Kings Roll Past Knicks in Mike Brown’s Return to Sacramento
Mike Brown’s return to Sacramento was met with a warm welcome - but once the opening tip went up, the Kings showed no interest in playing gracious hosts.
Led by a vintage performance from DeMar DeRozan, the Kings handled the New York Knicks 112-101 at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night, spoiling Brown’s first game back in Sacramento since his dismissal last season. DeRozan dropped 27 points, grabbed six boards, and dished out five assists, passing Kevin Garnett for 22nd on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in the process.
It was a night that saw Sacramento build a 25-point second-half lead and never truly look back, even as New York tried to claw its way back late.
A Statement Win from a Team Finding Its Footing
This was the Kings' third straight win - the first time they’ve strung together three in a row all season - and it came with a sense of purpose. Zach LaVine added 25 points, while Precious Achiuwa turned in a strong double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds, continuing to thrive in a bigger role with Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray still sidelined.
Despite the recent injury woes, the Kings are starting to look like a team that’s figuring things out. Achiuwa acknowledged the challenges of a revolving lineup but emphasized the importance of momentum in the NBA.
“It’s been a lot of moving pieces,” Achiuwa said. “Guys getting hurt, guys coming back from injuries… It’s kind of difficult to find a rhythm that way. But right now, I think we’ve been able to find something we can hang our hat on.”
That rhythm was on full display early. The Kings came out firing, shooting over 63% from the field in the first quarter while locking in defensively. They jumped out to a 32-17 lead after one, with DeRozan, LaVine, and Achiuwa each scoring 10 points in the opening frame.
Knicks Stumble Without Brunson
The Knicks, who entered the night with the second-best record in the East, were dealt a tough blow early when Jalen Brunson exited the game with a right ankle injury just five minutes in. He didn’t return, and the Knicks’ offense never really found its footing without their floor general.
New York shot just 34% in the first half and an abysmal 1-of-19 from beyond the arc. Mikal Bridges led the way with 19 points, OG Anunoby added 15, and Karl-Anthony Towns was held in check with 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting.
Sacramento took full advantage. A breakaway dunk by Malik Monk pushed the lead to 20 early in the second quarter, and the Kings went into halftime up 56-42. They shot 54.3% in the first half and held the Knicks to just 34%, setting the tone with both their energy and execution.
Second Half: Kings Keep Control
The Kings didn’t let up after the break. They opened the third with a 7-0 run and later extended the lead to 25 behind a 13-4 spurt. While the Knicks made a late push - getting within nine in the final minute after a bucket from Guerschon Yabusele - the game had long been out of reach.
Doug Christie, coaching the Kings in place of the injured Mike Brown last season and now officially at the helm, downplayed any added motivation in facing his predecessor.
“We come here to win,” Christie said. “It doesn’t matter who’s over there. We’re just here to compete.”
That mindset showed in how the Kings approached the game - focused, physical, and unbothered by the narrative surrounding Brown’s return.
Brown Reflects on His Time in Sacramento
Brown, who led the Kings to 48 wins and a No. 3 seed in the West in 2022-23 - snapping a 16-year playoff drought and earning NBA Coach of the Year honors - was let go after a 13-17 start to the 2024-25 campaign. Despite the abrupt end, he spoke with appreciation for his time in Sacramento.
“Our business, like most businesses, they’re tricky, and people look at results a certain way,” Brown said. “Every opportunity you get as an individual, you try to embrace it and do the best you can.”
Brown’s Knicks are still firmly in the playoff mix, but with Brunson’s injury and a frustrating loss, this was a night that belonged to Sacramento.
What’s Next
The Kings continue their seven-game homestand on Friday when they host the Washington Wizards - a team currently trying to find its identity after recent trades and injuries. Sacramento, meanwhile, will look to keep building on the momentum they’ve finally started to generate.
With DeRozan climbing the scoring charts, Achiuwa stepping up in the frontcourt, and the team starting to gel despite the absences, this version of the Kings might be turning a corner - and doing it just in time.