The Sacramento Kings broke an eight-game losing streak with a narrow victory over the Denver Nuggets, winning 128-123 on Saturday night. This win marks a significant turnaround for Sacramento, which had faced overwhelming defeats during the losing stretch, with recent losses by margins as high as 41 points.
Sacramento Kings Rally Late in the Game
In this crucial game, Russell Westbrook delivered a standout performance, scoring 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter. Dennis Schroder also contributed significantly with 21 points, helping the Kings overcome a challenging situation.
Key Performers and Contributions
- Russell Westbrook: 21 points, with 15 in the fourth quarter.
- Dennis Schroder: 21 points, providing crucial support.
- Keegan Murray: 19 points in his second game after thumb surgery.
- DeMar DeRozan: 17 points, sealing the win with a crucial three-point play late in the game.
The Kings fell behind by 13 points during the third quarter but mounted a strong comeback. They took control of the game, scoring 10 consecutive points early in the fourth to lead 104-98.
Nuggets’ Performance and Loss
The Nuggets faced significant challenges, particularly missing forward Aaron Gordon due to a right hamstring injury. Nikola Jokic, despite his impressive 44 points, could not secure the win for Denver. He also recorded 13 rebounds and seven assists. Jamal Murray added 23 points, and Cam Johnson scored 20 points for the Nuggets.
Game Highlights
- Jokic’s 19 points came in the fourth quarter.
- Denver had a 79-66 lead midway through the third, but Sacramento rallied.
- DeRozan’s late-game three-point play was pivotal in sealing the win.
This victory marks a significant moment for the Kings as they look to build on this momentum. Their next matchup will be on Monday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Nuggets will face the Memphis Grizzlies the same night. The Kings will hope to continue their winning ways and leave the losing streak behind.
