Monk steps up late, powers Kings to OT win over Lakers
Malik Monk scored 11 of his 22 points in overtime and fed Kevin Huerter for a key 3-pointer with 32 seconds left as host Sacramento spoiled the 20th anniversary of Lebron James’ NBA debut in the same city with a 132-127 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
De’aaron Fox had 37 points and eight assists for the Kings, scoring eight points in the final six minutes of regulation after returning from an ankle injury earlier in the fourth quarter.
James, the No. 1 draft pick in 2003, had 27 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. Derek Richardson, who was one of the three referees for James’ debut on Oct.
29, 2003, was part of the three-ref crew Sunday.
Anthony Davis added 30 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers, who trailed by 15 before closing the fourth quarter on a 9-2 run to force overtime.
Domantas Sabonis had 12 points and 15 rebounds for Sacramento.
The Lakers, who have lost four of the past five games between the two teams, never found a consistent rhythm to their offense despite having six double-figure scorers. They shot 39.5 percent in the first half while committing 12 turnovers.
Monk, who missed nine of his first 13 shots, was perfect on all four attempts he took in overtime. He made two 3-pointers, assisted on Huerter’s 3 that put the Kings up 130-125 and then sealed the outcome with two free throws with 15 seconds left.
■ Clippers 123, Spurs 83: At Los Angeles, Kawhi Leonard had 21 points to lead seven double-figure scorers for
Los Angeles, which led 56-37 at halftime. Touted rookie Victor Wembanyama had 11 points, five rebounds and five of San Antonio’s 25 turnovers in his first road game.
■ Hawks 127, Bucks 110: At Milwaukee, Trae Young had 20 points to lead eight double-figure scorers for Atlanta, which held seven-time All-star Damian Lillard to six points.
■ Warriors 106, Rockets 95: At Houston, Chris Paul came off the bench for Golden State, the first time the 12-time All-star guard didn’t start in his 1,366game NBA career.
■ Nuggets 128, Thunder 95: At Oklahoma City, Nikola Jokic had 28 points and 14 rebounds for Denver, which shot 60.2 percent in its third straight win.
■ 76ers 126, Trail Blazers 98: At Philadelphia, Joel Embiid had 35 points, 15 rebounds seven assists and six blocks for Philadelphia.