The Sacramento Kings center JaVale McGee (00) slam dunks on the Los Angeles Lakers forward LaBron James (23) at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Oct 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night in Sacramento. The Kings last played on Friday night in the home opener against Golden State Warriors. The Warriors came into Golden One Center and spoiled the home opener for the Kings. The Warriors beat the Kings 122-114. On Sunday, the Kings welcomed the LA Lakers to Golden One Center. The Kings (1-1) were set to take on the Lakers (1-1) at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. Sacramento bested the Lakers on Sunday 132-127.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a hot start. The Kings played really well in the first quarter en route to building a sizeable 13-point lead by the quarter’s conclusion. The Kings offense, led by De’Aaron Fox, scored 41 points in the first quarter of the game. Fox scored ten points in the quarter as Domas Sobonis added seven points. The Lakers scored 28 points in the quarter. The Kings would look to keep up the intensity in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings lead slowly evaporated. The Kings shots were not falling at the same rate as the first quarter. The Kings 13 point lead going into the quarter was cut down to five points. However, the Kings were able to build the lead back up to 11 by the end of the quarter thanks to a Fox three-pointer.

You could see as the quarter progressed that Mike Brown was visibly getting more frustrated on the sideline. I’m sure he had words with the team and the inconsistency in the second quarter at halftime. The Kings led at halftime 66-55.

In the third quarter, the Kings again lost their cushion early in the quarter. The Lakers stormed back to come within a point of the lead. How did the Kings respond?

The Kings battled but could not build the lead back up by the end of the quarter. The Kings were outscored by the Lakers 28-21 in the third quarter to cut the lead going into the final 12 minutes to 87-83. The game would come down to the final quarter and if the Kings could bear down on defense.

In the final quarter, the Kings continued to falter. The Lakers kept the pressure on the Kings. The Lakers had built themselves a five-point lead just a few minutes in the fourth quarter. Fox had a scare on a no-call foul while driving to the basket.

Fox was taken to the locker room for a quick evaluation of the ankle and later returned to a standing ovation. The Kings would battle and the game would come down to a last few shots. Unfortunately for the Kings, Keegan Murray missed a game winning three to send the game to overtime at 115-115.

In overtime, the Kings were down Sobonis who fouled out and Fox was playing but hobbling. However, Fox would come out after just a couple plays into overtime. The Kings would come out victorious in overtime winning the game.

The scored 17 points in the period compared to the Lakers 12. Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk both hit big shots down the stretch to seal the deal. Fox finished the game leading the Kings with 37 points. Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 30.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday at 7 PM PST.