The Sacramento Kings delivered a statement victory on their home court, overpowering the visiting New York Knicks with a final score of 112-101. This crucial win, secured on Thursday, January 15, 2026 (Philippine Time), marks the Kings' third consecutive triumph—their best winning streak of the current NBA regular season.
Kings' Offensive Firepower Overwhelms East Contender
DeMar DeRozan led the charge for Sacramento with a game-high 27 points, demonstrating his veteran scoring prowess. He was ably supported by Zach LaVine, who contributed 25 points to the dominant offensive display. This collective effort propelled the Kings to improve their record to 11 wins and 30 losses.
The victory carries extra weight as it came against one of the Eastern Conference's top teams. The Knicks entered the contest holding the second spot in their conference with a strong 25-15 record. The Kings' supporting cast stepped up significantly: Precious Achiuwa recorded a double-double with 20 points and a season-best 14 rebounds. Veteran guard Russell Westbrook added 19 points and 11 assists, while Maxime Raynaud chipped in 10 points to round out a balanced team performance.
Knicks Hampered by Early Brunson Injury
The game took a dramatic turn for New York just four minutes into the first quarter. Star guard Jalen Brunson suffered a right ankle injury and was unable to return to the action. His premature exit limited him to only 4 points, abruptly ending his impressive personal streak of 18 consecutive games with at least 20 points.
Without their primary offensive engine, the Knicks struggled to find consistent rhythm. Mikal Bridges shouldered much of the scoring load with 19 points, and OG Anunoby added 15. However, the team's recent slump continued, as this loss represents their sixth defeat in the last eight games.
A Notable Homecoming on the Sidelines
The matchup also featured a significant storyline off the court. This game marked the first return of Knicks head coach Mike Brown to the Sacramento arena since he was dismissed from his position as Kings coach back in December 2024. His homecoming, however, was spoiled by his former team's commanding performance.
With this morale-boosting win, the Sacramento Kings have shown they can compete with the league's elite, building momentum as the season progresses. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks face immediate concerns regarding Brunson's health as they look to stabilize their form and maintain their position in the competitive Eastern Conference standings.
