Kings celebrate the win and defensive player of the game, Jake LaRavia. (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday night at Golden 1 Center. The Kings were coming off two days of practice at home after suffering a 132-106 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday. They were optimistic heading into the game, having had a couple of sessions to integrate the new players acquired at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, their opponent, the Charlotte Hornets, entered Sacramento as one of the league’s worst teams, holding a 14-41 record on the season. The Kings dominated the Hornets, securing a commanding 130-88 victory on Monday night.

In the first quarter, the Kings played with a fluidity and confidence that had been lacking in recent weeks. They struck early, jumping out to a 34-23 lead. Sacramento started with its usual lineup of Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis. However, Keon Ellis was a quick substitution, entering the game for Monk just 4:04 into the first quarter. Ellis made an immediate impact, drilling two three-pointers in his first minute on the floor. Zach LaVine led the Kings in the period, scoring 10 points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting. On the other side, Miles Bridges paced the Hornets with 11 points on 4-of-7 from the field.

In the second quarter, the Kings looked to build on their 11-point lead, and they succeeded, outscoring Charlotte 31-22 in the period. LaVine continued his offensive showcase, adding 12 points in the quarter to bring his total to 22 at halftime. Bridges remained the Hornets’ leading scorer, finishing the half with 16 points. The Kings appeared much more in sync during the first half of Monday’s game, validating the impact of their recent practice sessions, as Doug Christie had suggested pregame.

In the third quarter, the Kings allowed the Hornets to claw their way back, briefly cutting the lead to single digits. However, Sacramento regained control and halted Charlotte’s momentum. Despite a sloppy quarter in which they committed 10 turnovers, the Kings maintained an 88-72 advantage heading into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings closed the game in dominant fashion, completely overwhelming the Hornets with a 42-16 advantage in the frame to seal the 130-88 victory. Their success was largely fueled by the explosive performance of LaVine, who finished with 42 points on an outstanding 16-of-19 shooting, along with two assists and three rebounds in just 30 minutes of action. It was an encouraging sight for LaVine, who is still adjusting to the Kings’ offensive and defensive schemes. DeRozan added 18 points despite struggling from the field (4-of-13) but remained perfect at the free-throw line (8-of-8). Bridges led Charlotte in the losing effort, scoring 23 points.

With the win, the Kings improved to 29-28 on the season, sitting two games behind the sixth-seeded LA Clippers and two games ahead of the 11th-seeded Phoenix Suns.

Postgame, LaVine spoke about the team’s defensive approach.

“I think we emphasized them coming off a tough game in Portland… just be ready from the jump and be the more aggressive team, putting them on their heels,” LaVine said.

Up Next: The Kings hit the road to face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday at 6 PM PST.