CLEVELAND (AP) — Arron Afflalo dropped a 3-pointer with 17.3 seconds left in overtime, lifting the Sacramento Kings to a 116-112 win Wednesday night over the slumping Cavaliers, who lost for the sixth time in eight games amid criticism by LeBron James.
DeMarcus Cousins had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings, who trailed by five in overtime before battling back. Darren Collison added 23 points for Sacramento.
After Afflalo’s 3, James missed a deep 3-point attempt for the Cavs, who were then forced to foul Cousins. Sacramento’s big man dropped one of two to put away the reeling NBA champions.
James finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, and Kevin Love had 21 points and 16 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough.
This was the Cavs’ first game since James called the team’s roster “top heavy” and questioned whether the organization was fully committed to winning a second title.
Coach Tyronn Lue says the team has met with James and discussed the postgame rant.
James was critical of Cleveland’s front office following Monday night’s loss in New Orleans. The Pelicans handed the defending NBA champions their fifth loss in seven games despite playing without star Anthony Davis.
Afterward, James said the Cavs’ roster was “top heavy” and that he wasn’t sure the organization was fully committed to defending its title. James insisted he wasn’t criticizing general manager David Griffin or any of his teammates but reiterated that the team needs to add a playmaker.
Lue said the team discussed James’ comments before Wednesday’s shootaround and that James met with Griffin.
Lue said: “We have enough on this team to win a championship.” He said James understood the team’s position on the matter and “we’re going to move on.”