NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking Points from Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics

Final Score: Boston Celtics 126 - Sacramento Kings 120

The Boston Celtics are having an up and down season. They have shown flashes of greatness and look like a contender.

Then, they have moments were they lose by 25 points. In their last game, the Celtics lost 140-115 to the Los Angeles Clippers. They redeemed themselves in their game against the Kings. They beat the Kings 126-120.

The Celtics have a record of 42-27. They are fifth in the Eastern Conference. Despite their ups and downs, the Celtics have managed to remain in that spot. They have not rose up the rankings nor have they went below the fifth seed.

Regardless, the Celtics are a lock for the playoffs. Their opponent's in their last game are fighting for the playoffs.

Despite 34 points from their shooting guard Buddy Hield, the Kings were unable to beat the Celtics. The Kings even outscored the Celtics 22 to 11 in fast break points. But, it was not enough. The Kings fought but did not beat the Celtics. Here are three talking points from the Celtics versus Kings game.

#3 Kyrie Irving tallies second Triple-Double of his career

Irving had 31 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds

Kyrie Irving is one of the best points guards in the NBA. A good game from Irving is no surprise. He is capable of having a spectacular performance in a game.

He can put up 30 or more points and have dazzling highlights such as crossovers or passes. He had that type of game against the Kings, but this game was even better.

Irving finished the game with 31 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. He was the leading scorer for the Celtics and one of six Boston players to score in double figures. Irving had a triple-double against the Kings, which is the second of his career.

Irving's first triple-double was during his time in Cleveland. On February 14, 2014, Irving had 21 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds against the Utah Jazz.

The Cavaliers beat the Jazz 99-79. Irving had a big game against the Kings and helped lead the Celtics to the win.

#2 The Sacramento Kings' playoff odds are shrinking

The Kings had a chance to make the playoffs

The Kings started the season fairly well. Then, they got caught up in the competitive Western Conference. The Kings are 9th in the Western Conference with a record of 33-34. A record of 33-34 is decent, but not enough to make the playoffs.

The Kings are one game away from having an even 34-34 record, but they are on a two-game losing streak.

They lost to the Celtics in this game and failed to overcome the Wizards on Monday. The Kings are 3-7 in their last 10 games. They have also dropped 13 of their last 17 road games.Their recent losses hurt their playoff chances.

The Los Angeles Clippers are currently the eighth seed of the West. They have a record of 39-30. Their win percentage 56.5 percent in comparison to the Kings' 49.3 percent. The Clippers have a solid lead over the Kings as the season winds down.

With 15 games left in their season, the Kings' playoff chances are starting to disappear.

#1 Jayson Tatum returns from shoulder soreness

The Celtics went 3-1 in their recent road trip. They returned home in their game against the Kings, a team they also faced during their road trip.

During their road trip, the Celtics faced the Golden State Warriors, the Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Celtics lost to the Clippers in a blowout loss.

When the Celtics played the Clippers, they were slightly shorthanded. Jayson Tatum missed the Clippers game due to a minor shoulder injury.

The injury stemmed from their game against the Warriors last week. Tatum played against the Kings and Lakers but sat out against the Clippers. Then, he returned Thursday for their home game against the Kings. He scored 15 points in 29 minutes.

Tatum's injury was minor but impacted the Celtics. The Celtics are winless when they play without Tatum this season.

He missed the game against the Clippers and they lost by 25. Tatum has more of an impact on the Celtics than we realize. He returned against the Kings and the Celtics bounced back from their terrible loss. Tatum is a key player for the Celtics and they'll need him in the playoffs.

With this win, the Celtics inch closer to the fourth seed. They also hurt the chances of a West team fighting for the playoffs.

The Kings may not make the playoffs this year, but they will in the future. In due time, they will be a legitimate playoff team like the team they just faced.

The Celtics have their ups and downs, but they are a team capable of great things. The future looks bright for both teams.