Kings Fall to the Rockets 129-103
By: Morgan Ragan
The Sacramento Kings had no answers for the Houston Rockets during a 129-103 loss on Tuesday night at Sleep Train Arena.
Sacramento gave up 69 points in the first half, and the second half didn't get much better for the Kings who split the season series with Houston.
DeMarcus Cousins was ejected from the game during a timeout in the 3rd quarter. Kings head coach Michael Malone was addressing official Courtney Kirkland and said after the game that he was trying to get two technicals but Cousins approached to have words with Kirkland.
He charged at Kirkland but was restrained by assistant coach Corliss Williamson and teammates Carl Landry before being escorted off the floor.
Cousins has 15 technicals for the season and is one more he will be suspended by the league for one game.
"He is a work in progress. No one said he is a finished product by any means. He's making the effort to get better. Tonight he let his emotions get the best of him and we just have to get back on track," head coach Michael Malone said following the loss.
Cousins finished the game with 16 points and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes before the ejection.
Rudy Gay scored 25 points for the Kings and rookie Ben McLemore added 15 in his 38 minutes of playing time.
Sacramento was trying to win three consecutive games for the second time all season. Instead, James Harden scored a season-high of 43 points hitting 6 for 9 behind the arc.
Early Tuesday morning news broke that Sacramento and Jimmer Fredette are finalizing a deal to buyout his contract.
He was at the Kings shootaround later that afternoon, but was not at Sleep Train Arena for the game Tuesday night.
"His three years here have not gone the way he hoped. I have a lot of respect for him as a man and how he's carried himself through some difficult times," Malone said before the game.
The Kings will be in Los Angeles Friday taking on the last place team in the Western Conference, the Lakers.
Analysis:
DeMarcus Cousins will most likely be fined by the league for his actions toward the official after being ejected Tuesday night.
The Kings are a better team with Cousins on the floor and there have been drastic strides of improvements from the young star. He is too important to the team and needs to find the strength to not get in his own head. The Kings are 0-8 when Cousins does not play.
He issued an apology on his twitter after the game:
"Disappointed with the way I acted out on the court tonight. I want to apologize and say sorry to my team and the fans for letting them down"
The fact is he swallowed his pride and realized he had a made a big mistake.
You can hear Morgan with Deuce & J-Ross from 12-3 p.m. on KHTK. Follow her on Twitter: @momoragan
