Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) is thrilled after drilling a three point shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half, during an in season tournament game at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Fri Nov 24, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Despite blowing a 22 point lead in the second quarter, the Sacramento Kings (9-6) beat the Western Conference leaders 124-11. The Kings had a great second half staying one step ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves (11-4) through both quarters

Game recap: The Kings took the lead in the first quarter of play with a 38-31 advantage. They really got going in the second quarter and at 7:34 they had a 22 point lead. Despite the healthy lead the Kings had, the Timberwolves fought back trimming that lead to six points at the half.

Sacramento had blown this quarter letting Minnesota back in the door although leading 70-64. After trailing by 22 points, Minnesota won the second quarter 33-32. This was an amazing comeback by the Timberwolves. It had started to look like the Kings had turned things around but their defense really let them down.

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards had 21 points at the half and Karl-Anthony Towns had 16. With a great defensive effort in the second quarter, these two guys squelched the Sacramento lead.

Sacramento’s Malik Monk had an amazing half off the bench with 17 points. Starters De ‘Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter each had ten points in the first half. The Kings would have to find a way to stop the Minnesota offensive onslaught and pick up their own offensive effort. Chris Duarte would have to step up in the second half putting up a goose egg in the first half.

The Timberwolves threatened to take the lead at 9:11 in the third quarter trailing by two points 72-70. The Kings pushed back and extended their lead to 78-70 with 7:21 left in the quarter. After three quarters Sacramento had a 94-79 lead. Against the Timberwolves practically no lead is safe and the Kings had to keep their foot on the pedal throughout the fourth quarter.

The Kings did indeed keep their foot on the pedal through the final quarter. Every time the Timberwolves threatened, the Kings answered hanging onto a double digit lead throughout the fourth quarter. The final was 124-111 in favor of the Kings and Sacramento had broken the Minnesota home streak. More importantly Sacramento had beaten one of the best teams in the NBA.

De’Aaron Fox shot the high for both teams with 36 points. Domantas Sabonis had another double double with 11 rebounds and 15 points. Monk had 17 points off the bench. Despite the huge lead they had mid-way through the second quarter, the Kings battled through the second half. They had a great defensive effort and their offense closed out this game.

Game recap: It’s been a rough week for the Kings, they got blown out last Monday night losing to the Pelicans 129-93 followed by a close loss to New Orleans in a back to back. Fox struggled from the field in Monday’s game with 14 points but bounced back in their game against the Pelicans Wednesday night with 26 points.

Friday night Sacramento traveled to Minnesota taking on the Timberwolves (11-4). Minnesota lost their bid for their eighth straight home win. The Kings would got back on the winning track and slamed the door shut on the Timberwolves win streak. This was tough match-up for the Kings and they got the starting roster back on course with a 13 point win on Friday.

Sacramento will have some well-deserved time off before taking on the Golden State Warriors at Golden One next Tuesday. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM. The Kings will come into this game with a lot of confidence after their win over the Timberwolves as well as a successful road trip with only two losses.