After three consecutive defeats in the NBA championship, Sacramento, the team of Yugoslav professionals Vlade Divac and Predrag Stojakovic, continued with a series of successful results in the matches against L.A. Lakers and Golden State.
Sacramento inflicted the first loss to L.A. Lakers after nine matches. One of the most meritorious for the victory 105-101 was Predrag Stojakovic, who scored 17 points, had six rebounds, three assists and two steals in 30 minutes. During the most of the game, Stojakovic was guarding Glen Rice. Thanks to his excellently played defence, the new L.A. Lakers star scored only 9 points, attempting 12-4.
Sacramento center Vlade Divac had Shaquille O'Neal for a direct rival. According to many reports, the Yugoslav basketball player scored decisive points (two plus foul) two minutes before the end of the game. He made a score of seven points, eight rebounds, five assists and one block in 33 minutes.
Sacramento reached the eleventh victory in this season only a day later in Oakland (California), beating the host Golden State 111-105.
According to agencies' reports, Yugoslav professionals Vlade Divac and Predrag Stojakovic again had a very prominent role in the Sacramento's triumph. Divac scored 16 points, had eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and three blocks in 38 minutes, while Stojakovic spent 22 minutes in the game and scored 12 points, out of which 10 only in the last quarter, had six rebounds and four assists.
This was Sacramento's six victory in away games in this season. Thus they have already attained the same number of victories which they made for the whole season last year.
Predrag Stojakovic (Sacramento)
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After a short crisis, Stojakovic showed he is regaining his good form again. Coach Rick Adelman confirmed the big contribution of the young Yugoslav basketball player in the Sacramento's successes in this season.
· To be frank, the injury delayed his ascent. After it happened, he was frustrated, and that is understandable. He played a lot and then suddenly a little, that is why he wanted to show everything he can at this moment. He is an important part of our system. With a little patience, his time will come, stressed Adelman.
