Zach LaVine delivered his best performance since joining the Kings, scoring a season-high 42 points in Sacramento’s 130-88 rout of the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.
LaVine connected on eight 3-pointers and shot 16-of-19 from the field, helping the Kings (29-28) secure their first home win over Charlotte since 2021. The two-time All-Star has now reached double figures in all eight games since his arrival.
Sacramento controlled the game from start to finish, leading by 20 points at halftime before outscoring Charlotte 42-16 in the fourth quarter. DeMar DeRozan added 18 points and seven rebounds, while Malik Monk contributed 13 points.
Domantas Sabonis impacted the game in multiple areas, finishing with seven points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Keegan Murray chipped in 10 points as the Kings strengthened their hold on the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Charlotte (14-42) has now dropped 12 of its last 14 games. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 23 points, while LaMelo Ball and Nick Smith Jr. each added 13.
Jusuf Nurkic and Moussa Diabate provided some interior presence for Charlotte, scoring 12 points apiece, but the Hornets struggled defensively. They allowed Sacramento to shoot 54% from the field and 52.6% from beyond the arc.
LaVine set the tone early, hitting four 3-pointers in the first half while making eight of his nine shot attempts. Sacramento’s offense moved the ball effectively, finishing with 30 assists on 47 made field goals.
The Kings dominated the rebounding battle 49-37 and limited Charlotte to just 35.3% shooting from the floor. The Hornets’ offense never found a rhythm, missing 30 of their 40 attempts from deep.
Sacramento’s bench provided solid production, with Trey Lyles, Jonas Valanciunas, and Keon Ellis combining for 20 points. Markelle Fultz added five points and three steals in 18 minutes.
For Charlotte, the struggles continued despite a competitive first quarter. The team trailed 34-23 after 12 minutes and was outscored 31-22 in the second quarter.
With the loss, the Hornets remain near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Kings, meanwhile, look to build momentum as they fight to stay in playoff contention.
