The Kings were without their leading scorer, De’Aaron Fox, who hurt his foot in this game, but even that didn’t stop Sacramento from triumphing in an arena where only one out of twelve teams had won so far.
The Kings played the deciding period right at the end of the game.
With less than five minutes left, the California Capitals still trailed 87-95, but Kevin Huerter hit a three-pointer to spark an impressive Kings run.
In the rest of the time, the guests did not lose a single point, to which Domantas Sabonis made a significant contribution, who in the last period recorded two blocks, 5 rebounds and an interception, which scored as many as 19 points, absolutely interrupting the course of the match.
K. Huerter himself hit a three-pointer with two minutes remaining (97:95), and Keegan Murray’s three-pointer and D. Sabonis’ shot early in the last minute cemented the Sacramento team’s impressive victory .
Domantas Sabonis, who did everything on the pitch, also made a significant contribution.
In 37.5 minutes the Lithuanian scored 18 points (5/11 doubles, 0/1 triples, 8/14 penalties), caught 18 balls, made 6 assists, intercepted 3 balls, blocked 2 shots, made two mistakes and fouled four times.
After the match, he had a special honor in the team dressing room – Dom was awarded the best defender award.
“19 rebounds (actually 18 – ed post), defending himself vertically 15 times. Dom, come here”, invited the Lithuanian one of M. Brown’s assistants.
Soon, the award landed on the Lithuanian’s chest and his teammates accompanied it with loud applause.
“This is a very, very important win for us. When you get such a win away from home, it’s a sign that you are a really good team. I don’t want to jump to the top, but for me it was the best game of our season.” Kings head coach Mike Brown, who previously coached the Cavaliers for a long time, spoke up at the press conference after the game.
His team is increasingly improving its position in the Western Conference. Sacramento, which hasn’t made the playoffs in 17 years, is now fifth.
„Knights“: Caris LeVert 22 (6 rebounds, 6 rebounds), Darius Garland 19 (6 rebounds, 6 turnovers), Cedi Osman 17, Evan Mobley 16 (7 rebounds).
“King”: Harrison Barnes 20, Kevin Huerter 19, Domantas Sabonis (18 rebounds, 6 assists) and Keegan Murray (6/8 treys) 18 each.
All results:
„Charlotte Hornets“ (T.Rozieras 24) 102:121 „New York Knicks“ (J.Randle’as 33)
„Indiana Pacers“ (B.Hieldas 28) 121:111 „Washington Wizards“ (K.Porzingis 29)
Orlando Magic (F. Wagneris) 113:109 Toronto Raptors (36)
Brooklyn Nets (K. Durantas 34) 120:116 Atlanta Hawks (T. Youngas 33)
Cleveland Cavaliers (C.LeVertas 22) 95:106 Sacramento Kings (H.Barnesas 20, …, D.Sabonis 18)
Philadelphia 76ers (J. Embiid 38) 133:122 (after overtime) Los Angeles Lakers (A. Davis 31)
Memphis Grizzlies (J. Jackson 20) 114:103 Detroit Pistons (B. Bogdanovich 19)
“New Orleans Pelicans” (Z.Williamson 35, …, J.Valančiūnas 12) 128:117 “Phoenix Suns” (D.Aytonas 25)
“Utah Jazz” (M.Beasley 23) 108:118 “Minnesota Timberwolves” (D.Russellas 30)
Dallas Mavericks (L.Doncic 33) 105:106 Milwaukee Bucks (G.Antetokounmpo 28)
