Something special is brewing in Sacramento. The Kings battled back from a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Miami Heat in double overtime, securing their fifth straight victory. This win feels like more than just another notch in the win column – it could be the turning point that propels the Kings to where we all thought they should be this season.
Down 85-68 with just over 10 minutes left in regulation, the Kings mounted an incredible 24-7 run to force overtime. The drama didn’t end there, as the teams traded blows through two extra periods before Sacramento emerged victorious, 123-118.
What makes this win even more impressive is that the Kings did it without their star point guard, De’Aaron Fox, who missed his second straight game with a glute contusion. In his absence, several players stepped up in crucial moments.
Keon Ellis was the unsung hero of the night, making winning play after winning play. His hustle, defense, and timely shooting embodied everything Sacramento fans love about their team. Ellis finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and a block – a stat line that doesn’t even fully capture his impact on the game.
DeMar DeRozan struggled for much of the night but came alive when it mattered most. He scored 9 points on perfect 4-for-4 shooting in the second overtime period to seal the win for Sacramento.
Domantas Sabonis continued his stellar play with a monster triple-double: 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists. He even knocked down a crucial three-pointer late in the game, showcasing his improved shooting touch.
Interim head coach Doug Christie has instilled two key demands in his players since taking over: play hard for the city and believe in yourself. Tonight, the Kings exemplified both of those qualities in spades.
This victory pulls Sacramento to within half a game of the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. While there’s still plenty of work to be done, this feels like the moment we’ll look back on as the catalyst for the Kings’ resurgence.
For more insights and a deeper dive into this thrilling victory, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
• The importance of offensive rebounding in the comeback
• Doug Christie’s tactical challenges against Erik Spoelstra’s zone defense
• The Oakland A’s visit to Golden 1 Center and the debate over “beam rights”
