DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points, and Domantas Sabonis delivered a dominant 22-point, 16-rebound performance as the Sacramento Kings cruised to a 140-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.
Sacramento’s offensive explosion marked a season-high point total, propelling the team to a commanding win.
De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk were also instrumental, each contributing 22 points to the Kings’ high-powered attack. Sacramento’s balanced scoring overwhelmed the Spurs, who struggled defensively and allowed 100 points through three quarters for the second consecutive game.
Spurs Miss Wembanyama
San Antonio was without Victor Wembanyama for the second straight game as the rookie sensation continues to deal with lower back soreness. His absence, combined with the unavailability of Devin Vassell due to knee injury management, left the Spurs shorthanded against one of the league’s most potent offenses.
Despite the loss, Julian Champagnie provided a bright spot for San Antonio, setting career highs with six three-pointers and 30 points. Rookie Stephon Castle added 15 points, while Chris Paul narrowly missed a triple-double with 11 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds.
Key Moment: Kings’ First-Half Turnaround
The turning point came late in the second quarter when Sacramento unleashed a 50-27 run to close the half. Facing a 13-point deficit earlier in the game, the Kings surged ahead to take a 69-59 lead into halftime. Their relentless pace and offensive efficiency proved too much for San Antonio to handle.
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Takeaways
For Sacramento, Kevin Huerter’s resurgence from beyond the arc was a welcome sight. After shooting a combined 3-for-13 from deep in his previous two games, Huerter went a perfect 4-for-4 on three-pointers en route to 16 points. This performance lifted his confidence after a season plagued by career-low shooting percentages from distance.
On the other hand, the Spurs’ frustrations boiled over when Zach Collins was ejected early in the second quarter for arguing a foul call against Sabonis. Collins, who started in place of Wembanyama, was limited to just two points and two rebounds before his exit, further depleting an already short-handed lineup.
Defensive Struggles Persist for San Antonio
The Spurs’ defensive woes continue to be a major issue. Allowing 140 points in regulation for the second straight game highlighted their struggles on that end of the floor. San Antonio has now lost three straight games and four of their last five, with their lack of defensive intensity and depth being significant contributors.
Key Stat
Chris Paul’s 13 assists brought him within two of surpassing Jason Kidd for second place on the NBA’s all-time assists leaderboard. Paul now sits at 12,089 assists over his 20-season career and could achieve the milestone as soon as the Spurs’ next game.
Bright Spots Amid the Struggles
While the loss was a tough blow for San Antonio, Champagnie’s breakout performance was a promising development. The young forward showcased his shooting range and scoring potential, giving the Spurs a glimpse of what he can offer in the future.
For the Kings, this victory underscored their depth and offensive versatility. With DeRozan, Sabonis, Fox, and Monk all contributing at a high level, Sacramento demonstrated why they remain a force in the Western Conference.
Up Next
The Kings return to action on Sunday, hosting the Utah Jazz as they aim to build on their momentum. The Spurs will also take the court on Sunday, facing the New Orleans Pelicans as they look to snap their losing skid and potentially welcome Wembanyama back into the lineup.
Sacramento’s dominant performance further solidified their status as a Western Conference contender, while the Spurs’ defensive struggles and short-handed roster exposed the challenges they’ll need to address moving forward.