An enormous first quarter helped the Sacramento Kings end a four-game losing streak and post a 126-105 home victory over the Indiana Pacers.
The Kings (11-9) doubled up the Pacers and outscored them by 21 in the first quarter — 42-21 — and ended up winning by 21. Sacramento led by double-figures for the final 41 minutes of the game.
De’Aaron Fox scored 24 points and Keegan Murray had 20 to lead the Kings, who shot 55.4% from the field. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 10 rebounds and six assists but was somehow held to a season-low three points.
Former King Buddy Hield led the Pacers with 20 points. Indiana shot just 45.6% from the field.
2022-23 Sacramento Kings Replay Home Page
The Pacers never led in the contest and only tied it at 2-2 and 4-4. Malik Monk had five points in an 8-0 run that put the Kings ahead 26-13, and they kept a double-digit lead the rest of the way. KZ Okpala hit a three-pointer at the end of the first quarter to make it 42-21.
Kevin Huerter had two baskets in a second-quarter 9-0 run that put Sacramento ahead by 30 at 56-26. That would turn out to be the largest lead of the game. It was 67-44 at halftime.
Indiana got no closer than 19 points in the third quarter, and the Kings went into the final period with a 94-74 lead. Indiana got the deficit down to 14 points twice, first at 96-82 and again at 107-93 with under six minutes to play. But Fox had two baskets and Davion Mitchell and Huerter hit three-pointers in a 10-0 run to push the lead back up to 25 at 120-95 with under three minutes left.
This game was played with Bank Shot Basketball.
ROGER SPORTS & GAMES 