The Sacramento Kings clinched a hard-fought 124-120 overtime victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Friday’s NBA action, with Malik Monk delivering an exceptional performance by scoring 35 of his 39 points after halftime.
The game took an unexpected turn when Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, the team’s leading scorer, sat out the second half due to personal reasons.
Minnesota held a slim lead in overtime until Monk’s consecutive 3-pointers shifted the momentum toward Sacramento. The Timberwolves had a chance to even the score late in the game, but Naz Reid‘s missed 3-pointer and Trey Lyles‘ successful free throw sealed the win for the Kings.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Domantas Sabonis contributed significantly with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists before fouling out in the extra period. Despite missing their top scorer, De’Aaron Fox, the Kings saw valuable contributions from Keegan Murray, Davion Mitchell, and Harrison Barnes, ensuring the team’s offense didn’t miss a beat.
“The great teams always have two or three guys like that where, sometimes you don’t have to call a play, you just say, ‘Here’s the ball – go make a play, for yourself or for your teammates,’” Kings coach Mike Brown said. “And Malik did that. Especially with Fox out, we needed somebody to stand up for us and Malik was the guy that did.”
Jaden McDaniels led the scoring for the Timberwolves with 26 points, supported by Karl-Anthony Towns, Reid, and Rudy Gobert, who also posted strong performances. However, the Kings’ ability to capitalize on 14 offensive rebounds, resulting in 20 second-chance points, played a crucial role in their victory.
“A lot of times we did a great job defensively, and then they get those rebounds, they get a kick-out 3, and that hurts,” Gobert said. “Instead of (us) getting a stop, they get a wide-open shot.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Monk’s late-game offensive surge, including 11 of Sacramento’s final 13 points in the third quarter, helped extend their lead and set the stage for the overtime win.
The Timberwolves struggled early and failed to capitalize on opportunities in overtime, leading to their defeat. Despite the loss, the team looks to rebound in their next game, while the Kings aim to build on this victory.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
The Kings will host the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, while the Timberwolves prepare to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, each team looking to maintain momentum in the season’s ongoing challenges.
