In a thrilling game that captivated basketball fans, DeMar DeRozan made headlines by scoring 27 points, which propelled him into the 22nd position on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. This remarkable achievement occurred during the Sacramento Kings' impressive 112-101 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.
With this win, the Kings improved their record to 11-30 and celebrated their third consecutive victory, a significant milestone that disrupted the much-anticipated return of Knicks coach Mike Brown. This marked Brown's first trip back to Sacramento since his unexpected dismissal early in the 2024-25 season, a decision that stirred considerable debate among fans and analysts alike.
For the Knicks, Mikal Bridges contributed 19 points, but the team faced a significant challenge as they played most of the game without their star guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson suffered a right ankle injury and was forced to leave the court after contributing just four points in a brief five-minute stint.
DeRozan, now in his 17th season as a six-time All-Star, showcased his skills by shooting 7-of-16 from the field, including one three-pointer, while also excelling at the free-throw line with 12 successful attempts out of 13. This performance brought his career total to an impressive 26,077 points, surpassing Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, who ended his career with 26,071 points over 21 seasons.
The Knicks’ performance was less than stellar as they managed only a 39% shooting rate and struggled with their three-point shooting, hitting just 8 of 41 attempts. This loss marked their first defeat in Sacramento since March 9, 2023.
Prior to the match, Mike Brown received a warm welcome from fans at the Golden 1 Center, reflecting the respect he garnered during his nearly two-and-a-half-year tenure with the Kings, where he notably ended the franchise's lengthy playoff drought in 2023. Before the game, an emotional reunion took place between Brown and Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, who had controversially fired him in December 2024. Their courtside embrace highlighted the complexities of the relationships within the league.
Zach LaVine was another standout for the Kings, scoring 25 points, while former Knicks player Precious Achiuwa recorded a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Russell Westbrook added to the Kings' offensive efforts with 19 points and 11 assists. In a strong start to the game, both DeRozan and Achiuwa each netted 10 points in the first quarter, helping the Kings establish significant leads of 18-8 and 32-17 early on.
Looking ahead, the Knicks are set to visit the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, while the Kings will host the Washington Wizards on Friday. The excitement surrounding these matchups continues to build, leaving fans eager for what’s next in this unpredictable season.
Want to share your thoughts? What do you think about DeRozan's climb up the scoring list? Is Brown’s return to Sacramento a moment for celebration or controversy? Let us know in the comments!
