Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives past Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (left) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center at Sacramento on Tue Mar 21, 2023 (AP News photo)
By Jeremiah Salmonson
SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings(43-29) were back in action on Tuesday night. The Kings last played on Monday night when they took on the Utah Jazz in Utah. The Kings played an abysmal first quarter in the game against the Jazz that ultimately led to the loss.
The Kings first quarter was the worst of the season as they lost to the Jazz. It was a critical loss for the Kings, who were slated for a back-to-back against the Boston Celtics (50-23). On Tuesday, the Kings looked to defeat the Celtics on the second night of the back-to-back. Unfortunately, the Kings lost the game 132-109.
In the first quarter of the game, the Kings and Celtics were firing on all cylinders. The first quarter was a solid mix of good defense and solid shot-making. Overall, it was a great quarter of basketball for both teams. The Kings outscored the Celtics in the first quarter 32-30. Domantas Sabonis led the way with nine first-quarter points as Jayson Tatum dropped 15.
In the second quarter, it was a different story. The Celtics outplayed the Kings in the second quarter as they roared back to take the lead. The Celtics outscored the Kings in the second quarter 30-22; at the Kings, the offense disappeared in the quarter, and the defense couldn’t pick up the slack. The Kings would be down going into halftime, 60-54. However, the Celtics appeared to be picking up momentum, and it would be challenging for the Kings to stop them in the second half.
The third quarter did not go according to plan for the Kings. The third quarter was even worse for the Kings than the second. The King’s defense couldn’t keep pace with the power of the Celtics offense. The Celtics put up a massive 40 points in the third quarter to take a commanding lead over the Kings going into the fourth quarter. Jayson Tatum had 29 points through three-quarters of play as he led the Celtics. The Kings entered the final quarter down 100-85.
In the fourth quarter, ts battled early, but it was a hopeless venture. The better team won the game. The Celtics offense and defense were too dominant for the Kings to handle as the Kings lost the game 132-109. The Kings melted down in the game, unable to score or hold the Celtics down either. In the win, Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 36 points. De’Aaron Fox led the way for the Kings with 18 points in the game. The Kings will look to avoid a three-game skid in their next game.
Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on Phoenix Suns on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. It will be the first night of a back-to-back.
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