is missing Jimmy Butler (shoulder), Tyler Herro (foot) and Meyers Leonard (ankle). Miami recently traded for Andre Iguodala, Solomon Hill and Jae Crowder, whom are all NOT making their Miami debuts tonight either.

1st Half Recap

The Kings started off the game a little bit shaky, giving up an offensive rebound and 3 pointer to Miami.

The Kings would then go on an 11-3 run to start the game, and looked poised for a great game.

Sacramento was playing well on defense, but were severely out-sized down-low, which lead to offensive rebounds and second chance opportunities for the Heat.

The lack of big man size, due to injuries and trades, really showed itself for the Kings. All-Star Bam Adebayo was looking like a man amongst boys, and Superman, in the paint. Bam was finishing high flying dunks all night long.

The Kings took the lead into halftime 52-50. In the first half Sacramento was led by starter Bogdan Bogdanovich, who had 17 points on 6-10 shooting overall and 5-8 from three.

2nd Half Recap

Early in the second half, Bam Adebayo caught a lob and threw the dunk home to tie the game at 52. Shortly after that, the Heat would then take their first lead at 56-54, but that was short lived after Buddy Hield hit a three pointer to give the Kings the lead back.

The third quarter was back and forth, with Sac winning the quarter 31-26. The Kings would enter the fourth quarter with the lead, 83-76.

Sacramento came out moving the ball well early in the fourth quarter. The Kings reached the 100 point mark with just over 7 minutes left in the game, 100-86. Their defense would hold on from there.

The rest of the game was a little sloppy on offense, but the Kings have shown they are learning from previously losing many leads late in the game.

The last 7 minutes of the game the Kings were outscored 11-5 but that was good enough for them to hold on for the win, 105-97.

The Kings are now 5-2 in their previous seven games!

Full Game Highlights

Individual Stats and Thoughts

Bogi was my player of the game. He played well from the get-go, shot the ball well and worked synergistically in any line up he was part of.

Bogi had 23 points, on 8-16 shooting, and 6-13 from 3 point range. He also added in 3 steals.

Bjelica played well in a complementary role and was very efficient. Belli scored 15 points on 5-7 shooting, 5-6 from 3 point land. He also added in 8 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Buddy ‘Bench Block Boi" Hield had another great game off the bench (WHODATHUNKIT!?!?!)!

Buddy played 36 minutes, scored 21 points on 7-16 shooting, and 5-13 from three. He also committed only 2 turnovers, had 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Buddy played energetically all night long, was unselfish and really helped the Kings in this BIG win. I love me some Buddy 6th Man!

Harry Giles also had a solid game in a starting role. He only played 14 minutes, but made a big impact on the game. Giles scored 10 points on 5-5 shooting, grabbed 5 rebounds, 1 steal, had 0 turnovers and only 1 foul!

I thought Kent ‘BlazeMore" Bazemore also added great energy, and played smart basketball in his 24 minutes.

Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo exposed the Kings lack of big man depth at times. Adebayo scored 26 points on 12-16 “shooting". I put quotations around shooting because it was mainly dunking that Adebayo was doing.

Team Stats and Thoughts – Kings vs Heat

The Kings shot well from the field, AGAIN! Sacramento shot 49% from the field, 40-82, along with 43% from three point range, 19-44.

Though it felt as if the Kings were getting DEMOLISHED on Heat offensive rebounds, they only gave up 7. Though, the Kings did get worked on the boards, with the Heat grabbing 56 rebounds compared to the Kings 43.

The Kings were atrocious from the free throw line going 6-12.

The Kings won the assist battle, 29-21. Sharing the ball, and smart passing helped the Kings tremendously in this win.

Sacramento only committed 14 turnovers, while forcing 20. Though the heat had 31 points off turnovers, compared to the Kings 11.

ESPN GAME STATS

Looking Ahead!

The Kings turn right around and play the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night in Arco 2.0! This is a HUGE game for the Kings dwindling hopes to stay a small part of the race for 8th seed in the west!

I predict a Kings WIN vs the Spurs!

It ALWAYS has been, and ALWAYS will be… GO SACRAMENTO KINGS!

-SpikeballTom

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