3 Risers in Kings’ In-Season Tournament Opener Win vs Thunder

The Sacramento Kings were off to a bumpy start, losing star G De'Aaron Fox to a right ankle injury against the Los Angeles Lakers and initially going 0-3 in his absence, standing at a 2-4 record. The 4-4 Kings have turned that around and won the past two games, most recently being Friday's in-season tournament opener for the squad. While there seemed to be a disconnect in the team and many players didn't look like their normal selves, three players stepped up to guide the Kings over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Domantas Sabonis Had A Huge Triple Double

All-NBA C Domantas Sabonis stepped up in a big way, letting the offense flow through him like last season. Sabonis ended with a stat line of 17 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in the 105-98 victory.

The All-Star center looks like the same player Kings fans got used to last season and put any worries to rest after the team's shaky performance in Fox's absence. Sabonis also netted his 15th triple-double with Sacramento, moving clear of Chris Webber into second place on the Kings Triple Double list - only being Mr. Triple Double himself, Oscar Robertson.

Keegan Murray Is Back To His Old Self

F Keegan Murray was in a short shooting slump in Fox's absence, with his shooting percentage dropping in the Kings' losses. Murray bounced back strong Friday, finishing with 24 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist, and 1 block.

While Murray did shoot 30% from deep against the Thunder, his impact on the game was big in many other ways, and we will see that percentage rise again. The sophomore forward has been given the green light to shoot on any open shot, so a fluctuation from last year is very normal as he adapts to his larger role.

Kevin Huerter Has His First Break Out Game of the Season

There were many questions about G Kevin Huerter's role and even future on the team from Kings fans after Huerter started the year in a shooting slump and struggled to make a big impact on offense. Friday night, he put all those questions to bed, breaking out with a 28-point performance - 15 of which came in the first quarter - along with 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists, and 1 block.

Huerter has slowly been building up to his breakout game, increasing his season highs over the past three games. Huerter finally saw the shot go in last night and helped mask the Kings' rather poor night from three by dropping in four shots from beyond the arc. Kings fans have lots to be excited about if Kevin can keep his hot streak going, especially once Fox returns.

The Kings continue their season on Monday, November 13, against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET.

Follow Inside The Kings on Facebook and X.

Subscribe on YouTube for breaking Kings news videos and live-stream podcasts!