A back and forth first quarter fueled by a slew of runs from both sides saw the Kings up 27-24 after one. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with eight points while the Celtics had six first-quarter turnovers.
The Kings’ offense peaked in the second quarter as they scored 33 points to the Celtics’ 28. The Kings looked like they could break the game open as they ran up a 44-36 lead midway through the second. Sacramento was able to end the half up 60-52 despite the Celtics shooting 62% while the Kings shot 53% from the floor. Buddy Hield led Sacramento with 14 points and three rebounds and Willie Cauley-Stein did a little bit of everything chipping in eight points, four rebounds, and four assists.