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Both teams going through a rough patch

Boston's defense isn't doing well but if they plan on finishing this game successfully, Cousins, who's been averaging 28.2 points in the last 5 games needs to be stopped

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Despite being very close to the playoff zone after the first quarter of the season, Boston decided to swap Rondo and turn the page to a new chapter. They went on to win the first next game without Rondo (Wolves) but lost the following four to realize just how difficult it is without Rondo's assists and how much time it is going to need for Smart to get on his level.

The last of those four defeats happened last Sunday when they lost in Washington. Unlike the previous head-to-head game in which Boston managed to make a comeback after being 23 points down to force two overtimes and then lose, this meeting was completely devoid of drama.

The Wizards opened fiercely to win the first quarter 30-12, after which Boston couldn't even get close.

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- It was very obvious from the start that they wouldn't let us make a comeback this time. They controlled every aspect of the game, they were physically superior and more aggressive, which is something we couldn't respond to - coach Stevens said.

Boston didn't fail only in offense (shooting efficiency of only 45.5% but in defense as well, allowing the Wizards to record shooting efficiency of 50%.

- Teams are just coming out and smashing us in the mouth and we do nothing. They think we're soft. We just got to play tough - Sullinger said.

Green recorded team-best 23 points (7-for-17) and added 4 rebounds, while Olynyk added 15 points and 8 rebounds.

After a three-day break, Boston will play the Kings home this evening. Bad news for coach Stevens is, Sullinger skipped Monday practice session with an ankle injury and might not be there tonight. If that should happen, Olynyk is expect to step in for him and Bass to be given a shot too. Either way, Boston's defense needs to be dense in order to stop the very efficient Kings, especially Cousins who has been doing brilliantly in the last 5 games, averaging 28.2 points.

It seemed like Sacramento could finally get off the bottom of their Conference table, but they once against sabotaged themselves. After a very good start, the management took advantage of bad results caused by Cousins' illness to sack coach Malone over 'philosophical differences in team's style of play'. Just bad a move that was became obvious when they started losing right afterwards. Out of the last 9 games (seven since Corbin took over), the Kings won only two (against horrible Lakers and even more horrible Knicks).

They started a road trip on Monday to fall to Brooklyn 107-99, getting 13 points down by half time. They managed to get close only once in the second half (93-88) and didn't really stand a chance.

- Let me put it this way, when you're in situation such as this one and things get really tough, you see what people are really like. You'll see who's in and who's out. As bad as it might seem, it's actually also a good thing because you learn who will be there to fight with you each next night - Cousins said after finishing with 24 points and 13 rebounds.

Rudy Gay was top Sacramento's players with 25 (9-for-21) points and 9 rebounds, while Collison added 16 points and 8 assists. 

It was the 13th defeat for the Kings in the last 17 games and despite them playing a weak opponents, we can't really trust them completely. At least Cousins should have another good game tonight, causing the tall Boston boys a lot of trouble.