LOS ANGELES (AP) — Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists during their 132-122 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. This game marked the Kings’ first outing under their new interim coach, Doug Christie, who took over after Mike Brown was controversially dismissed just before this matchup.
LeBron James missed the game due to illness, leaving the Lakers to rely on other players stepping up. Austin Reaves rose to the occasion, contributing 26 points and setting a career-high with 16 assists. Rui Hachimura also showed strong performance, adding 21 points, followed by Max Christie with 16 points and Dalton Knecht with 18 off the bench. Their combined efforts ensured the Lakers maintained control of the game.
For Sacramento, De’Aaron Fox put forth a commendable effort, leading his team with 29 points and 12 assists. DeMar DeRozan complemented Fox’s performance with 25 points. Despite losing their head coach, the Kings demonstrated resilience, especially as they sought to establish their defensive identity under Christie.
Los Angeles took control of the game with 12 consecutive points to finish the third quarter and start the fourth, extending their lead to 20 points at one point. Although the Kings rallied late, closing the gap to 123-117 with less than four minutes remaining, the Lakers held firm, with Reaves and Christie playing pivotal roles to seal their victory.
One of the key moments of the game occurred when Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis picked up his fifth foul with 4:17 left on the clock, which shifted the momentum sharply toward the Lakers. His absence allowed the Lakers to attack the paint effectively, growing their lead before he eventually fouled out with just over five minutes to go.
The game showcased the Lakers’ adaptability, as they improved to 2-1 without James this season. Hachimura has proven to be instrumental during these games, echoing his previous 23-point performance against Portland.
Following the game, Kings coach Doug Christie acknowledged the challenges his team faced, particularly on defense. The Kings allowed 33 free-throw attempts to the Lakers, which made for difficult adjustments as they looked to implement Christie’s defensive strategy moving forward.
Looking at the next matchups, the Kings are set to host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, hoping to bounce back from this defeat. Meanwhile, the Lakers will continue their four-game homestand with their next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Both teams have much to prove, driven by the recent changes and performances.
Overall, this matchup was not only about the immediate victory for the Lakers but also about the larger strategic and emotional shifts happening within Sacramento’s organization as they start anew under Christie. The Lakers, on the other hand, continue to show depth beyond their star player, buoying their chances for success this season as they navigate through their challenges.