Thomas With Big Fourth In Kings Loss
By: Morgan Ragan
The Oklahoma City Thunder got their eighth-straight victory over the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night at Sleep Train Arena.
Sacramento drop its fifth straight ball game 97-95 to Oklahoma City but head coach Michael Malone said after that game that he was impressed with his team's effort without the services of the injured DeMarcus Cousins against one of the league's toughest teams.
Oklahoma City took control with an 18-0 run in the 2nd half and Sacramento was down by many as 17 points in the fourth quarter.
The Kings rallied in the fourth quarter behind guard Isaiah Thomas who scored 21 of his 24 points in the final period.
"That's who he needs to be. I just told him prior to that quarter he was trying to be a very passive, playmaking point guard and that's not who he is and who he's ever been," Malone said.
Thomas missed a 14-footer in the final seconds that would have forced overtime.
"I think Isaiah's performance in the fourth quarter is the Isaiah Thomas that you have all grown a custom to see," Malone said following the loss.
Thomas outscored the entire Thunder team 21-19 in the fourth quarter.
Cousins, who missed the game with a sprained right ankle, is expected to play on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers as the Kings conclude a four-game homestand.
You can hear Morgan with Deuce & J-Ross from 12-3 p.m. on KHTK. Follow her on Twitter: @momoragan
