Third Quarter Proves To Be Difference In Cavaliers’ Loss To Kings

Cleveland allowed 42 points in the third quarter against Sacramento, its most points allowed in a quarter this season.

In the third game of their four-game Western Conference road trip, the Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Sacramento Kings by a final score of 132-120.

While the Cavaliers allowed a season-high 132 points in last night’s defeat, it was the third quarter that ended up making the difference against Cleveland.

Sacramento added to its eight-point halftime lead in a massive way.

In the third quarter, the Kings shot a blistering 16-of-22 (72.7%) from the field as a team, converting eight of their 13 three-point attempts (61.5%) in the period.

Three different Sacramento players scored at least eight points in the quarter. Kevin Huerter, who made all five of his field goal attempts, drained four three-pointers, scoring 14 points in the period.

Nov 13, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (9) controls the ball in front of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1) in the third quarter at the Golden 1 Center / © Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Meanwhile, no Cleveland player scored more than seven points in the third quarter. Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert led the way with seven points apiece, as the Cavaliers shot 10-for-21 (47.6%) from the field and made four of their nine three-point attempts (44.4%) as a team.

The Kings’ 42 points in the third quarter are the most Cleveland has allowed in a period all season.

This exceeded the Cavaliers’ previous mark of 36, which occurred in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers on November 3rd and Oklahoma City Thunder six days ago.

In the game’s other three quarters, Cleveland and Sacramento were fairly even with one another, as the Cavaliers outscored the Kings 91-90. 

The Wine and Gold shot 50.0% from the field and 46.2% from three-point range, while the Kings shot 54.1% and 41.4%, respectively.

Cleveland looks to split its four-game road trip tomorrow night in a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.