The Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (left) dunks on the Chicago Bulls forward Juian Phillips (15) in first half action at the United Center in Chicago on Sat Feb 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (29-19) had a healthy lead mid-way through the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls (23-27) and let the Bulls back into the game. They had actually led by as much as 30 points in the third quarter. 

The Kings scoring leader was De’Aaron Fox who had an above average night with 41 points, Malik Monk contributed with 22 points and Domantas Sabonis led with 14 rebounds and ten assists which helped defeat the Bulls at the United Center in Chicago 123-115.

Game recap:The Kings got off to a nice start leading after the first 12 minutes 32-25. Sacramento would really extend their lead going into the half leading 71-52. Sacramento had a nice lead after two quarters but we have seen them drop large leads lately and having to fight their way to wins. This was a 19 point lead but the Kings have been there before only to let their opponents back into the game.

The Bulls cut the Kings 18 point lead in half winning the third quarter 29-20 and Sacramento was against letting their opponent back into the game. The Kings had led by as much as 30 points in the third but the Bulls came roaring back. 

Chicago went on to win the fourth quarter 34-32 but it was too little too late. The Kings held off the Bulls improving their road trip to 5-1 with one more game left on their seven-game road trip. This road trip has been a huge success as the team improved to 29-19 on the season. 

The struggles of King’s bench player Monk appear to be over after a 23 point night Friday and tonight hitting 22. He lit up when his team so badly needed him. Fox was brilliant with 41 points and Sabonis had yet another triple double with 13 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. 

This was his 31st consecutive game with at least a double double making a concrete argument as to why Fox and Sabonis were not included in the All-Star game. Keegan Murray continues to struggle scoring but did have six rebounds in this game. He has only scored five points in each of his last two games. 

The Bulls did put up quite a fight considering the injuries they are going through. The Bulls Zach LaVine was handed quite a blow facing right foot surgery next week forcing him to miss the rest of the season. It will not be an easy path for Chicago going forward.

Post game notes: Saturday night the Kings took on the Bulls at United Center. The Kings are coming off a win over the Indiana Pacers Firday night 133-122. The Bulls took care of the Charlotte Hornets 117-110 on Wednesday night. The Kings win extends their winning streak to two games.

The Kings will finish up this seven game road trip in Cleveland taking on the Cavaliers Monday night. A win in this final road game would be amazing against a very strong Cavalier team. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.