Zach LaVine credited the Sacramento Kings’ strong team chemistry following Friday’s 128-115 win over the Washington Wizards. “We just found a little bit of a rhythm. We’re playing hard. There’s ebbs and flows to the game, but we came out with the right intensity,” he said.
LaVine noted the team’s response to Washington’s physical play. “They tried to get a little physical. I think we responded the right way, especially out of halftime and in that third quarter,” he said, adding that Sacramento’s defensive effort matched their offensive balance.
On sustaining the team’s recent success, LaVine stressed focus on each game. “We can’t really look at the record. We just have to play each game like we’ve been the last couple. Each one of us knows that, we’ve got to come in and continue to get better,” he said.
He highlighted Sacramento’s depth and ball movement as key factors. “We have a 10- or 11-man rotation today, so the ball is doing fine; it needs to find the right guy. Each game it might be somebody different, and I think we’re being okay with being a team,” LaVine said.
LaVine also praised the return of Domantas Sabonis. “Man, it was good to see Big Fella. Good to see him roll down the hoop, get a dunk. I think I was able to give him his first points. He looked good, and the crowd was great. To have him feel that love and energy, especially in a season like this, it’s big,” he said.
He described the importance of maintaining composure against a young, aggressive opponent. “We have a lot of guys that have been in big situations, and sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand and beat a bigger brother. That’s what we did tonight,” LaVine said.
Sacramento improved to 12-30 with the victory, winning four straight games and starting the first three of a seven-game homestand with momentum. LaVine’s balanced scoring and leadership, combined with contributions from Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, and Precious Achiuwa, helped the Kings dominate both ends of the floor.
The Kings’ home-court energy and defensive intensity limited Washington to 44% shooting and 32% from three-point range, allowing Sacramento to maintain control after a fast start with 41 first-quarter points.
Sacramento will look to continue its streak against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, while Washington faces the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
