The Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) gets a fade away shot over the Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) in second half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Feb 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night in Sacramento. The Kings were coming off a seven-game road trip that saw them go 5-2. It was a solid trip for the Kings that exceeded expectations.

However, the Kings didn’t finish the trip strong as the red-hot Cleveland Cavs blew them out on Monday 136-110. On Wednesday, the Kings welcomed the worst team in the NBA, the Detroit Pistons. The tip-off was set for 7 PM PST at Golden One Center. The Kings fell to the worst team in the NBA, 133-120, on Wednesday night.

In the first quarter, the Kings played no defense as usual. Yet, the offense was firing on all cylinders. The Kings scored 36 points in the first quarter compared to the Pistons, who scored 31. The Kings were aided in the first quarter with great three-point shooting from Kevin Huerter, who hit 3-4.

In the second quarter, the Kings melted down. The Kings had zero effort on the defensive end, and the Kings shots stopped falling. That combo led to the Kings giving up the lead and giving the Pistons the lead going into halftime.

The Pistons outscored the Kings 39-27 in the second quarter to take the lead going into halftime. The Kings would trail the Pistons 70-63 at halftime. It was an embarrassing showing from the Kings as the boos reigned down from Golden One. Could the Kings turn it around in the third?

Yes! The Kings turned things around drastically in the third quarter as they stormed back to take the lead. The Kings outscored the Pistons in the third quarter 36-27. It was a welcome sight for Kings fans who were unhappy with how the first half ended. The Kings would go into the fourth quarter leading 99-97 after a buzzer-beating three from Domas Sabonis.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings lost the plot. The Kings were run off the court on Wednesday night as the Pistons fired in the final quarter to beat the Kings 133-120.

The Kings were outscored by the Pistons 36-21 in the fourth quarter, which led to their demise. The Kings best performance came from Domas Sabonis, who had 30 points and 12 rebounds. Jaden Ivey led the Pistons to victory with 37 points.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Denver Nuggets in Sacramento at 7 PM PST on Friday.