Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan (10) defends as the Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) reaches for a rebound in the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Wednesday night, playing their first game since returning from a four-game road trip. Their trip included stops in Utah, Atlanta, Toronto, and Miami, where they went 3-1, improving their season record to 4-3.

The Kings returned home on Wednesday to face the Toronto Raptors at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, with tip-off set for 7 PM PST. The Kings defeated the Raptors 122-107 Wednesday night.

In the first quarter, the Raptors jumped out to an early lead, scoring 33 points, led by Chris Boucher and RJ Barrett, who combined for 22 points. These two quickly made themselves known as “Kings killers” in Sacramento.

The Kings’ offense managed 30 points in the first quarter, led by Keegan Murray with 12 points. The Kings seemed to start slow in both games they had played against the Raptors to open the 2024 season.

In the second quarter, the Kings’ defense picked up the pace, holding the Raptors to only 21 points. Meanwhile, the Kings scored 27 points to take a 57-54 lead into halftime. Solid adjustments made in the second quarter raised the question of whether they could continue to limit the Raptors’ offense in the second half. Keegan Murray led the Kings in first-half scoring with 14 points, while RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 14 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings’ defense faltered again, struggling to find rhythm in defensive shifts, allowing the Raptors to retake the lead. The Kings scored a respectable 32 points, but the Raptors scored 39, leading 93-89 going into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings took control. DeMar DeRozan and the Kings’ offense dominated, outscoring the Raptors 33-24 to secure a 122-107 victory and improve to 5-3 on the season. DeRozan led the Kings with 27 points, while RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 23 points in defeat.

Kings head coach Mike Brown had high praise for Keegan Murray, who finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds in the game. “His transformation is all about him and his work ethic. His will and determination to become the best possible player he can be… Look out for Keegan Murray,” Coach Brown said of Murray after the win.

The Kings will aim to keep up the momentum on Friday as they take on the LA Clippers at Golden 1 Center, with tip-off set for 7 PM PST.