"Best" & "Worst" awards: Sixers vs. Kings

SACRAMENTO – My look at some of the best and worst performances and happenings from the 76ers' 1113-104 victory over Sacramento Kings on Thursday at Sleep Train Arena:

Best performance: Thaddeus Young gets this award on a night when Kings center DeMarcus Cousins had game-highs  of 33 points and 14 rebounds. While Cousins was the most dominant player, Young led the Sixers to their third consecutive victory on this road trip. The power forward made 9 of 16 shots en route to scoring a team-high 28 points. He also finished with seven rebounds, a career-best six steals, four assists and a blocked shot. Seventeen of Young's points came in the second half.

Worst performance:  This goes to Ben McLemore. The Kings rookie shooting guard went scoreless after missing all five of his shot attempts, including three from three-point range. He also had three rebounds, two turnovers and zero assists in 23 minutes of action.

Best performance in a losing effort:  It would be foolish not to give this to Cousins. The intimidating 6-foot-11, 270-pounder  scored 22 of his points in the first half.  For the game, he made 10 of 16 shot attempts and 13 of 19 free throws. His numbers might have been better if not for playing just two minutes in the third quarter due after picking up his fourth foul.

Best defensive performance: You know  I have to give this to Young. His career-high six steals trumps the three blocked shots his teammates Michael Carter-Williams and Daniel Orton and Sacramento's Derrick Williams all had.  Young stood out on both ends of the court.

 Worst statistic: How can you not give this to Sacramento's turnovers? The Kings had a tough time holding onto the ball and gave it away 22 times.

Best statistic: This award goes to the Sixers' second-quarter foul shooting.  They made 90.9 percent (10 of 11) of their free throws in the quarter.

Worst of the Worst:  This goes to Kings' performance during a key fourth-quarter stretch. Derrick Williams' dunk pulled Sacramento within five points (98-93) with 8:08 left, But the Kings missed their next five shot attempts and committed three costly turnovers over the next 3:56. Taking advantage, the Sixers built a 14-point cushion.

-        Keith Pompey

 Contact and follow Inquirer 76ers reporter Keith Pompey on Twitter @PompeyOnSixers