Domantas Sabonis delivered an impressive triple-double with 22 points, 23 rebounds, and 12 assists, along with Malik Monk scoring a dynamic 37 points from the bench, led the Sacramento Kings to a 138-135 double-overtime victory over the Orlando Magic during Wednesday’s NBA action.
The Kings overcame a record-breaking night from the Magic, who sank 25 three-pointers, setting a new franchise record. Despite trailing by 13 points in the third quarter, the Magic rallied back, led by Paolo Banchero’s career-high 43 points. However, Banchero missed a potential game-tying three-pointer at the final buzzer, and Jalen Suggs added 24 points for Orlando.
Kings coach Mike Brown praised his team’s resilience and ability to secure the win in a grueling double-overtime battle. De’Aaron Fox played a crucial role in the second overtime, scoring key field goals, including a jumper that gave the Kings a lead with less than a minute remaining.
“For our guys to fight the way they fought and find a way in two overtimes, I applaud them because there were a handful of times we could have just cashed in,” Brown said.
The game was tightly contested, with Sabonis dunking to give the Kings a lead late in the first overtime, only for Banchero to tie it with a layup, sending the game into a second overtime. Monk’s layup had previously tied the game at 118 in regulation after a clutch three-pointer by Banchero.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Malik Monk, Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic Updates
Monk reflected on the team executing Coach Brown’s game plan, which focused on protecting the paint and allowing Orlando to attempt long-range shots, a strategy the Magic capitalized on.
“We did exactly what (Brown) wanted us to do,” Monk said. “They were just hitting shots tonight. They hit a lot of shots tonight. Hats off to them.”
Sabonis continued his impressive season, achieving his fifth triple-double in the last nine games. Keegan Murray contributed 28 points for the Kings, who bounced back after a loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
“Throughout the season, we’ve overcome adversity,” Murray said. “I feel like we’re a team that handles it well when it happens, and today was no different. All of our guys are calm and just stuck with it throughout the whole game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Malik Monk, Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic Updates
The Magic, facing a string of injuries and in the midst of a West Coast tour, have lost four of their last five games. Despite their challenges, Banchero remained positive about the team’s performance and resilience.
“Just wanted to do whatever I could,” Banchero said. “Just be aggressive. Really just doing whatever we can to get the win. We’ve taken some tough losses. We’re fighting right now.”
“We played a hell of a game,” Banchero continued. “Despite everything that happened with injuries, we gave ourselves a shot, and that’s all we can ask for.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Malik Monk, Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic Updates
Orlando faced further injury woes with Franz Wagner, Gary Harris, and Banchero himself sustaining injuries during the game. Coach Jamahl Mosley commended his team’s effort and spirit, especially under challenging circumstances.
“I can’t say enough about the group,” Mosley said. “Every person that was available played, contributed, fought, battled. And they had to dig down deep. I’m so proud of the way in which they competed. Never got away from them.”
Both teams are set to continue their schedules, with the Magic facing the Denver Nuggets and the Kings hosting the Toronto Raptors, both games happening on Friday.
