Malik Monk delivered a near triple-double with 27 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox added 26 points, eight assists, and eight boards of his own, leading the Sacramento Kings to a hard-fought 115-104 victory over the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Kings dominated in the paint and leaned on their stars late to snap a four-game skid.
Monk and Fox were unstoppable in crunch time, combining for a game-sealing 17-2 run over the final five minutes. Meanwhile, Domantas Sabonis anchored the Kings with 27 points and 12 rebounds, as Sacramento put on a clinic inside, outscoring Minnesota 64-36 in the paint.
Kings Break Through After Slump
Sacramento came into the game in desperate need of a spark, and they found it in the form of their core trio. Monk’s electrifying performance was a testament to his recovery from a nagging ankle injury, while Fox showcased his leadership by delivering in the clutch. The Kings’ frontcourt also delivered, with Sabonis asserting his dominance on both ends of the court.
The Kings showed resilience after falling behind by 12 in the fourth quarter. Monk’s consecutive three-pointers with under four minutes to play ignited the rally, while Fox’s slashing drives and Sabonis’ presence in the paint sealed the deal.
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Timberwolves Continue to Slide
Minnesota’s woes deepened with this fourth straight loss. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 29 points, but inefficiency plagued him as he shot just 9 of 24 from the field. The Timberwolves, who were expected to build on last season’s Western Conference Finals appearance, now find themselves struggling with chemistry and consistency.
Mike Conley’s return from a toe sprain brought some steadiness to the backcourt, but it wasn’t enough to offset the Timberwolves’ issues. Minnesota’s recent trade acquisitions, while promising on paper, have yet to mesh with Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
Physicality in the Paint
Sacramento’s dominance in the paint was the story of the night. Sabonis and the Kings punished Minnesota inside, pulling down 12 offensive boards compared to just four for the Timberwolves. This physical advantage not only created second-chance opportunities but also highlighted Sacramento’s ability to exploit Minnesota’s defensive lapses.
Despite Minnesota’s efforts, their inability to match Sacramento’s aggression under the rim proved costly, as the Timberwolves struggled to maintain their early lead.
Key Contributions
Monk’s heroics went beyond the box score. His energy and timely shooting in the final minutes rallied the Kings, while Fox played the role of closer with his relentless drives. For Minnesota, Edwards started hot, hitting four early three-pointers, but his offensive rhythm waned as the game progressed.
The Timberwolves were also let down by their supporting cast, as their bench failed to provide meaningful contributions when it mattered most.
Takeaways
- Kings: Sacramento’s ability to dominate the paint and come alive in crunch time reflects their growing maturity. Monk’s resurgence from injury adds another weapon to an already potent offense, while Fox and Sabonis continue to shine as leaders.
- Timberwolves: Minnesota’s chemistry remains a work in progress. Despite Edwards’ brilliance, the team’s inability to find consistency on both ends has hampered their ability to close out games, raising questions about their long-term trajectory this season.
Key Moment
The game’s momentum shifted when Monk drained back-to-back triples with under four minutes to go, cutting into Minnesota’s lead and sparking Sacramento’s decisive run. From there, Fox and Sabonis took over, turning the tide completely in the Kings’ favor.
Key Stat
Sacramento’s 64 points in the paint underscored their physical dominance, as they consistently exploited Minnesota’s defensive gaps and grabbed crucial offensive rebounds to maintain control.
Up Next
Both teams return to NBA Cup group play on Friday night. Sacramento heads to Portland to face the Trail Blazers, while Minnesota hosts the Los Angeles Clippers.
For the Kings, this win serves as a confidence booster heading into a crucial stretch, while the Timberwolves must regroup quickly to halt their slide and rediscover the form that carried them to a strong start this season.
