Kings Beat Maccabi Haifa 135-96

(photo credit: Sacramento Kings/Twitter)

The Sacramento Kings won their first game of the preseason Monday evening at the Golden One Center against Maccabi Haifa 135-96. The Kings showed they could dominate inferior competition, but it was a great opportunity to see what some of the newest players on the roster were capable of.

Their newest addition at point guard, Ty Lawson had a near triple double with 13 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Sacramento's two draft picks showed promise as well. Former Kentucky big man Skal Labissierre finished with 10 points and Syracuse standout Malachi Richardson chipped in nine as well. Ben Mclemore also had a game-high 18 points off the bench.

When you talk Kings basketball, the conversation always goes back to Cousins. Boogie was just too physically dominant for Maccabi Haifa's undersized front court to stand a chance. The Kings star had 14 points in 17 minutes of play but also had five fouls. If the Kings are to make a serious push for the playoffs after such a long drought, it is essential Cousins controls his himself in the paint.

Sacramento's new head coach, Dave Joerger, has plenty of new pieces to use this year as he tries to do the impossible and rebuild the culture in Sacramento. The Kings were never in danger of losing in this game and were up by as many as 46 points. They continue their preseason Thursday, Oct. 13 against the Lakers.