After a well-played first half, Sacramento scored just 16 points in the third quarter, leading to a 12-point deficit heading into the final frame. It was in the fourth that Sactown made its mark, though, recovering from the double-digit differential to take a lead.
Allowing only eight points in the first six-plus minutes of the fourth quarter, Sacramento earned its first lead (85-84) with 5:28 to play.
The Kings increased their lead to seven just two minutes later, pushing the score to 93-86 with 3:05 to go. Then the Thunder made their move, holding the Kings to two points on 1-of-5 from the field.
Four straight points by former NBA MVP Kevin Durant in the final moments gave OKC a lead it wouldn’t relinquish, as Marco Belinelli’s game-tying three-point attempt as time expired fell short.
The Kings return home to face the Utah Jazz at Sleep Train Arena on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
