By the Associated Press
ATLANTA — Once Bogdan Bogdanovic and the Sacramento Kings started making 3-pointers, and they didn’t stop.
That’s just what coach Luke Walton wants to see.
Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic shoots as Atlanta Hawks guard DeAndre’ Bembry (95) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, in Atlanta. (AP Photo / John Amis)
Bogdanovic scored 20 points and hit two of his 3-pointers in a key fourth-quarter flurry and the Sacramento Kings fought off Atlanta’s comeback attempt to beat the Hawks 121-109 on Friday night.
Sacramento led by 21 points in the second period before Trae Young, who had 30 points, led Atlanta’s second-half comeback. The Hawks cut the Kings’ lead to one point, 94-93, before Sacramento answered with a string of five 3-pointers, including the two by Bogdanovic.
The Kings made 18 of 31 3-pointers for the game.
“We have really good shooters on our team,” Walton said. “We know that. … When our guys are open we want them letting it fly.”
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 22 points. De’Aaron Fox had 17 with nine assists.
Young scored 16 points in the third quarter, when the Hawks whittled away at the Kings’ lead.
Atlanta’s comeback carried into the fourth quarter. Young’s steal set up a layup by Cam Reddish, leaving Sacramento’s lead one point.
Bogdanovic then sparked the Kings’ flurry of 3-pointers that ended Atlanta’s comeback.
“I think we had to fight too much to get back in the game, and that’s something we’ve got to get better at,” Young said.
After opening the season with five straight losses, the Kings have won three of four. Hield said strong shooting has led the recovery.
“Guys are shooting the ball and making shots at a high clip,” Hield said.
Sacramento led 63-47 at halftime. The Kings’ big first-half lead was 21 points, 59-38.
Young had only eight points in the first half but scored Atlanta’s first three baskets after the break.
“I was mad at the way I played,” Young said of his quiet first half. “I wanted to come out and make a difference.”
Jabari Parker had 25 points and eight rebounds for Atlanta.
Young’s 3-pointer trimmed the Kings’ lead to 68-54.
Sacramento led 72-54 before Atlanta’s 12-0 run, capped by Damian Jones’ jam on a pass from Young, cut the lead to six points.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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