Kings Win First Game Of 2009, Upset Mavericks 102-95

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

Having lost 11 of their past 12 games must have certainly made the Sacramento Kings unhappy campers as they still are a team in search of an identity. Be that as it may, they had a game to play Sunday night at Arco Arena; fortunately for the Kings, Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was “held” to 15 points. But Francisco Garcia scored 7 points late in the fourth quarter, which helped Sacramento defeat Dallas 102-95.

Both teams were playing close during the first quarter as the Kings took a 2-point lead into the second period; the Mavericks outscored the Kings 28-20 as they took a 55-49 advantage into their locker room. Things got a little better for Sacramento in the fourth quarter; trailing 78-77, they went on a 17-4 run, which sealed the deal for the Kings.

Sacramento was led by Kevin Martin with 21 points (including 3 treys), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals but committing 5 turnovers while Garcia added 17 with 4 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a blocked shot; Beno Udrih chipped in 16 with 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Dallas was led by Jason Terry with 33 points, a rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals while Nowitzki added 15 with 8 rebounds and 2 steals. Sacramento (9-29) plays again on Tuesday when they host the Orlando Magic while Dallas (22-15) travels to Denver to take on the Nuggets – also on Tuesday.

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