LOS ANGELES -- Unfazed by the debut of opposing slotman Dwight Howard, the Sacramento Kings rallied to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, 99-92, Sunday night in the continuation of the NBA preseason schedule at the Staples Center here in downtown Los Angeles.
Howard had an impressive 19 points and 12 rebounds but it all went for naught as the Kings unleashed a 53-35 second half blitz to notch their fourth win in five preseason games. The Lakers fell to 0-6.
Center DeMarcus Cousins and shifty guard Aaron Brooks each had 16 points for the Kings, who struggled with only 35 of 86 field goals made (f40.7 percent). But the chargers from California's state capital sank eight of 24 threes and converted all 21 of their free throws. The Lakers shot much better -- 33-of-67 (49.3 percent) -- but they fumbled their way to 22 turnovers and L.A. missed a mind-boggling ten free throws.
The Lakers conquered the rebonding battle, 41-38. They also had more assists, 22-13. The Kings, however, were steadier in the clutch and stole the outcome as Kobe Bryant missed a 3 in the final 11.3 seconds. Bryant's wayward attempt led to two Marcus Thornton free throws that pushed Sacramento ahead for good, 97-92.
Bryant finished with another fine effort -- 21 points, five revbounds and three assists. Point guard Steve Nash, another newly-acquired Laker, played for 32 minutes and had a so-so six points, five rebounds and five assists. Pau Gasol, the center of many offseason trade rumors, turned in 14 points and eight rebounds while Metta World Peace, formerly Ron Artest, chipped in 14 points.
The Lakers gun for their elusive first preseason triumph on Wednesday night, October, 24, against the rival Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center. The confident Kings, meanwhile, travel to Phoenix Monday night, October 22, where they will tangle with the Suns at the U.S. Airways Arena. (Jose Roberto Meza)
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