Kings Beat Wizards in Overtime 117-111
By: Morgan Ragan
The Kings started their four-game homestand with a dramatic 117-111 overtime win over the Wizards.
Washington was up two with all-star John Wall on the free throw line with 12.6 seconds left in regulation. Wall missed both free throws and Rudy Gay got the rebound and hit a floater to tie the game at 100 and force overtime.
The Kings "big three" was led by Isaiah Thomas who recorded his first career triple double with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
Gay and Cousins entered the 4th quarter with a combined 13 points (Gay with 8, Cousins-5) but both finished with 24 points a piece in the Kings come from behind victory.
Malone said Thomas receives plenty of criticism from people but he gave high-praise to his point guard.
"He continues to amaze and impress," Malone said. "He has a huge heart and he is the smallest player on the court. His first career triple-double and I'm sure it wont be his last."
Cousins was pleased with the win but wasn't happy about his performance.
"I feel like I didn't contribute to the game. Some of it was due to foul trouble and other things as well. I just try come out and do my part to win the game," Cousins said.
Rookie Ben McLemore played a career-high 50 minutes for the Kings. He finished with 11 points (5-17 FG, 1-7 3PT) but helped contribute defensively as he guarded Bradley Beal who went 7 for 23 from the field.
"I love how he played in the first quarter," Malone said. "He got tired his shot got away from him but he competed on the defensive end."