Kings Drop Third Straight to Nuggets 125-117
By: Morgan Ragan
The Sacramento Kings dropped their third straight after falling short to the Denver Nuggets Sunday night 125-117 at Sleep Train Arena.
Denver went ahead in the third quarter and never trailed again. Sacramento gave up 58 points in the paint and 33 fast break points.
"When they're constantly getting layup after layup that has to piss you off after a while and that never pissed our guys off," head coach Michael Malone said following the loss.
Sacramento had six guys in double figures. Isaiah Thomas had 22 points, eight assists and five turnovers. Marcus Thornton stepped up again and added 19 points for the Kings.
Malone was disappointed with the Kings defense allowing the Nuggets to go 10-25 behind the arc and talked about Sacramento's offense not being the issue.
"Everyone was worried about our offense without Rudy and DeMarcus, Malone said.
"We've shown we can score the ball no matter who we play."
Thomas made a three-pointer in the third quarter to extend his streak to 37 consecutive games. Mitch Richmond holds the record with 39 consecutive games for the franchise.
The Kings will be in Utah Monday night to take on the last place Jazz.
DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay were both inactive but were out of their walking boots that they wore after injuries in Houston. Both are day-to-day and will be examined Monday morning to see if they travel to Utah or stay in Sacramento for more treatment.
You can hear Morgan with Deuce & J-Ross from 12-3 p.m. on KHTK. Follow her on Twitter: @momoragan