The Sacramento Kings snapped an 11-month home losing streak to the Los Angeles Lakers with a 124-112 victory on Monday night, powered by Malik Monk’s seven 3-pointers and 26 points.
At a Glance
- Monk hit seven 3-pointers and scored 26 points
- DeRozan added 32 points as Kings won second straight
- Doncic scored 42 for Lakers in losing effort
- Why it matters: Kings (10-30) climb out of NBA cellar while Lakers (23-11) drop second straight
Sacramento trailed by eight in the first quarter before seizing control, never trailing over the final 38 minutes. The win marked their first home victory over Los Angeles since March 13, 2024.
DeRozan, Monk Ignite Second-Quarter Surge
DeMar DeRozan dominated with 32 points and six assists, while Monk’s fifth 3-pointer capped a 16-point swing that put Sacramento ahead 57-41 late in the second quarter.
“We needed this one bad,” Monk said afterward. “To get a win at home against the Lakers means everything.”
The Lakers’ star duo kept it close early. Luka Doncic poured in 38 of Los Angeles’ 54 first-half points, finishing with 42 points, seven rebounds and eight assists for his seventh 40-point game of the season. LeBron James added 22 points but missed all five 3-point attempts.
Kings Pull Away in Third Quarter
Sacramento opened the second half with a 19-6 run, stretching the lead to 20 points. Los Angeles never got closer than seven the rest of the way.
Russell Westbrook, facing his former team, contributed 22 points and seven assists for the Kings. DeAndre Ayton reached a milestone with 13 points, giving him 7,000 career points, while Jaxson Hayes chipped in 12 for the Lakers.
Lakers’ Recent Struggles Continue
The loss drops Los Angeles to 23-11, having lost two straight after winning three in a row. They got within 102-95 early in the fourth before Monk’s late 3-pointer sealed it.
“We dug ourselves too big a hole,” James said. “Can’t spot a team 20 points and expect to win.”
Up Next
- Lakers: Host Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday
- Kings: Host New York Knicks on Wednesday
Key Takeaways:
- Sacramento’s victory snaps an 0-3 start to the season series against Los Angeles
- Monk’s seven 3-pointers matched his season high
- The Kings improved to 10-30, still last in the Western Conference
- Doncic leads NBA in scoring with 34.2 points per game
