Harrison Barnes delivered an outstanding 32-point performance, leading the Sacramento Kings to a decisive 122-107 victory over the Atlanta Hawks during Monday’s NBA action, effectively ending their four-game losing streak.
Kings coach Mike Brown praised Barnes for his aggressiveness and versatility on the court, highlighting the enjoyment of witnessing his play.
“I thought he was really aggressive,” Brown said. “He scored in multiple areas on the floor tonight. That was a lot of fun to see.”
The Hawks, missing All-Star guard Trae Young due to a concussion, struggled against the rejuvenated Kings. Barnes, achieving his second 30-point game of the season, became a focal point for the Kings’ offense, particularly in crucial moments, according to Brown.
“Down the stretch, we basically went to him three or four straight times, or called his number three or four straight times, and good things happened almost every time he touched the ball,” Brown said. “He had a great game from start to finish on the offensive end of the floor.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Domantas Sabonis contributed with a notable double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 21 rebounds, tying Oscar Robertson’s franchise record for consecutive double-doubles. Keegan Murray and Malik Monk added 13 points each, with Monk also dishing out eight assists. De’Aaron Fox scored 12 points in the game.
Dejounte Murray led with 35 points and 10 rebounds for Atlanta, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 18 points. Clint Capela had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Hawks coach Quin Snyder recognized the team’s persistence despite the unfavorable outcome, viewing it as a foundation for future improvement.
“We had some good opportunities. The ball just didn’t go in for a stretch there. We hung in there and we kept battling,” Snyder said. “Obviously not the result you want, but these are the types of performances that you can build on.”
Sacramento dominated the second quarter, outscoring Atlanta 30-16 and establishing a 57-40 lead by halftime, with the Hawks posting their season-low for first-half points.
“We missed great looks, great shots,” Murray said. “That was pretty much the ballgame. … We make, I don’t know, four of those good looks, and we’ve got a different outcome.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks Updates
Despite Atlanta’s efforts to close the gap in the third quarter, the Kings responded with their own runs to maintain a commanding lead.
The Kings’ bench outperformed the Hawks’, and Sacramento dominated the paint with a 56-40 advantage. Monk emphasized the team’s resilience in not folding under pressure and maintaining control throughout the game.
“Basketball is a game of runs, and they made their run,” Monk said. “We usually fold when another team makes a run and let them all the way back in it. We didn’t fold. We kept our foot on their necks tonight and finally finished the game how we’re supposed to.”
Looking ahead, the Hawks are set to face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, while the Kings will also play the Warriors, but on Thursday night.
