Fun times and definitely some nail-biting in this one. A really entertaining game between a strong team in the East and a rising team in the West. Both teams delivered. The 76ers were without JJ Redick and Wilson Chandler for this game, but the Kings played 48 great minutes against a playoff team and earned a victory over the 76ers. There were multiple occasions where the Kings held double-digit leads and they held onto them until the fourth quarter when Philly took a lead. Then the Cardiac Kings battled it out and came up with a big victory to kick off February.

It was a very exciting first quarter for Sacramento. They led 32-26 after one but did hold a 28-15 lead at one point with the “Young Superteam” lineup. It was 15-15, but a 13-0 run made it open. While Ben Simmons racked up eight points on a mini dunk show, Buddy Hield was on fire. He was shooting a nice 6-9 from the field and 3-5 from three for a total of 15 points. The bigs of Willie Cauley-Stein, Marvin Bagley and Harry Giles all showed good energy, with Giles showing off his handles as well. Sloppy basketball by the Kings allowed Philadelphia to regain the lead.

The second quarter ended really well for the Kings, going on a 14-5 run and leading the 76ers 62-52. Joel Embiid already had 17 points and nine rebounds at the end of the half, but he was also 7-8 from the line. He was 5-12 from the field. Simmons scored three points in the quarter while Jimmy Butler had 11 points on 5-6 shooting. For the Kings, Hield only scored two points in the second, taking his total to 17. De’Aaron Fox put 12 points on the board with five assists and three steals as a free safety out there. Marvin Bagley had six points and seven rebounds off the bench, though he was 3-10 from the field. Bogdan Bogdanovic also didn’t have shots falling, shooting 2-8 overall and 1-5 from three.

The third quarter went to the 76ers who outscored the Kings 27-24, but still trailed 86-79 at the buzzer. Embiid had a 27 point, 14 rebound double-double along with four blocks. Simmons had 19 points and seven rebounds. Butler stayed with 11. Hield went up to 25 points and Cauley-Stein had 12 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals on 6-6 shooting. Willie also dunked on Embiid with two hands. Fox had 17 points and was 8-9 from the free-throw line along with six assists. Sacramento was a rough 9-27 from deep.

What an intense fourth quarter it was. Each team scored 29 points as the Kings held on strong even though Butler caught fire from three to keep it close. The 76ers did take a lead midway of the quarter and we were in a little back and forth duel until a Hield three gave light for a Kings win. Kings are now 27-25 on the season!

Best Players

Buddy Hield led all scorers with 34 points on 12-21 shooting overall, 7-13 from three. He also added six rebounds (a big one in the final seconds), three assists and a steal. Future All-Star in the making.

De’Aaron Fox was off with his shot (5-14) but was 8-9 from the charity stripe to finish with 19 points to go along with eight assists, three rebounds and three steals.

Marvin Bagley had his second straight double-double off the bench. Bagley finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds in 33 minutes. He was 7-16 from the field as well.

Willie Money Watch

I do realize I forgot this section in the previous recap, but Willie was absolutely phenomenal today. Guarding Embiid and facing him on offense are two extremely difficult things to succeed in, but he held his own on both ends. He was 8-9 from the field along with nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Notable Stats

Sacramento was really efficient from the line tonight, going 20-24 (83%)

Sacramento won the rebound battle 50-46 and the assist battle 22-19. Each team had nine steals.

The 76ers had more fast break points at 18-14 and more points in the paint at 62-52.

The Game in One Sentence

The 76ers beat the Golden State Warriors in Oracle a few days ago, but they couldn’t defeat the Kings in their first matchup this season.

Next Game

The home stretch continues against the San Antonio Spurs this Monday at 7:00 PM PST. The Spurs will be coming off a close win against the New Orleans Pelicans.