Kings Claw Past Raptors, 107-101
Through just over three quarters, the Kings looked like they had ran out of gas against a playoff-quality Toronto team.
That's when they showed that this group isn't the same old Kings.
Sacramento erased a ten-point fourth quarter deficit behind strong performances from Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins to top the Toronto Raptors 107-101 on Sunday night at Sleep Train Arena.
In a game that featured eight ties and fifteen lead changes, Kyle Lowry's tie-breaking triple as time ran down on the third quarter looked as though it would put Toronto in the lead for good. After the Raptors then opened the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run to extend their lead to ten, things looked even worse.
The Kings would storm back in the fourth quarter on the way to a sixteen-point swing, including the final 11 points of the game, to earn the victory.
Cousins had another monster night for the Kings, notching 36 points and 10 rebounds, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. Rudy Gay had 27 points in his first game back from gastroenteritis, and Rajon Rondo had 7 points, 14 assists, and 7 rebounds for the Kings (4-7).
DeMar DeRozan chipped in 24 points to lead Toronto (8-4).
Sacramento embarks on a season-long five game road trip that starts Tuesday in Atlanta.