For three quarters at Madison Square Garden, the Kings looked like a team ready to steal one on the road. They played with energy, got big-time production from DeMar DeRozan, and kept the Knicks off balance. But basketball games don’t end after 36 minutes - and the fourth quarter was where things unraveled.
Sacramento was outscored 31-15 in the final frame, a collapse that turned a competitive showing into a frustrating loss. DeRozan did everything he could to keep the Kings afloat, pouring in 34 points in a vintage scoring performance.
He was aggressive, decisive, and kept the Knicks’ defense guessing. But the help just wasn’t there.
Domantas Sabonis put together a solid all-around night - 11 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists - doing his usual work as a connector and rebounder. Russell Westbrook added 14 points, but it came on a tough 6-of-19 shooting night. Outside of that trio, the Kings struggled to find any rhythm offensively.
The biggest issue? The three-point line.
Sacramento shot a brutal 5-of-30 from deep - just 16.7%, their worst percentage from beyond the arc this season. The five made threes tied their season low, and in today’s NBA, that’s a tough hill to climb.
When you’re not hitting from deep, it puts even more pressure on your halfcourt execution - and that’s where New York’s defense, anchored by Mitchell Robinson, made life miserable.
Robinson didn’t stuff the stat sheet, but his impact was undeniable. In 27 minutes, he posted a +25 - a clear sign of how much he influenced the game. His rim protection and rebounding were a problem all night for the Kings, who didn’t have a reliable answer for his physicality and presence in the paint.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 28 points and was his usual steady self, but it was Robinson’s two-way impact that tilted the game in New York’s favor. His ability to control the interior forced Sacramento into tough shots and one-and-done possessions down the stretch.
Now sitting at 12-36 on the season, the Kings still have three games left on this season-long road trip. There were flashes of strong play in this one, but the inability to close - and the cold shooting - continue to be themes that have haunted Sacramento all year. If they’re going to turn things around, it starts with finding consistency on both ends, especially when the game tightens in the fourth.