Celtics vs. Kings final score: Boston drops third-straight road game, 118-96

Kevin Garnett scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Boston Celtics (14-16) dropped their third-straight game, as they lost to the Sacramento Kings (11-19), 118-96, Sunday from Sleepy Train Arena in Sacramento, CA.

After dropping the first two games of their West Coast, Boston looked to get back on track against the struggling Kings.

Sacramento jumped out to a 16-7 lead early, scoring all of their points within the painted area. Boston settled for jump shots through most of the first quarter and it didn't matter who the Celtics big men were as Sacramento scored at will.

The Celtics found their rhythm, though, as they began attacking the basket behind a hobbled Rajon Rondo and the Boston second unit. Thanks to 14 points from Jeff Green and Jason Terry, the Celtics only trailed by five, 54-49, at halftime against the Kings.

Boston would fall apart, yet again, in the second half as the Kings used transition scores and free throw shots to extend their lead to a game-high 11 points in the third quarter. Boston's offense slumped in the fourth as the Kings extended their lead, and the Celtics' losing streak to three.

Terry and Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 20 points. Green and Jared Sullinger also notched 16 and 10 points, respectively, off the bench. Boston hit 41 percent of their shots on the night.

Isiah Thomas scored a game-high 27 points, while John Salmons and Jason Thompson were the only other starters to score 20 or more points. DeMarcus Cousins showed exactly what he's worth against a team who is reportedly very interested in his services, notching 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Sacramento hit 53 percent of their shots, scored 56 points in the paint and out rebounded Boston 45-35.

The Celtics will start off the New Year against Memphis Grizzlies from TD Garden, Wednesday at 7:30 pm ET.

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