Sacramento Kings star De’Aaron Fox made headlines again after an electrifying 49-point performance in a 121-117 victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night.
It wasn’t just the win that had fans buzzing; Fox’s near-record-breaking outing—combined with his 60-point performance in an overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves the night before—had him on the cusp of a major milestone. He finished just one point shy of matching a remarkable scoring feat set by Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, and Fox was quick to acknowledge the near miss on social media with a playful apology: “My bad 😔🙋🏾♂️.”
Fox’s scoring spree has quickly become the talk of the NBA, as his back-to-back high-scoring performances are some of the most impressive in recent memory. According to NBA.com, Fox’s combined 109 points over two consecutive nights is the second-best combined scoring total in the last 50 years, falling just short of Bryant’s mark by a single point. That’s a feat that speaks volumes about Fox’s offensive prowess and his ability to step up in big moments, but it was his humble response to the near-record that caught even more attention.
Despite the near-miss, Fox’s 49 points in the win against Utah was nothing short of sensational. He shot 16-of-30 from the field, demonstrating his ability to score from all areas of the court. Whether it was attacking the rim or knocking down jump shots, Fox was nearly unstoppable. He also got to the free-throw line 19 times, making 14 of those attempts, but it was the four missed free throws in the fourth quarter that ultimately prevented him from matching Bryant’s feat.
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Fox’s teammates, who have been thoroughly impressed with his performances, didn’t let him off the hook easily. According to reports, DeMar DeRozan, Trey Lyles, and Malik Monk all gave Fox a hard time for his missed free throws, even jokingly holding him accountable for the points left at the line. While the missed free throws didn’t have any impact on the final outcome of the game, they were a missed opportunity for Fox to etch his name into the history books.
Despite those misses, Fox’s overall performance in the win was a statement. His 49 points were backed up by nine assists, as he came close to securing a double-double. The Kings had little trouble getting past the Jazz, as Fox’s offensive dominance left the Utah defense scrambling. The 6’3″ guard’s ability to get to the rim at will, combined with his playmaking ability, proved to be a lethal combination that Utah simply had no answer for.
This latest scoring explosion from Fox highlights his evolution as one of the NBA’s top offensive threats. After being named to the 2022-23 All-Star team, Fox has continued to build on his reputation as a dynamic and versatile scorer. His 60-point outing against the Timberwolves, though in a losing effort, showed just how lethal he can be when given the opportunity to take over a game. And with the Kings in the midst of a competitive Western Conference, performances like these only add to Fox’s growing stature as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Looking ahead, the Sacramento Kings are set to face the Atlanta Hawks in their next game, a matchup that could see Fox flirt with another 50-point outing. The Hawks currently rank 25th in defensive rating, per NBA.com, which could give Fox even more room to operate and continue his offensive assault. Given Fox’s current form, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he posts another eye-popping stat line against a defense that has struggled to contain top-tier scorers.
For the Kings, Fox’s recent performances are a sign of the potential they have on offense. While the team has yet to fully break into the upper echelon of the Western Conference, Fox’s scoring ability gives them a chance to compete on any given night. If he can continue to build on this streak, the Kings could become one of the most dangerous teams in the league as the season progresses.
As Fox himself reflected on his near-record performance, his playful tweet was a reminder that even the best have their moments of humility. Despite falling one point short of Bryant’s achievement, Fox has proven he belongs in the conversation with the league’s elite scorers. Whether he’s putting up huge point totals or making plays for his teammates, Fox’s impact on the floor is undeniable. His scoring run over the past two games only solidifies his place as one of the NBA’s most exciting and dangerous players.
It’s clear that Fox has entered a new level in his game, and the Kings will continue to rely on him as the season unfolds. While the missed free throws may have denied him the record this time, there’s no doubt that more milestones will be within his reach as he continues to build on this impressive start to the 2024-25 season.