Zach LaVine delivered another standout performance, scoring a season-high 43 points to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 127-117 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The Kings, playing on the second night of a back-to-back following a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, faced an 18-point deficit during their final game of a six-game road trip. However, they mounted a strong comeback behind LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis. DeRozan contributed 37 points, while Sabonis recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists.
The Kings (39-40) are now close to securing a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament, needing either one more win or a loss from the Phoenix Suns to clinch their place. DeRozan emphasized the team’s urgency, noting that every game is vital as they fight for a postseason spot. Despite being shorthanded with Keegan Murray and Jake LaRavia sidelined, and Malik Monk leaving the game with a calf injury, the Kings shot an impressive 51.6% from the field, including 40.7% from beyond the arc. LaVine, who made 16 of 28 shots and 8 of 11 from three, was key in the victory.
In the first half, the Kings managed to out-rebound the Pistons 17-5, but struggled with turnovers, allowing Detroit to build a 72-62 lead at halftime. However, the Kings came back strong in the second half, with LaVine scoring 13 points in the third quarter and adding nine more early in the fourth. The Kings took control with a crucial 9-0 run sparked by DeRozan’s back-to-back baskets, securing a 122-112 lead with just over two minutes remaining.
Next, the Kings will return home to face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, with hopes of extending their momentum. Despite the Nuggets’ recent struggles, losing four straight games, MVP candidate Nikola Jokic has been dominant, averaging 45.0 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists during the stretch.
