SACRAMENTO -- The Sacramento Kings shook off their opening night hangover and throttled the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers by a final of 132-114 Friday night at Sleep Train Arena.
Rajon Rondo turned back the clock, scoring 21 points (9-for-13) and handing out eight assists in 24 minutes of action. The veteran point guard broke down the Lakers defense countless times and either laid it in for an easy bucket or handed it off to an open teammate.
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DeMarcus Cousins notched his second straight double-double to start the season, finishing with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Rookie Willie Cauley-Stein picked up his first NBA start and didn’t disappoint. The Kentucky product scored 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked three shots in 30 minutes of action.
In a complete team effort, six Kings scored in double-figures, including Omri Casspi who dropped in 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
Jordan Clarkson led the Lakers with 22 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Nick Young added 17 off the bench and Bryant chipped in 13 on 1-of-8 shooting from behind the arc.
STANDOUT PERFORMER
NBA
The Kings took a beating in the national media when they signed Rondo to a one-year, $9.5 million deal this summer. After Wednesday’s loss to the Clippers, the murmurs began to pick up some steam. Friday night against the Lakers, Rondo quieted plenty with a huge 21 point, eight assists game against rookie D’Angelo Russell. The rumors of Rondo’s demise were put on hold, at least for one game.
TURNING POINT
Sacramento came out ready to roll in this game, outscoring the Lakers 40-24 in the game’s first 12 minutes. The Kings led by as many as 26 and never trailed after the first minute-and-a-half of the first quarter.
INJURY UPDATE
Cousins and Gay both took some hard shots in this game, but the Kings continue to move forward injury free.
WHAT'S NEXT
The Kings travel to Los Angeles seeking revenge. They face off against the Clippers who spoiled the team’s opener on Wednesday night by a final of 111-104. There is bad blood brewing between these two teams making this must-see TV Saturday on Comcast SportsNet California at 7:30 p.m. and streaming with Live Extra.