Spida praises Keegan, ‘hungry' Kings after win over Cavs

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Across six seasons in the NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers star guard Donovan Mitchell has played 15 career games against the Kings.

But in Sacramento's 127-120 victory over Cleveland on Wednesday night, Mitchell noticed something different about the team in purple.

"They just look hungry," Mitchell said after the game. "Not to say they didn't before, but they look like they have a hunger about them collectively. They've got the pieces. 

"[De'Aaron] Fox has been doing this since our rookie year. But you add [Domantas] Sabonis -- you have a veteran who does it all in Harrison Barnes. Keegan Murray is finding his way. Kevin Huerter, who can shoot. Davion [Mitchell], obviously with what he does. Malik [Monk] -- you look down the line and you've got guys playing for each other, and that's great to see out of them.

"After seeing them so many times, in preseason and whatnot, I would say this is one of the first times where I see this group and [you can] see where they want to go."

The Kings featured a balanced attack at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night with seven different players in double figures. Sabonis led all scorers with 21, Barnes was one rebound away from a double-double and Trey Lyles racked up a season-high 16 points.

Murray, who had been shooting 25 percent from deep over the last four games, tallied 14 points and nailed four treys.

"It's not always going to be sunshine and rainbows coming into the league," Mitchell said of the rookie Murray. "... When you come into a situation where you're the dominant guy in college, the dominant ball handler, to come into a situation and [you need to] find your niche.

"He played pretty well tonight. He took the challenge to try to guard me tonight, and I respect that. When he gets unlocked and gets more NBA experience, it's going to take this team to a higher level."

Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff, in his third full season leading the Cleveland bench, was also complimentary towards the Kings on Wednesday night.

RELATED: Barnes, young Kings flash resiliency in huge win vs. Cavaliers

"They're a fiesty team," Bickerstaff said. "I've watched them play a bunch. ... You can tell this team is gelled and together.

"They want to go out and compete and be good together."

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