Bogdan Bogdanovic Game Winner Cements Another Sacramento Kings Comeback

by Matt George 

Redemption for 2002. Redemption for the Robert Horry shot. Redemption for Mike Bibby’s bloody nose. Redemption for a poor Sacramento Kings overall performance. Bogdan Bogdanovic might as well be a Sacramento hero for eternity, after he hit an incredible step-back three over Tyson Chandler to complete a 15-point comeback win, 117-116.

BOGI CALLED GAME! 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/E5GxrKJF2A

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) December 28, 2018

“I believe nothing comes with luck. Everything comes with dedication. I practice that shot…” said Bogdanovic, “…I have made shots like this in Europe. I always take it. One for history let’s say”.

One shot erased what was a very disappointing game overall for the Kings, who starting the night a perfect six of six from the field. They built a 12 point lead early, only to have it evaporate with a Laker run heading into the 2nd quarter. From that point on Los Angeles was in control, feeding off of a 33-point showcase from Kyle Kuzma, 22 points from Brandon Ingram, and an impressive 20 point, 12 assist performance from Lonzo Ball.

“Well we keep things interesting. We feel like we are never out of a game,” said Kings head coach Dave Joerger. “Heck of a win. One that didn’t look so good for a while.”

Indeed, the Kings looked out-matched for most of the game, their limited offensive spurts kept in check by the Lakers’ solid defense and consistent offensive execution. It was another rough shooting night for the Kings from deep, going 10 of 29 from 3-point range. Iman Shumpert provided six of those threes, keeping Sacramento in the game.

Joerger was quick to throw out praise in every direction; “When we play with structure, (Bogi) is at his best. Down the stretch Fox has a high IQ. Shumpert played his guts out. Bogi gets the fame for tonight but Shump gets the game ball”.

The atmosphere in the Golden 1 Center was once again electric, with Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers fans filling the seats for another sellout. Laker fans were riding high, the arena echoing with “Let’s go Lakers” chants until the final few minutes. But the Kings faithful got the last laugh, an explosion that rocked the building down to it’s core.

“There were too many Laker fans. We definitely feed off that energy” said De’Aaron Fox.

Legendary Kings radio voice Gary Gerould captured the moment brilliantly, courtesy of Dave “Deuce” Mason:

"Pandemonium at @Golden1Center! Look at the sea of arms upraised!"

Enjoy @LeaderOfHorde game-winner as called by the legendary @ggerould. pic.twitter.com/nSW5l858KP

— Deuce Mason (@DeuceMason) December 28, 2018

The Kings have the next two days off before yet another meeting with the Lakers, this time in Los Angeles on Sunday. Sacramento, now 19-16, sit firmly in the 8th spot in the Western Conference.

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