After dealing Fox, Kings eke out 116-114 road win over Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points as the Sacramento Kings narrowly defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-114 on Monday night, following their trade for Zach LaVine. Malik Monk added 26 points for the Kings, who wrapped up a challenging 2-6 road trip. Keegan Murray contributed 19 points to the victory.
In a three-team trade, the Kings sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio, bringing LaVine to Sacramento. LaVine is expected to debut with his new team on Wednesday.
For the Timberwolves, Naz Reid led the way with a season-high 30 points, including 16 in the first quarter. Jaden McDaniels chipped in 22 points, and Anthony Edwards added 21. However, Minnesota was without forward Julius Randle for the second consecutive game due to a groin injury.
The Timberwolves fought back after trailing by as many as 12 points, briefly taking a 91-90 lead early in the fourth quarter. Despite this, the Kings regained control and answered every Timberwolves push down the stretch.
With Fox traded away, Monk stepped up as the point guard, finishing with 26 points, five assists, and eight rebounds while running Sacramento’s offense. Monk delivered key plays late, hitting two crucial shots and sinking four free throws in the final 17 seconds.
Minnesota struggled to bounce back from its Saturday loss to the NBA-worst Washington Wizards, suffering its second straight defeat to a team with a lower record.
Looking ahead, the Kings will host Orlando on Wednesday, while the Timberwolves will face Chicago at home on the same day.