In the Kings’ first game under interim coach Doug Christie, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated Sacramento 132-122 on Saturday night, led by 36 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists from Anthony Davis.
A balanced performance, headed by Austin Reaves with 26 points and a career-high 16 assists, helped make up for LeBron James’ absence from the Lakers due to sickness. Max Christie contributed 16 points, Dalton Knecht scored 18 points off the bench, and Rui Hachimura finished with 21 points.
De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points and 12 assists, while DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points. This was Fox’s first appearance on the court since Mike Brown was controversially fired on Friday.
To take a 20-point lead, Los Angeles scored 12 points in a row to close out the third quarter and begin the fourth.
With less than four minutes remaining, Sacramento pulled ahead 123-117, but Reaves and Christie ensured the home team held.
Takeaways
Kings: Doug Christie’s dedication to defense let him to play in the NBA for 15 years. Given that the Kings allowed 33 free-throw attempts, he will need to teach it in his club.
Lakers: With James in the lineup, Reaves’ playmaking isn’t as necessary, but he can still pass the ball when called upon.
Key moment
The Lakers pulled away by hitting the paint while Domantas Sabonis was on the bench, and the power forward missed his fifth foul with 4:17 remaining in the third. There was 5:20 left in the game when he would foul out.
Key stat
With Hachimura contributing to both victories, the Lakers are currently 2-1 without James in the starting lineup. On December 8, he scored 23 against Portland.
Up next
The Lakers play Cleveland on Tuesday to resume their four-game homestand after the Kings host Dallas on Monday.
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