Bench Scoring Proves Huge, Kings Beat Pistons 99-93

Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Martin (23) gets past Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton for a shot in the first half of their game, played Friday night. Martin scored 24 points, leading Sacramento past Detroit 100-93.

Friday’s game between the Sacramento Kings and Detroit Pistons offered some contrasts: the Kings’ bench provided a major offensive boost; on the other hand, the Pistons’ bench could only muster 5 points. The hot bench scoring of the Kings proved to be beneficial as Sacramento defeated the Pistons 99-93 at Detroit.

Detroit, thanks to a combination of the Kings’ zone defense and cold shooting (7-of-21) in the second quarter, would be outscored by Sacramento 33-19; the Kings would go into halftime with a 56-48 lead. Trailing 96-93, the Pistons got a couple good looks at a tying shot but missed both attempts; the Kings’ Mike Bibby made a layup with 18 seconds left in the game, sealing the win for Sacramento.

Sacramento’s leading scorer was Kevin Martin with 24 points and 7 rebounds from off the bench; Ron Artest added 18 from off the bench, while Brad Miller chipped in with 17 with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Bibby scored 16 with 5 boards and 4 assists in 29 minutes from off the bench. Detroit was led by Chauncey Billups who had an excellent - just missing a triple double - effort, scoring 28 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists; Richard Hamilton added 24 while Antonio McDyess recorded a double-double, pouring in 14 and 11 rebounds. Sacramento (16-22) now takes the short journey to Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Pacers Saturday night, while Detroit (29-11) travels to Chicago to face the Bulls - also on Saturday.