Kings Lose 98-91 in Defensive Showdown With Knicks
After winning four of their last five games, the Sacramento Kings went into Saturday's home matchup against the New York Knicks with some momentum. Unfortunately for Sacramento, they struggled with the physicality New York brought to the West Coast, as the Knicks came out with a 98-91 win.
All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 42 points, shooting 17-28 as he abused Sacramento's defense. Brunson is built for playoff-like, high-energy matchups, and the star guard continues to put the league on notice with his elite scoring ability.
Sacramento's 91 points were their lowest point total since the fifth game of the season, where they scored 89 in a loss to the Houston Rockets. The Kings put up a respectable defensive performance, but they prefer games where they can get out on offense and score 120+.
Domantas Sabonis seemed to like the physical matchup, as Sacramento's star big man finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds, extending his double-double streak to 49. His co-star, De'Aaron Fox, did not seem to like the physical matchup as much, as he lost his cool and picked up a technical in the third quarter. Fox did what he could, finishing with 20 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, but his 5-19 shooting kept him frustrated.
The Kings put up a good fight against a great Knicks team, but ultimately, they wanted to come out with a win. Not only did Saturday's loss move the Kings back to seventh place in the West, but it is not often a regular season game feels like a playoff game, as pulling that one out would be a confidence booster as the actual playoffs inch closer.
The Kings will visit New York for a second matchup with the Knicks next month, as they now know the physicality they will have to bring to Madison Square Garden.
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