Sacramento trailed for most of the contest until a 12-4 run to begin the third gave the Kings a 65-62 lead that they never relinquished. In the final 24 minutes of the contest, Sacramento outscored the Mavericks 58-40 and held Dallas to 34.8% shooting while only committing two turnovers.

In the second half, however, Sacramento turned the game around defensively; Dallas had an inordinate number of missed open/semi-open shots, but the Kings—Rondo, Collison, and Gay included—were also visibly more invested and successful in sealing off the penetration and closing out on open shots. The Mavericks managed just 13 points on 5-22 shooting in the quarter, and never recovered.

For the rival's perspective, check out Mavs Moneyball.

Game Notes: