PHOTO/Getty Images-Rocky Widner
The Thunder got off to a good start against the Kings in Sacramento leading by as many as 14 but OKC struggled with some mental lapses late in the 3rd quarter and a sluggish offense in the 4th leading to a disappointing 94-93 loss.
Form OU star Buddy Hield got hot in the second half and finished with a game high 23 points. He hit five 3s. OKC forward Abdel Nader started last night in place of Terrance Ferguson who's dealing with a bruised hip. Nader took full advantage also hitting five 3s to finish with 15 points.
The Thunder had six players in double figures but none scored more than Dennis Schroder's 17 points. Steven Adams had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He also added four assists and a couple of blocked shots.
As bad as the Thunder looked at times coming down the stretch they still led by a basket with less than :30 seconds to go. OKC doubled up Hield but Buddy Buckets found Bogdan Bogdanovich who side stepped Schroder's block attempt to nail a three for a 94-93 lead with :17 second left. Chris Paul then missed a step back jumper in the closing seconds.
The Thunder will play at Denver Saturday night before returning to OKC to begin a five game home stand Monday night against Chicago.