The Sacramento Kings prevailed in an overtime thriller against the Minnesota Timberwolves with the score standing at 124-120. Malik Monk counted 39 points on the edge of an amazing game on Friday evening. Also, Sacramento Kings scored almost two-thirds of these points in the second half.
The game took a totally different turn when the Minnesota Team’s highest scorer, Anthony Edwards, scored 11 points in the first half of the match. However, he was not seen in the second half apparently because he had personal reasons and the team’s officials confirmed it.
Monk’s Heroic Display: Filling the Void in Fox’s Absence and Sealing the Sacramento Kings’ Victory
The Timberwolves had a 120-117 lead in the overtime period. But Makaleb Monk then made two more 3-pointers in a row putting the Sacramento Kings in the lead. Unfortunately for the Wolves, the opportunity to tie the game was missed by Naz Reid shooting a three-pointer and Trey Lyles securing the Sacramento Kings’ win with a free throw.
Particularly surprising for the Sacramento Kings was the absence of their leading scorer De’Aaron Fox. He missed a second game in a row due to a left knee contusion. Nevertheless, Monk stepped up the plate, making 16 of 29 shots, 5 of 8 of which were from beyond the arc, taking care of the gap left by the absence of Fox and exposing his capabilities of generating opportunities.
Sacramento Kings’s big man Domantas Sabonis exploded for 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists before getting fouled out in overtime. Keegan Murray, Davion Mitchell, and Harrison Barnes added 17, 16, and 14 points, each.
Mike Brown, the Sacramento Kings coach, commended Monk’s amazing performance. He particularly highlights the tissue of the matter when the players can come up with essential plays.
Monk’s Marvel: The Shooting Maestro Propels Sacramento Kings to Victory Despite Timberwolves’ Late Push
Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves’ score with 26 points. Besides, Karl-Anthony Towns, Naz Reid, and Rudy Gobert, among others, made notable scores.
The Sacramento Kings’ strength in the game lay in their ability to overwhelm the opponent under the boards by securing offensive rebounds. So they went on to a final score of 14 offensive rebounds and 20 critical second-chance points.
Monk’s shooting outburst welled up with 11 in just 12 before the end of the third quarter. It means the Sacramento Kings’ lead at 91-82. As Monk looked back on his second-half surge, he couldn’t help by saying, “I had to start at some point. I forced my way to the rim, which resulted in my midrange and floater opening up for me.”
Initially, the match was not that interesting as the Timberwolves had a slow start and struggling attack. However, the Timberwolves fought back and initiated a 14-4 run in the fourth quarter. Yet, Monk’s recovery was enough to make sure that the home team remained in front.
The Wolves endured some rough patches, mainly in the overtime that they did not take advantage of the three-point lead, the six successive possessions ending without goals.
Upcoming Games
The Sacramento Kings will compete with the Bulls on Monday, and the Timberwolves will meet the Clippers on Sunday night. It illustrated the Sacramento Kings’ indefatigability, and precise scoring alongside the Timberwolves’ ability to overcome the odds in their bid to make an impact.