DALLAS — DeMar DeRozan delivered an impressive performance, scoring a season-best 42 points, which included a crucial baseline floater just two seconds before the conclusion of overtime, leading the Sacramento Kings to a narrow 129-128 victory over the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.
In addition to DeRozan’s standout scoring, the Kings received support from Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, who each contributed 17 points. Domantas Sabonis made his presence felt with a solid contribution of 16 points along with 15 rebounds, showcasing his skills as one of the league’s top players.
The Mavericks faced significant challenges during the game, losing center Daniel Gafford early in the second quarter due to a sprained right knee sustained from a knee-to-knee collision with Monk.
Compounding their difficulties, Dallas was already without power forwards Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington, as well as centers Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell, all sidelined due to various injuries.
Despite the roster challenges, Kyrie Irving stepped up for the Mavericks, scoring 30 points. Interestingly, he was announced to the All-Star roster earlier that day as a replacement for Davis.
Key takeaways from the game include the Kings’ continued improvement under interim coach Doug Christie, who now holds a record of 14-8 after taking over for Mike Brown, who was dismissed on December 27. Sabonis has been a standout player, leading the league with 47 double-doubles in just 50 games.
Additionally, the Mavericks faced a unique atmosphere as Luka Doncic prepared for his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers following a trade that brought Davis to Dallas. During the game, several fans were removed from American Airlines Center for continuously chanting Doncic’s name during free-throw attempts.
A critical moment in the match came when the Mavericks’ final possession was halted by an offensive foul on Spencer Dinwiddie near midcourt, sealing their fate in the closely contested game.
Statistically, the Kings dominated, outscoring the Mavericks 18-5 in second-chance points and pulling down a significant 50 rebounds compared to Dallas’s 33.
Looking ahead, the Kings face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday in the first of back-to-back games before the All-Star break. The Mavericks are set to host the Golden State Warriors as they aim to bounce back.
