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De’Aaron Fox Silences Critics with 30-Point Performance Against Nets
The Sacramento Kings secured a decisive 110-96 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, with De’Aaron Fox leading the charge. Fox’s stellar performance of 30 points, 7 assists, and zero turnovers on efficient shooting (11-19 FG, 4-7 3PT) was a resounding response to recent criticism.
It’s frustrating to see the recency bias clouding judgment on Fox’s value to the team, especially from Kings fans. Despite a recent stretch of games where his shooting struggled, Fox’s body of work this season speaks volumes. With nine 30+ point games and another seven with 28-29 points, he’s consistently shown his star power.
The narrative that the Kings would be better off without Fox playing through injuries is misguided. Even at less than 100%, Fox’s impact on the court is undeniable. His ability to carry the offensive load when others struggle is crucial to the team’s success.
Domantas Sabonis also deserves recognition for his monster triple-double: 21 points, 22 rebounds, and 10 assists. It’s his seventh triple-double of the season, yet he continues to be underappreciated in national conversations. The tired arguments about playoff performance ignore the immense value Sabonis brings night in and night out during the regular season.
Jan 27, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) works for the ball against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) in the second half at TD Garden. | David Butler II/David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Knicks starters were having fun, the bench was having fun, the deep bench was having fun, Tom Thibodeau may have even cracked a smile at one point.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around and the Knicks led the Grizzlies by 20 points, with Knicks backup point guard Cam Payne practically waltzing downhill, uncontested to the basket, there wasn’t a more fun game to be found on a Monday night. Definitely not for the Grizzlies, but they’re a resilient team who will learn from the loss.
What the win and the Knicks ingenuity — the way New York was dominant but allowed for a shifting dominance — made me think about was the Celtics. Specifically how last season Boston was celebrated for their competitive exactitude, and what their losses this season are showing about their rigidity. Namely, that it could cost them.
The most striking stat to me in the Knicks win last night was that the team tallied 32 assists compared to the Grizzlies’ 21. New York was shooting from everywhere but there can be a temptation with a lead that big for teams to start letting the ball fly from deep, chucking up hero shots because they’ve got the padding of points and a nice boost of confidence.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Opponent The Kings must watch out for D’Angelo Russell in their upcoming matchup, as he poses a significant threat. The game plan will focus on neutralizing his impact. (Sports Illustrated)
Rumor With the trade deadline approaching, there’s uncertainty around whether the Kings would consider trading De’Aaron Fox to their bitter rival Lakers. (Bleacher Report)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Kings podcasts.
Making Sense of This Sacramento Kings Season with Morgan Ragan Matt George is joined by Sacramento Kings television host/analyst & co-host of the Deuce & Mo Podcast Morgan Ragan to discuss the ups and downs of this Kings season, the incoming trade deadline, and how postseason expectations have/haven’t changed.
The Sacramento Kings are Exploring Trading De’Aaron Fox Matt George reacts to the breaking news that the Sacramento Kings have had trade conversations involving De’Aaron Fox and that Fox has a preferred destination in mind.
De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis Silence the Critics in Brooklyn Matt George discusses De’Aaron Fox’s bounce-back performance after facing heavy criticism, and another monster triple double for Domantas Sabonis, who continues to be disrespected around the NBA.
