In a thrilling encounter on Saturday night, the Sacramento Kings triumphed over the Denver Nuggets with a close score of 128-123, effectively ending an eight-game losing streak. The victory was fueled by Russell Westbrook, who made a significant impact by scoring 15 of his 21 points in the clutch fourth quarter against his former team.
Dennis Schroder also contributed with 21 points, as the Kings emerged from a challenging stretch where they had been defeated by double digits in every game, including a staggering 41-point loss to Memphis just days earlier. The Kings found themselves trailing by 13 in the third quarter but managed to stage a remarkable comeback.
Keegan Murray chimed in with 19 points in only his second game back since undergoing offseason surgery on his left thumb, while DeMar DeRozan added 17 points, highlighted by a crucial three-point play with just 12 seconds remaining that effectively sealed the game for Sacramento.
For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic showcased his talent by scoring 44 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, while also contributing 13 rebounds and seven assists. Jamal Murray scored 23 points, and Cam Johnson added 20; however, the absence of Aaron Gordon due to a right hamstring injury was evident, as Spencer Jones stepped into the starting role for the first time.
The Kings were able to shift momentum in the second half, erasing Denver’s 79-66 lead and taking charge late in the third quarter. A decisive layup by Westbrook extended their lead to 114-105, but Denver fought back to come within three points thanks to Jokic’s three-pointer. Ultimately, DeRozan’s late-game prowess helped secure the Kings’ much-needed victory.
Looking forward, the Kings will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, while the Nuggets will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies on the same night, hoping to bounce back from this setback. This thrilling game highlights the unpredictability of the NBA and the resilience of the Kings, making for an exciting remainder of the season ahead.