DETROIT — Domantas Sabonis showcased his all-around skills with a triple-double, recording 37 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 131-110 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. The game was a roller-coaster affair, with the Kings overcoming a 20-point first-quarter deficit and ultimately pulling away in the fourth quarter.
Keegan Murray contributed significantly with 32 points, and De’Aaron Fox added 26 for the Kings. Coach Mike Brown praised the team’s defensive improvement after the first quarter and their offensive efficiency, highlighted by 39 assists on 54 made field goals.
The Pistons (3-34), who have lost five straight games, were led by Bojan Bogdanovic with 26 points and Jaden Ivey with 22. Detroit struggled with turnovers and failed to maintain offensive consistency, a concern expressed by coach Monty Williams.
Detroit missed the presence of Cade Cunningham, sidelined with a knee sprain, but he remained involved from the sidelines, offering encouragement and advice to his teammates. Despite his absence, the Pistons managed a strong start, scoring 47 points in the first quarter, their season-high for a quarter.
The Kings, coming off a 133-100 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, demonstrated resilience. Murray emphasized the need for consistent effort across all four quarters to establish the Kings as a formidable team.
Sacramento’s turnaround began in the second quarter, erasing Detroit’s lead and going ahead by three points at halftime. The Kings then extended their lead in the third quarter before the Pistons narrowed the gap.
In the pivotal moments of the fourth quarter, Sacramento surged ahead, with Monk’s seven consecutive points being crucial in establishing a comfortable lead that they maintained until the end.
The Kings and Pistons both face quick turnarounds, with games scheduled for Wednesday. Sacramento will visit Charlotte, while Detroit will host San Antonio, as both teams continue their regular-season campaigns.
