Kuzma's 30 points leads Wizards to 118-104 victory over Pistons
The Washington Wizards took down the Detroit Pistons, 118-104, at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.
The Pistons (5-40) jumped out to an early 12-point lead in the first quarter before the Wizards (8-37) finished the frame on a 20-5 run. Detroit managed to claw back that deficit and took a two-point lead into halftime. It was all Washington in the second half, as they retook the lead in the third quarter and won the final frame, 31-19, to capture their fifth road win of the year, while the Pistons dropped to 3-21 at home. A large reason for the Wizards' win Saturday was their dominance in the paint as they outscored the Pistons, 64-44, in that category.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 30 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole had 17 points and two assists while registering a game-high plus-25 point differential. Daniel Gafford tallied 15 points, 13 rebounds and three steals for his sixth double-double of the season. Marvin Bagley led the reserves with 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Tyus Jones added 12 points, nine assists and two steals, while Deni Avdija contributed 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 30 points, three rebounds and three assists. Cade Cunningham returned from an eight-game absence due to a left knee strain and finished with 20 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. Isaiah Stewart contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Jaden Ivey added 10 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Duren recorded 10 points, 18 rebounds and three assists for his 22nd double-double of the season.
Next up, the Pistons host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, while the Wizards finish their two-game road trip against ROTY candidate Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
The Pistons (5-40) jumped out to an early 12-point lead in the first quarter before the Wizards (8-37) finished the frame on a 20-5 run. Detroit managed to claw back that deficit and took a two-point lead into halftime. It was all Washington in the second half, as they retook the lead in the third quarter and won the final frame, 31-19, to capture their fifth road win of the year, while the Pistons dropped to 3-21 at home. A large reason for the Wizards' win Saturday was their dominance in the paint as they outscored the Pistons, 64-44, in that category.
Kyle Kuzma led the way for the Wizards with 30 points, six rebounds and four assists. Jordan Poole had 17 points and two assists while registering a game-high plus-25 point differential. Daniel Gafford tallied 15 points, 13 rebounds and three steals for his sixth double-double of the season. Marvin Bagley led the reserves with 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Tyus Jones added 12 points, nine assists and two steals, while Deni Avdija contributed 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 30 points, three rebounds and three assists. Cade Cunningham returned from an eight-game absence due to a left knee strain and finished with 20 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. Isaiah Stewart contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Jaden Ivey added 10 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Jalen Duren recorded 10 points, 18 rebounds and three assists for his 22nd double-double of the season.
Next up, the Pistons host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, while the Wizards finish their two-game road trip against ROTY candidate Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday.
Knicks Rally For Sixth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 125-109, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon.
The Heat jumped out to a quick nine-point lead but the Knicks cut it to a three-point game entering the second quarter. The hosts picked up momentum in the second and outscored the Heat, 34-21, in the quarter to take a 10-point lead into the break. The visitors brought the fight again to start the third and outscored the Knicks by seven points in the quarter, bringing it back to a three-point difference heading into the final frame. The Knicks turned it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the Heat, 36-23, in the quarter to secure their sixth straight win. This also marks the sixth straight loss for the Heat.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, five rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, in 38 minutes. Julius Randle added 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists, before leaving the game with an injury. OG Anunoby tallied 19 points, four assists and two steals, while Josh Hart logged 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 36 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 19 points, three assists and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The Heat (24-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Monday. The Knicks (29-17) clash with the Hornets in Charlotte on Monday.
The Heat jumped out to a quick nine-point lead but the Knicks cut it to a three-point game entering the second quarter. The hosts picked up momentum in the second and outscored the Heat, 34-21, in the quarter to take a 10-point lead into the break. The visitors brought the fight again to start the third and outscored the Knicks by seven points in the quarter, bringing it back to a three-point difference heading into the final frame. The Knicks turned it up a notch in the fourth and outscored the Heat, 36-23, in the quarter to secure their sixth straight win. This also marks the sixth straight loss for the Heat.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 32 points, five rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, in 38 minutes. Julius Randle added 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists, before leaving the game with an injury. OG Anunoby tallied 19 points, four assists and two steals, while Josh Hart logged 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 36 minutes. Duncan Robinson followed up with 19 points, three assists and a steal, while Bam Adebayo totaled 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The Heat (24-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Monday. The Knicks (29-17) clash with the Hornets in Charlotte on Monday.
Nuggets Topple Short-Handed 76ers, 111-105
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 111-105, at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Nuggets (32-15) came into the game with a built-in advantage, as both Joel Embiid (knee) and Tyrese Maxey (ankle) were ruled out prior to tip-off. However, Denver only held a 31-27 lead over the 76ers (29-15) through one, and Philadelphia had whittled that slim deficit in half by intermission. The hosts then actually managed to take a two-point edge into the fourth quarter, but the defending champions managed to limit them to just 17 points in the final 12 minutes to notch the comeback victory.
Paul Reed led the 76ers with a 30-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals. Kelly Oubre produced 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Patrick Beverley contributed 17 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Marcus Morris matched Beverley's scoring and added four rebounds and two assists.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 26-point, 16-rebound double-double that included seven assists and two steals. Jamal Murray supplied 23 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Michael Porter Jr. posted 20 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Aaron Gordon turned in 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, while the 76ers remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
The Nuggets (32-15) came into the game with a built-in advantage, as both Joel Embiid (knee) and Tyrese Maxey (ankle) were ruled out prior to tip-off. However, Denver only held a 31-27 lead over the 76ers (29-15) through one, and Philadelphia had whittled that slim deficit in half by intermission. The hosts then actually managed to take a two-point edge into the fourth quarter, but the defending champions managed to limit them to just 17 points in the final 12 minutes to notch the comeback victory.
Paul Reed led the 76ers with a 30-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist and two steals. Kelly Oubre produced 25 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Patrick Beverley contributed 17 points, 11 assists, four rebounds and two blocks. Marcus Morris matched Beverley's scoring and added four rebounds and two assists.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 26-point, 16-rebound double-double that included seven assists and two steals. Jamal Murray supplied 23 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Michael Porter Jr. posted 20 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Aaron Gordon turned in 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, while the 76ers remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
Nets Edge Rockets, 106-104
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Houston Rockets, 106-104, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
The game began in stark contrast to how it would conclude, with the Nets (17-28) seemingly on their way to a rout by establishing a 35-15 lead through one. Brooklyn still held a 20-point advantage over the Rockets (21-24) at halftime, and Houston was able to only put a two-point dent in its deficit during the third quarter. However, the visitors got all the way to within one with two seconds remaining before a Spencer Dinwiddie free throw sealed the narrow victory.
Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore co-led the Rockets with 19 points apiece while pulling down five, 10 and nine rebounds, respectively. Alperen Sengun generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Fred VanVleet furnished 13 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 37 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Dorian Finney-Smith and Mikal Bridges posted 19 points each while pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively. Nic Claxton generated a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double that included four assists, one steal and one block. Dinwiddie matched Claxton's scoring and also dished out nine assists among other contributions.
The Rockets return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, while the Nets host the Utah Jazz on Monday night as well.
The game began in stark contrast to how it would conclude, with the Nets (17-28) seemingly on their way to a rout by establishing a 35-15 lead through one. Brooklyn still held a 20-point advantage over the Rockets (21-24) at halftime, and Houston was able to only put a two-point dent in its deficit during the third quarter. However, the visitors got all the way to within one with two seconds remaining before a Spencer Dinwiddie free throw sealed the narrow victory.
Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore co-led the Rockets with 19 points apiece while pulling down five, 10 and nine rebounds, respectively. Alperen Sengun generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists. Fred VanVleet furnished 13 points, eight assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 37 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Dorian Finney-Smith and Mikal Bridges posted 19 points each while pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively. Nic Claxton generated a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double that included four assists, one steal and one block. Dinwiddie matched Claxton's scoring and also dished out nine assists among other contributions.
The Rockets return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, while the Nets host the Utah Jazz on Monday night as well.
Clippers Shock Celtics, 115-96
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Boston Celtics, 115-96, at TD Garden on Saturday night.
The Clippers (30-14) came into the contest knowing they'd have an uphill battle on the road against a Celtics (35-11) team that had lost just once at home, but Los Angeles laid a good foundation in the first quarter by establishing a 26-21 lead. However, it was what the visitors managed over the middle periods -- a 65-39 advantage -- setting up a surprisingly easy fourth quarter.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Daniel Theis furnished 18 points, seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Paul George delivered 17 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Terance Mann posted 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Amir Coffey registered 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Payton Pritchard supplied 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Luke Kornet compiled 11 points, five boards and one block. Jaylen Brown registered eight points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, while the Celtics host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night.
The Clippers (30-14) came into the contest knowing they'd have an uphill battle on the road against a Celtics (35-11) team that had lost just once at home, but Los Angeles laid a good foundation in the first quarter by establishing a 26-21 lead. However, it was what the visitors managed over the middle periods -- a 65-39 advantage -- setting up a surprisingly easy fourth quarter.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 26 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Daniel Theis furnished 18 points, seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Paul George delivered 17 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Terance Mann posted 14 points, six rebounds and three assists. Amir Coffey registered 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Payton Pritchard supplied 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Luke Kornet compiled 11 points, five boards and one block. Jaylen Brown registered eight points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, while the Celtics host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night.
Jazz Too Much For Hornets
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 134-122, at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
The Jazz jumped out to a great start with a, 47-24, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to a whopping 35 points by halftime. The Hornets came alive in the third and outscored the visitors, 41-23, to bring it back to a 17-point game entering the final quarter. The hosts kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Jazz held on to secure their second consecutive win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Hornets.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 33 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes of action. Collin Sexton followed up with 24 points, four rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, while John Collins added 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
Meanwhile, P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 43 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 36 minutes off the bench. Nick Richards followed up with 26 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, while Miles Bridges added 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Hornets (10-34) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Monday. The Jazz (24-23) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday.
The Jazz jumped out to a great start with a, 47-24, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to a whopping 35 points by halftime. The Hornets came alive in the third and outscored the visitors, 41-23, to bring it back to a 17-point game entering the final quarter. The hosts kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Jazz held on to secure their second consecutive win. This also marks the third straight loss for the Hornets.
Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 33 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes of action. Collin Sexton followed up with 24 points, four rebounds, 13 assists and two steals, while John Collins added 20 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
Meanwhile, P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 43 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 36 minutes off the bench. Nick Richards followed up with 26 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, while Miles Bridges added 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Hornets (10-34) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Monday. The Jazz (24-23) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday.
Bucks Close Out Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 141-117, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Bucks led, 36-32, after one quarter. The hosts kept control in the second and pushed ahead to a 12-point advantage at the break. The Pelicans had no answers in the third, as the Bucks charged to a 25-point cushion entering the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Bucks closed out their fourth win in five games. This also marks the second straight loss for the Pelicans.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 29 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Brook Lopez totaled 24 points, three rebounds and a steal.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 26 points and six rebounds, in 28 minutes. Zion Williamson followed up with 23 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jonas Valanciunas logged 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
The Pelicans (26-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics in Boston on Monday. The Bucks (32-14) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Monday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start as the Bucks led, 36-32, after one quarter. The hosts kept control in the second and pushed ahead to a 12-point advantage at the break. The Pelicans had no answers in the third, as the Bucks charged to a 25-point cushion entering the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Bucks closed out their fourth win in five games. This also marks the second straight loss for the Pelicans.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 30 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 29 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 26 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Brook Lopez totaled 24 points, three rebounds and a steal.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 26 points and six rebounds, in 28 minutes. Zion Williamson followed up with 23 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jonas Valanciunas logged 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
The Pelicans (26-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics in Boston on Monday. The Bucks (32-14) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Monday.
Lakers Defeat Warriors in 2OT, 145-144
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Golden State Warriors in 2OT, 145-144, at Chase Center on Saturday.
There were 10 ties and 17 lead changes through the opening 30 minutes of this game, but the most important one happened in the final minute of regulation. Golden State led 114-105 with 3:45 remaining, but Los Angeles finished on a 13-4 to send the game into overtime. There were six ties and five lead changes in the two overtimes, with LeBron James knocking down two game-winning free throws with 1.2 seconds left in the second session. The Lakers shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 46 percent shooting. They also shot 88 percent from the free-throw line (38-of-43), while Golden State shot 69 percent (11-of-16).
The Lakers (24-23) were led by LeBron, finishing with 36 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists. Anthony Davis accrued 29 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. D'Angelo Russell registered 28 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Austin Reaves had 17 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt led the bench with 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals.
The Warriors (19-24) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 46 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Klay Thompson tallied 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jonathan Kuminga compiled 22 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green also finished with eight points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and two blocks.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Houston Rockets on Monday. As for Golden State, they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday for their next outing.
There were 10 ties and 17 lead changes through the opening 30 minutes of this game, but the most important one happened in the final minute of regulation. Golden State led 114-105 with 3:45 remaining, but Los Angeles finished on a 13-4 to send the game into overtime. There were six ties and five lead changes in the two overtimes, with LeBron James knocking down two game-winning free throws with 1.2 seconds left in the second session. The Lakers shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 46 percent shooting. They also shot 88 percent from the free-throw line (38-of-43), while Golden State shot 69 percent (11-of-16).
The Lakers (24-23) were led by LeBron, finishing with 36 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists. Anthony Davis accrued 29 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. D'Angelo Russell registered 28 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Austin Reaves had 17 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt led the bench with 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists and four steals.
The Warriors (19-24) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 46 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Klay Thompson tallied 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jonathan Kuminga compiled 22 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Draymond Green also finished with eight points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists, three steals and two blocks.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Houston Rockets on Monday. As for Golden State, they play host to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday for their next outing.
Spurs Defeat T'Wolves, 113-112
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 113-112, at Frost Bank Center on Saturday.
While there were only six ties and six lead changes in this game, it wasn't decided until the final shot. Karl-Anthony Towns had a game-winning attempt at the buzzer but fell just short. San Antonio outscored Minnesota 33-22 in the fourth quarter to complete their comeback win. San Antonio out-rebounded Minnesota, 39-32, while out-assisting them, 35-30. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 17-9, and in fastbreak scoring, 12-7.
The Timberwolves (32-14) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 32 points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Rudy Gobert generated 19 points and seven rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Naz Reid led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and three blocks.
The Spurs (10-36) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 25 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Victor Wembanyama had 23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Tre Jones totaled 12 points, three rebounds and 11 assists. Keldon Johnson led the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Minnesota staying on the road to play the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio staying home to face the Washington Wizards.
While there were only six ties and six lead changes in this game, it wasn't decided until the final shot. Karl-Anthony Towns had a game-winning attempt at the buzzer but fell just short. San Antonio outscored Minnesota 33-22 in the fourth quarter to complete their comeback win. San Antonio out-rebounded Minnesota, 39-32, while out-assisting them, 35-30. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 17-9, and in fastbreak scoring, 12-7.
The Timberwolves (32-14) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 32 points, six rebounds and 12 assists. Rudy Gobert generated 19 points and seven rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Naz Reid led the bench with 13 points, two rebounds and three blocks.
The Spurs (10-36) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 25 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Victor Wembanyama had 23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Tre Jones totaled 12 points, three rebounds and 11 assists. Keldon Johnson led the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Minnesota staying on the road to play the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio staying home to face the Washington Wizards.
Kings Defeat Mavs, 120-115
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 120-115, at American Airlines Center on Saturday.
Sacramento never gave up the lead after a 29-25 first quarter, taking a 63-49 lead into the half. They also led by 23 points early in the fourth quarter, but Dallas made things close late by outscoring them in that frame, 40-26. They still never had a game-tying attempt in the second half. The Kings shot 54 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Sacramento also out-blocked Dallas, 10-2, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-44.
The Kings (26-18) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 34 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Harrison Barnes had 20 points, six rebounds and three assists. Kevin Huerter totaled 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Domantas Sabonis tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
The Mavericks (25-21) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 28 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists and two steals. Grant Williams generated 27 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Dreck Lively totaled 13 points and nine boards, while Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 19 points and four rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Sacramento staying on the road to play the Memphis Grizzlies while Dallas remains home to face the Orlando Magic.
Sacramento never gave up the lead after a 29-25 first quarter, taking a 63-49 lead into the half. They also led by 23 points early in the fourth quarter, but Dallas made things close late by outscoring them in that frame, 40-26. They still never had a game-tying attempt in the second half. The Kings shot 54 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. Sacramento also out-blocked Dallas, 10-2, while outscoring them in the paint, 54-44.
The Kings (26-18) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 34 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Harrison Barnes had 20 points, six rebounds and three assists. Kevin Huerter totaled 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Domantas Sabonis tallied 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
The Mavericks (25-21) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 28 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists and two steals. Grant Williams generated 27 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Dreck Lively totaled 13 points and nine boards, while Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 19 points and four rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Sacramento staying on the road to play the Memphis Grizzlies while Dallas remains home to face the Orlando Magic.