The Sacramento Kings pulled off a stunning comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, erasing a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter and winning 132-127 in overtime. The Kings snapped their five-game losing streak and handed the Lakers their third consecutive loss.
The Kings were led by their star point guard De’Aaron Fox, who scored a season-high 34 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter and overtime. Fox also had 10 assists, seven rebounds and three steals, and made several clutch plays down the stretch. He hit a three-pointer with 1:30 left in regulation to tie the game at 115, and then scored six points in the extra period to seal the victory.
Fox was supported by his teammates, who stepped up in the absence of injured center Richaun Holmes. Harrison Barnes had 25 points and eight rebounds, Buddy Hield added 22 points and six assists, and Marvin Bagley III chipped in 15 points and nine rebounds. The Kings shot 50% from the field and 40% from the three-point line, and outscored the Lakers 36-19 in the fourth quarter.
Lakers struggle without LeBron and Davis
The Lakers were without their two superstars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who both missed the game due to injuries. James is recovering from an abdominal strain, while Davis aggravated his left hip in the previous game against the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers also lost Rajon Rondo to a hamstring injury in the first quarter, leaving them with a depleted roster.
The Lakers still had a commanding lead for most of the game, thanks to the contributions of their role players. Carmelo Anthony had a team-high 23 points, Malik Monk scored 20 points, and Dwight Howard had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. The Lakers led by as many as 21 points in the third quarter, and seemed to be cruising to an easy win.
However, the Lakers collapsed in the fourth quarter, as they failed to contain the Kings’ offense and committed costly turnovers. The Lakers also missed 10 free throws in the game, including four in the final minute of regulation. The Lakers were outplayed and outworked by the Kings, who showed more energy and urgency.
What’s next for both teams?
The Kings improved their record to 6-9, and moved up to the 11th spot in the Western Conference standings. The Kings will try to build on their momentum and end their road trip on a high note, as they face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
The Lakers dropped their record to 8-8, and fell to the seventh spot in the Western Conference standings. The Lakers will hope to get their stars back soon and snap their losing skid, as they host the Detroit Pistons on Friday.