Malik Monk delivered 26 points, including seven 3-pointers, as the Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 124-112 on Monday night.
“Shots was falling, man. My three was falling and I just stuck with it,” Monk said of his first-half 18 points.
He highlighted his role as a secondary ball handler, contributing eight assists.
“Just getting the opportunity to play make a little bit more tonight. When your shots falling, a lot of guys will run you off the line. Luckily I was able to hit a few shots early and make the right plays,” Monk said.
Monk credited his teammates for finishing plays and creating spacing. “[Maxime Raynaud] and [Dylan Cardwell] do a great job at finishing down there. That helps a lot,” he said.
The guard praised the team’s 17-of-26 three-point shooting as a group. “If I go seven for nine all the time, we’ll be all right. Russ go four for eight. Zach go three for four. It’s just us moving the ball more, sharing it, moving a little, going in the pace with our actions,” Monk said.
Monk said his focus is always on making an immediate impact. “Definitely trying to come in and make an immediate impact so I can stay on the court,” he said.
He reflected on the team’s defensive improvements over the last two games. “The ball movement, the pace we’re running, the second and third efforts on defense. Beginning of the year we only made one effort. Now our effort picked up way more,” Monk said.
Monk credited Sacramento’s young players and rim protection for boosting confidence on the ball. “Just knowing guys not going to go in there, especially with Dylan, he’s going to foul you. Maxi been fouling a little too. It’s good to see them learning the game,” he said.
He also discussed professionalism and leadership in the rotation. “It wasn’t really something they told me. Just be a pro, be ready, and try to talk to the rookies as much as possible, teach them the things they can do better,” Monk said.
Looking ahead, Monk said his energy and focus remain consistent regardless of minutes. “At the end of the day, I want to play 48 minutes a night. Whether I’m out there or not, I’m always going to bring the energy, always smile, and teach the young guys,” he said.
The Kings improved to 10-30 with the win, marking their first home victory over the Lakers since March 2024. Sacramento will host the New York Knicks on Wednesday, while Los Angeles will face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.
