It's hard to count any loss as a moral victory, but Sacramento played with much improved effort, especially on the defensive end. Dallas shot just 40.4% from the field, and Nowitzki struggled all game long, finishing with 15 points on 5-17 shooting.

After the debacle in Oakland on Friday (this being the last time that contest ever needs to be discussed), it was excellent to see the Kings rebound with energy. The team struggled to maintain a consistent offensive production, but Sacramento held their own for most of the game against a very solid and deep Dallas team. Given that the Mavericks were playing for a Playoff birth while Sacramento played for nothing but pride, the outcome wasn't a real disappointment.

Still, there were concerning signs for the Kings. While Gay and Cousins combined for 60 points, players not named Gay or Cousins shot just 12-35 from the field, or 34%. The Kings also failed to zone out on three point shooters in the fourth quarter; the Mavericks scored four straight threes, capped off by a Monta Ellis bomb with 3:04 to play that put Dallas up 87-82.

For the opposing perspective, visit Mavs Moneyball.