It’s an old story in Sacramento. Fall behind big early. Fight to get back in the game. Stumble down the stretch. We’ve seen it time and time again like a tape put on loop.
The formula played out again Monday night at Golden 1 Center. Fresh off a tremendous victory over the Golden State Warriors, the Kings came out flat against the Chicago Bulls and trailed by as many as 27. They recovered late, tying the game in the final minute, but the damage was done as they fell by a final of 112-107.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade abused the Kings’ guards, turning back the clock for 31 points on 12-for-18 shooting. Arron Afflalo will see Wade’s fallaway jumper in his nightmares when his head hits the pillow after this one.
Michael Carter-Williams came up huge for Chicago. The fourth-year vet scored all 15 of his 21 points in the first half as the Bulls built their big lead.
Robin Lopez added 17 points and six rebounds. Taj Gibson chipped in 13 points before fouling out late and Jerian Grant dropped in 13 points as the Bulls improved to 26-26 on the season.
Ty Lawson added a much needed spark for the Kings. The pint-sized point guard attacked the Bulls and set up his teammates. He finished the night with 22 points and seven assists, but his impact went well beyond the numbers.
NBA
Demarcus Cousins dropped 42 points and 14 rebounds the last time these two teams met. No such luck on Monday night. Sacramento’s All-Star big struggled to get his footing, scoring just 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. He picked up his second technical of the night in the waning moments of the game, giving him on the season.
Matt Barnes scored 19 points, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out five assists off Dave Joerger’s bench.
Darren Collison added 14 points and five assists, while Kosta Koufos finished with 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting.
STANDOUT PERFORMER
Wade was spectacular in his 27 minutes of action. He may not be the say player he once was, but he can still hit the fallaway jumper and come up with the clutch basket.
TURNING POINT
This game looked was over in the first quarter. Sacramento made a late run, but Wade knocked down a jumper late to give the Bulls a lead late. His steal on the inbounds sealed the deal.
INJURY UPDATE
Garrett Temple (torn left hamstring) and Omri Casspi (right a plantaris tendon strain) are both out until after the All-Star break. Rudy Gay is out for the season with a torn left Achilles.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Kings continue their six-game homestand Wednesday when Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics roll into town.