Sacramento made nine 3-pointers in the first quarter, tying a franchise record dating back to 2003.
The Sacramento Kings cruised past the Charlotte Hornets in historic fashion tonight.
Led by Richaun Holmes’ first 20-20 contest with a monster double-double in 23 points and a career-high 20 rebounds along with Buddy Hield’s 26 points (eight 3-point makes) off the bench in another sharpshooting clinic, the Kings handily beat the Hornets 140-110. Seven players were in double figures tonight breaking Sacramento’s franchise record in 22 made 3-pointers.
Depth was on full display, with Harrison Barnes quietly having 14 points and 10 assists as well as De’Aaron Fox’s near double-double with 21 points and 9 assists. Davion Mitchell was just about perfect from beyond the arc, contributing his own 19 points on 4-5 shooting from deep. Key deliveries from Moe Harkless and Terence Davis and Tyrese Haliburton were also a statement in tonight’s victory.
Sacramento came out early and with authority, pushing the pace against a bouncing Buzz City as the Kings shot 9-15 from beyond the arc in the quarter on a season-high 41 points to end the first frame – the highest number of 3PM in a single frame by Sacramento since the 2002-03 season.
threes
The most Kings 3PM in a quarter since the 2002-03 season. pic.twitter.com/qpJjd3NjUO
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) November 6, 2021
The Kings out performed the Hornets in virtually every category, feasting on the glass with 56 rebounds. Personal fouls (21) and careless turnovers (18) were dangerously high, however, as Sacramento will need to work on improving their defensive guise under the overly-watchful eye of friendly whistles.
When the Hornets were able to cut the lead in half with assistance from a blazing hot Gordon Hayward, the Kings were able to tinker with their ball movement, feed Holmes in the paint and finish the job unscathed. Sacramento continues to build toward closing out fourth quarters without giving the Kingdom a heart attack, but shades of old would have had this team down and out when Charlotte began to build momentum.
The Kings will have an opportunity to win their third straight on Sunday afternoon as they host the Indiana Pacers for the first time this season.