On Wednesday night, the Sacramento Kings reigned supreme over the Toronto Raptors with a decisive 122-107 victory, largely spurred by a record-breaking performance by DeMar DeRozan.
DeRozan’s Record-Setting Performance
DeRozan, now a pivotal part of the Kings’ squad, erupted for 27 points, marking his eighth consecutive game with at least 20 points. This feat shattered a long-standing franchise record set by Chris Webber in 1999. This recent addition to the Kings, previously playing for the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and the Raptors, continues to make a significant impact in his 16-year NBA career.
Supporting Cast Shines for Kings
Domantas Sabonis, another key figure in the Kings’ lineup, delivered an impressive triple-double, contributing 17 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds. His flawless shooting from the field and the free-throw line made for a noteworthy performance. Keegan Murray and De’Aaron Fox also made significant contributions, with Murray notching 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Fox adding 21 points to the team’s total.
The Raptors’ Struggle
Notwithstanding the efforts of RJ Barrett, who led the Raptors with 23 points, and Davion Mitchell’s 20-point contribution in his first return to Sacramento since his trade, the Raptors struggled to keep up. After maintaining the lead through the first three quarters, they succumbed to the Kings in the final period, being outscored 33-14.
Turning Point
A key juncture in the game came early in the fourth quarter, when the Kings, trailing by six points, initiated a 9-0 run that effectively seized the lead. DeRozan kickstarted this momentum shift with a smooth jumper, while Malik Monk capped it off with the final seven points.
Notable Statistics
Sabonis’ triple-double performance was one for the record books, marking only the eighth time since the 1982-83 NBA season that a player achieved a triple-double without missing a shot from the field or the free-throw line.
What’s Next?
The Raptors will continue their five-game road trip with a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Kings, fresh off their victory, will host the Clippers on Friday night.
