Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (#14) attempts a shot over Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas during the first half of their NBA game on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Sacramento, California. (AP Photo/Randall Benton)
Zach LaVine delivered his best performance since joining Sacramento, scoring a season-high 42 points to lead the Kings to a dominant 130-88 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. The Kings snapped their home losing streak against Charlotte, securing their first win over them in Sacramento since 2021.
LaVine was on fire, sinking eight three-pointers and hitting 16 of 19 shots. His stellar shooting helped Sacramento build an early lead and cruise to victory. This marks his eighth straight double-digit scoring game for the Kings, proving his value since the trade deadline deal that brought him to the team.
Supporting LaVine’s explosive performance, DeMar DeRozan contributed 18 points and seven rebounds. Malik Monk added 13 points, while Keegan Murray scored 10. Domantas Sabonis played a well-rounded game, finishing with seven points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.
On the other side, Miles Bridges led the struggling Hornets with 23 points. LaMelo Ball and Nick Smith Jr. chipped in 13 points each, while Jusuf Nurkic and Moussa Diabate added 12 points apiece. The loss marks Charlotte’s 12th defeat in their last 14 games, highlighting their ongoing struggles.
Kings Take Control Early
Charlotte initially put up a fight, opening the game with an 8-2 run. However, the Kings quickly responded with a 23-10 surge, taking control and never letting go. By halftime, Sacramento had built a commanding 20-point lead, thanks to LaVine’s hot hand.
Hornets' Tough Stretch Continues
The Hornets were hoping to bounce back after suffering a crushing 53-point loss to Portland in their previous game. While they started strong, their momentum faded fast, leading to another disappointing defeat. Their last two losses have come by a combined 95 points, exposing their weaknesses on both ends of the court.
Kings Show Chemistry with LaVine
This game was arguably Sacramento’s most cohesive performance since acquiring LaVine. With their offence-clicking and defensive effort improving, the Kings look determined to maintain their position in the Western Conference play-in race.
