Clippers Don’t Stall Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings recovered just in time to keep their slim playoff lead intact.

Mitch Richmond scored 26 of his 30 points in the second half Sunday night as the Kings maintained their hold on the final playoff spot with a 101-96 victory over the Clippers.

Richmond, who averaged only 12 points in his previous three games, scored four points in the first half before getting 17 in the third quarter as the Kings overcame an eight-point halftime deficit.

After the Clippers took a 90-89 lead, Richmond made three consecutive free throws to put the Kings ahead for good.

The Clippers closed to 94-92 before Lionel Simmons made four of the Kings’ six free throws in the final minute to seal the victory.

Sacramento shot 38% from the field in the first half and turned the ball over 12 times.

“I think the first half was the ugliest basketball we ever played,” Richmond said. “In the second half, we regrouped, we came back aggressive, and that’s what got the win for us tonight.”

The Kings (36-42) entered the game with a two-game lead over Denver, and a 1 1/2-game cushion over Golden State for the eighth playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Sacramento plays at Denver tonight.

Loy Vaught scored 18 points and rookie Brent Barry added 17 for the Clippers.