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It's weird, and slightly sad (I say slightly because I'm cautiously optimistic about our chances of staying), to think that this game might have been the last win in Sacramento Kings history.
If it was, it was thorough a victory as any during these past 28 years. The Kings put the pedal to the metal early and never looked back thanks to some big performances from the likes of John Salmons, Jason Thompson and former Hornet Marcus Thornton. All three players scored at least 20 points, led by Salmons 22. Together they combined for an incredible 23 of 35 from the field (or 65.7%). Considering that quite a few of those points came from the perimeter, that's impressive.
The Kings almost surpassed their season-high for Field Goal Percentage, which is 55.6%. But thanks to a lackluster fourth quarter (which was glorified garbage time), Sacramento finished with just 55.3% shooting and 50.0% from three. Sacramento also had 26 assists, led by 6 from Toney Douglas. Douglas also was an absolute pest on the defensive end, finishing with 3 steals.
The Hornets also featured 3 scorers with at least 20 points, led by Eric Gordon's 23. However, the Hornets turned the ball over 17 times to just 12 for Sacramento, and shot just 6-18 from three point range. A huge fourth quarter of garbage time made the game appear closer than it actually was, as Sacramento had led by as much as 30 points in the 3rd quarter.
Hornets Power Forward and recent #1 Draft Pick Anthony Davis suffered a left knee injury during a collision with Marcus Thornton late in the fourth quarter. Davis was slow to get up, but he was able to walk off the court to the locker room with little assistance.
The Kings now have just one home game remaining: next Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers in the season finale. Between then, they will go on a brutal three game road trip visiting San Antonio on Friday with Houston and Oklahoma City coming up next. All three teams are fighting for playoff positioning.
For the opponent's perspective, visit At The Hive.