What we learned in Kings' road win over struggling Spurs

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The Kings are rolling.

Needing a win in San Antonio to close the gap in the chase for the playoffs, the Kings (22-25) were the aggressors Monday night and the Spurs (23-21) had no answer. Led by a balanced attack and some big time 3-point shooting, Sacramento picked up a rare 132-115 win at AT&T Center.

Seven players scored in double-figures for the Kings, including another solid performance by De’Aaron Fox, who took home his second Western Conference Player of the Week award earlier in the day.

DeJounte Murray smoked the Kings for 21 of his 23 points in the first half. DeMar DeRozan went at the Kings in the third quarter to finish with 17 points and Jakob Poeltl dropped a 17-point, 11-rebound, three-block performance for the Spurs.

Here are three takeaways from the Kings' fifth straight win.

It’s raining 3s

The Kings couldn’t buy a 3-pointer Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They hit 7-for-30 from deep, which could have led to their demise.

The outcome was a little different in San Antonio. Seven Kings players knocked in a long ball as the Kings shot 18-for-36 from behind the arc.

Buddy Hield led the way with 5-of-9 shooting from distance. The Kings outscored the Spurs 54-30 from distance, which is nearly impossible for any team to overcome.

Man in the middle

Richaun Holmes’ big season continued against the Spurs. The Kings’ starting center put up his 19th double-double of the season, torching San Antonio for 20 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal.

Holmes is a perfect fit with the club. He plays with an energy and spirit that you just don’t often find.

RELATED: Fox wins second Western Conference Player of the Week award

The Bench

Kings general manager Monte McNair focused on building his bench at the trade deadline, adding Moe Harkless, Terence Davis and Delon Wright to the squad. Against the Spurs, all three made an impact, as did Chimezie Metu.

After going scoreless in his first game as a King, Harkless got it going early. He hit San Antonio for eight of his 13 points in the first half and was active on defense.

Wright stepped in early when Fox picked up a second foul in the first four minutes. Like Harkless, he was active on the defensive end. He scored just two points, but dished out five assists and grabbed four rebounds.

Davis dribbled the ball too much, but he got it going in the fourth, scoring 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting.

Metu was aggressive looking for his shot against his former team, finishing with five points and two rebounds in 13:23.

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