Zach LaVine delivered a masterclass performance Monday night, exploding for 42 points in the Sacramento Kings' emphatic 130-88 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The former All-Star sank eight three-pointers while shooting a scorching 84% from the field, marking his most dominant showing since joining Sacramento in February.
Sacramento’s offense clicked at all levels, with DeMar DeRozan adding 18 points and Malik Monk contributing 13 off the bench. The Kings’ 42-point margin of victory represents their largest home win since 2021. When Zach gets hot like that, it opens everything up for everyone else, said coach Mike Brown during postgame interviews.
Key factors in the Kings’ victory:
- 23-10 first-quarter run establishing early dominance
- 58% team shooting from beyond the arc
- Hornets’ -42 rebound differential
Charlotte’s struggles reached historic proportions, losing consecutive games by 95 total points. Miles Bridges’ 23-point effort proved futile as the Hornets committed 18 turnovers.
We’re stuck in quicksand right now,admitted Hornets coach Steve Clifford. Until we fix our defensive communication, this pattern will continue.
With this win, Sacramento (29-28) strengthens its grip on the Western Conference’s 10th seed. LaVine’s seamless integration – scoring double digits in all eight appearances – provides critical firepower for their playoff push. The Kings face Utah next, while Charlotte visits Golden State on Tuesday.
