In a night filled with milestones and emotional reunions, the Sacramento Kings secured a 112-101 victory over the New York Knicks, but the real story was DeMar DeRozan’s ascent to basketball immortality. With 27 points, DeRozan leapfrogged NBA legend Kevin Garnett to claim the 22nd spot on the league’s all-time scoring list—a testament to his enduring greatness. But here’s where it gets even more compelling: this achievement came on a night when the Kings not only extended their winning streak to three games but also spoiled the return of former coach Mike Brown, who was unceremoniously fired by the team just months ago.
The game itself was a rollercoaster. The Kings, led by DeRozan’s precision (7-of-16 shooting, 12-of-13 free throws) and Precious Achiuwa’s double-double (20 points, 14 rebounds), dominated early, racing to leads of 18-8 and 32-17 in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the Knicks struggled without star guard Jalen Brunson, who exited early with a right ankle injury after just five minutes of play. Mikal Bridges stepped up with 19 points, but New York’s 39% shooting and abysmal 8-of-41 performance from three-point range sealed their fate.
And this is the part most people miss: despite the Kings’ struggles this season (11-30), this win marks their third consecutive victory, including triumphs over the Rockets and Lakers. Zach LaVine added 25 points, and Russell Westbrook chipped in with 19 points and 11 assists, showcasing a rare moment of cohesion for the team.
The emotional undercurrents were palpable. Brown, who coached the Kings for nearly 2 ½ seasons and ended their 16-year playoff drought in 2023, received a standing ovation from the Golden 1 Center crowd. Even more surprising? He shared a courtside embrace with Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, the same man who fired him in December 2024. Is this a genuine reconciliation or a PR move? The jury’s still out.
For DeRozan, this wasn’t just another game. At 36, the six-time All-Star now has 26,077 career points, surpassing Garnett’s 26,071. It’s a reminder that longevity and consistency are the hallmarks of greatness. But here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era dominated by three-point shooting, how does DeRozan’s old-school, mid-range game continue to thrive? Let’s debate that in the comments.
Up next, the Knicks head to Golden State on Thursday, while the Kings host Washington on Friday. Will Sacramento keep this momentum going? Only time will tell. For now, DeRozan’s historic night and the Kings’ emotional win will be the talk of the NBA—and we’re here for it.
