The Sacramento Kings secured a dominant 122-98 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, extending their winning streak to four games.
Zach LaVine led the way with 22 points, while DeMar DeRozan added 20 as both starters sat out the entire fourth quarter. Sacramento improved to 32-28, moving into sole possession of eighth place in the Western Conference standings.
Dallas, now 32-30, suffered another setback as Kyrie Irving left in the first quarter with a left knee sprain. The All-Star guard landed awkwardly after being fouled on a drive, briefly remaining on the floor before sinking two free throws and heading to the locker room. He finished with five points in nine minutes.
The Mavericks have now lost two straight and four of their last five, struggling to maintain momentum amid injuries to key players. Their seven three-pointers on 25 attempts were just one above their season-low mark.
Sacramento played without Domantas Sabonis, the league’s top rebounder, who is sidelined for at least a week with a hamstring strain. Jonas Valanciunas made his first start since being acquired at the trade deadline, contributing 14 points and nine rebounds in 23 minutes.
The Kings took control in the third quarter, using a decisive 21-2 run to outscore Dallas 34-16 in the period. They entered the fourth with a 94-66 advantage and never looked back.
Kai Jones, signed by the Mavericks earlier in the day, made an immediate impact with a career-high 21 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Jaden Hardy added eight points but exited in the third quarter due to a right ankle sprain.
Keegan Murray finished with 18 points for Sacramento, while Malik Monk chipped in 13 and dished out eight assists. The Kings shot 52.2% from the field and 47.1% from beyond the arc, converting 16 three-pointers.
Dallas struggled offensively, shooting just 26.9% from deep. Klay Thompson managed only three points in 24 minutes, and Spencer Dinwiddie finished 2-for-12 from the field.
With the win, Sacramento swept the three-game season series against Dallas, further solidifying its playoff push. The Mavericks, now sitting in 10th place, will need to regroup quickly as injuries continue to test their depth.
