On Wednesday night the Sacramento Kings entered enemy territory to face the Denver Nuggets. Many supporters had modest hopes against a quality Denver team, without both Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk, yet the Kings have battled.
The Kings battled back to make it a game after sprinting out to lead 13 points at the end of the first quarter.
Missing two starters, the Kings needed a huge game from Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan; the latter stepped forward. DeRozan has burst for 33 points (and counting) to lead the Kings at a desperate time.
De Rozan created league history in addition to having one of his best games of the season. DeRozan passed Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing for 27th on the NBA's all-time ranking with a three-point late in the first quarter.
DeRozan was a major acquisition for the Kings in the offseason, obtained by sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls. DeRozan is averaging 21.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, shooting 48.9% from the field this season.
Though he is well past his prime, the 35-year-old veteran still shows daily proof of being among the league's most talented shot-makers.
EAST WEST HUNT