The second half began with the starters roaring back. Beginning to match the physicality the Thunder showed in the first half, the Kings ramped up the defensive intensity, getting their hands in passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and getting out in transition. One particular fun fast break led to Gay romping over a hapless Ish Smith on a spectacular poster dunk. The Kings sliced the deficit down to only two heading into the fourth quarter.

After a magical start to the season, it felt like the Kings would never lose. A 5-1 start against tough competition had the team and its fans on cloud nine. Unfortunately, this is the NBA, and no team is ever going to go 81-1. There will be nights such as this where the team doesn't have it in them to win. It doesn't mean that the team is back to the doldrums, but it does present a unique situation for the team to respond after a deflating loss against an undermanned club. On with the marathon.

For the opponent's perspective, visit Welcome to Loud City