Kings Overcome 80-Point Effort from LaVine & DeRozan to Beat Pistons

DETROIT — Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan delivered a potent offensive punch, combining for 80 points as the Sacramento Kings rallied from a significant deficit to secure a crucial 127-117 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday. LaVine poured in a game-high 43 points, including a pivotal 17 in the fourth quarter, while DeRozan added 37, propelling the Kings closer to a first-round home game in the play-in tournament. 

Domantas Sabonis orchestrated the Kings’ offense with a stellar performance, recording 19 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his triple-double. The win marks Sacramento’s third consecutive victory, giving them a one-game cushion over Dallas for the ninth seed in the Western Conference.

Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 35 points, and Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 19, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Kings’ late surge. Detroit, now having lost four of their last five, saw a promising start unravel.

The Pistons exploded in the second quarter with a 29-10 run, establishing a commanding 66-48 lead. However, DeRozan spearheaded a Kings response, scoring eight of their next 14 points to trim the deficit to 72-62 by halftime. 

Sacramento finally seized their first lead of the second half (97-94) just before the third-quarter buzzer, courtesy of a timely LaVine three-pointer. The Kings never looked back, withstanding a late push from Detroit that saw them close to within 106-105 with 9:16 remaining.

LaVine then took over the fourth quarter, hitting three consecutive three-pointers in the opening 1:46 to extend Sacramento’s lead to 106-104. He was lethal from beyond the arc in the final frame, connecting on 5 of 6 attempts. 

The Kings suffered a setback when guard Malik Monk exited the game early with a left calf injury, adding to their existing absences of Keegan Murray (back) and Jake LaRavia (thumb). Despite the injuries, Sacramento shot an impressive 51.6% from the field, including 40.7% from three-point range. 

The Pistons, despite hitting 13 of 39 three-pointers, falling just short of their franchise record for most threes in a season, couldn’t contain the Kings’ dynamic duo.

Looking ahead, the Kings will begin a three-game homestand against Denver on Wednesday, while the Pistons will host New York on Thursday.