In a game that seemed prime for a KANGZ moment, Sacramento saw the talent disparity between themselves and the Mavericks, developed a comfortable second half lead, and… never KANGZed it up.
Starting against the likes of Salah Mejri and Dorian Finney-Smith, DeMarcus Cousins and Sacramento (8-13) took advantage of Dallas’ lack of size (and talent) in the post; Cousins finished with a team high 24 points to go with 14 rebounds and seven assists, and the Kings scored 68 points in the paint (41 in the first half). Rudy Gay had an efficient game at both ends of the court, outmuscling the Dallas small-ball lineup for 19 points and four steals, while Garret Temple continued to be the Kings best shooting guard (and arguably best guard) with 17 points and three assists on 5-6 shooting (4-4 from three).