DeMar DeRozan delivered a milestone performance as the Sacramento Kings defeated the New York Knicks 112-101 on Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center.
The veteran wing scored 27 points to move into 22nd place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, helping Sacramento improve to 11-30 while extending its winning streak to three games.
The victory came against a short-handed New York squad and spoiled the return of Knicks head coach Mike Brown, who coached the Kings for nearly two and a half seasons before being dismissed early in the 2024-25 campaign.
Brown was greeted with a standing ovation before tipoff, and he shared a brief courtside embrace with Kings owner Vivek Ranadive prior to the opening jump ball.
DeMar DeRozan shot 7-of-16 from the field, knocked down 12 of 13 free throws, and finished with 26,077 career points, passing Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett on the league’s scoring list.
Sacramento set the tone early, opening the game on an 18-8 run and building a 32-17 lead behind DeRozan and Precious Achiuwa, who each scored 10 points in the first quarter.
Zach LaVine added 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including five three-pointers, giving the Kings consistent perimeter scoring throughout the night.
Russell Westbrook posted 19 points and 11 assists, controlling the tempo and repeatedly attacking New York’s defense in transition.
Achiuwa, facing his former team, recorded 20 points and 14 rebounds, providing interior production as Sacramento finished with a 48-45 rebounding edge.
New York’s offense was disrupted early when Jalen Brunson exited after five minutes with a right ankle injury, leaving the visitors without their primary ball-handler for most of the game.
Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 19 points, while OG Anunoby scored 15 and Karl-Anthony Towns added 13 in the loss.
The Knicks struggled from the perimeter, shooting 8-of-41 from three-point range and 39 percent overall, marking their first loss in Sacramento since March 9, 2023.
Despite entering the night with a 25-15 record and sitting second in the Eastern Conference standings, New York was unable to generate sustained offense without Brunson on the floor.
The Kings shot 47 percent from the field and attempted 38 free throws, consistently pressuring the rim and preventing any extended Knicks comeback.
Sacramento now owns consecutive wins over the Rockets, Lakers, and Knicks, a stretch that has come against teams currently positioned in playoff spots.
The Knicks will continue their road trip Thursday against Golden State, while the Kings remain home to host Washington on Friday.
