I had a recap written for this game. With 5:27 remaining in the 4th quarter, the Sacramento Kings trailed the New Orleans Pelicans 94-87. Based on how the Kings had been playing, it felt safe to begin writing. I wrote about growing pains, and how the Kings never really found their rhythm tonight. But the Kings rewrote the narrative, pushing the game to overtime, and winning by a final score of 116-109. 

Zach Randolph was huge for the Kings. He finished with a season-high 35 points on 22 shots, with 13 rebounds. He was 5-9 from beyond the arc, hitting huge threes down the stretch. We've seen Z-Bo put on post displays against DeMarcus Cousins in previous years, but it was a lot more fun on the other side of it. 

De'Aaron Fox started slow, and looked downright hesitant throughout the first half, but bounced back in the second half and finished with 14 points and four assists. Dave Joerger played Fox with Frank Mason in overtime, and it worked quite well. I wouldn't mind seeing more of that pairing. Mason continued to be a reliable presence for the Kings, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. 

Buddy Hield also finished with double digit scoring, chipping in 18 points and seven rebounds, but he made a few careless mistakes down the stretch that nearly cost the  Kings. 

The biggest surprise of the night was Georgios Papagiannis. Papa G had 6 points, 3 rebound and a block in just over 9 minutes of playing time, but what the stats don't tell you is that he actually looked like he belonged on an NBA court. His footwork was better, he seemed less lumbering, and it was a really pleasant surprise. Of course, few teams are as ideal a matchup as New Orleans with their more traditional pair of big men. 

Overall, this was a pretty ugly game that turned out great. There's a reason they play all four quarters, if I may channel my inner Jerry Reynolds. 

The Kings now return to Sacramento to face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.