Today's game against the Suns had a start time of 6pm so I got to the arena pretty early. The past few days have brought a bit of rain to the area. I took this shot because getting to the arena at this time and seeing rain this weekend are both rare things. Notice how dark the clouds are!
My friend Dave had some things to do last minute so I had to find some people to come to this game. I contacted my friend Taro and he was able to find people to sit in for Dave. It was great fun to talk with them and get to know them a bit before all the game action began.
DeMarcus Cousins received his NBA All-Star jersey in a pre-game ceremony at center court. The fans have desperately wanted DMC to represent that team at the game, and it's great that he gets to do so.
The Kings have really struggled as of late, but being great fans, the people of Sacramento still came out to the arena to see the Kings take on Isaiah Thomas and the Suns. IT has had a few chances to play against the Kings already, but it's always weird to see him in another team's colors.
The Kings were missing both Rudy Gay and Darren Collison to injury. Ramon Sessions filled in for Darren at starting point guard. Sessions has struggled in his time with Sacramento, but he did a nice job tonight as Collison's replacement.
The Suns were without scoring threat Eric Bledsoe, who usually starts for them. Isaiah got the nod to crack the top five. As he has done every time he has faced his old team, he was on fire!
Good thing we had our own big star to keep us going strong. Cousins would not let the team go down tonight. The Kings had a lead for much of the game, but let the Suns catch up with very little time left in the fourth.
It looked like it was going to be one of those games again. DeMarcus received some questionable fouls late, but rather than being completely upset, he took the attitude of smiling them off.
Of course, Kings fans didn't let the team down. They cheered hard and proud for the Kings as the time dwindled down. The fans as a collective unit boosted the intensity of the game. For a team with a pretty poor record, there were lots of fans in the seats.
In the closing seconds with a tie game, the Kings inbounded the ball to Big Cuz. He took this very difficult fade away jumper to try to win the game. And he succeeded. The crowd went absolutely bonkers.
After bouncing around the rim for what seemed like an eternity, the ball fell through the hoop after time expired. DeMarcus ran down to his teammates and celebrated. I got up from my spot on the floor and captured this moment. I really love this shot. Some may not like the fact that I caught a part of Scott Fresh's leg in the frame, but I think it's very appropriate there. Everyone was jumping for joy at that point!
It was an amazing atmosphere to be a part of. There really isn't much that can top a last second winning basket at home. Free tacos for all in attendance!
After the game PA announcer Scott Moak took some time to do an on-court interview with Ray McCallum. Ben McClemore also was selected to talk in an interview at the scorers table. It's great to see the two sophomores get some time in the limelight.
Slamson took camera man Dave's camera and chose to reverse roles as the Kings personalities wished everyone a good night. I thought it was a fun moment! Rarely do you see the hard working people behind the cameras. They do a great job each and every game. Shout out to them!
It'll be a while before the Kings are back at Sleep Train for another game. They go on the road and then we hit the All-Star Break. I'll try to hit up some Kings viewing parties in the area to get my Kings fix on. Hope to see you join some of those! Check out the Kings Facebook page under events if you're interested.
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