Kings End Eight-Game Slide with Comeback Win Over Nuggets

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DENVER — The Sacramento Kings ended an eight-game losing streak with a 128-123 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, overcoming 44 points from reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. Russell Westbrook led the charge for the Kings, scoring 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter against his former team. Dennis Schroder also contributed 21 points, helping Sacramento rebound after losing each game of its skid by double digits, including a 41-point loss at Memphis just two nights prior. Sacramento looked poised for a ninth straight defeat after falling behind by 13 in the third quarter. However, the team rallied, taking the final of three meetings against Denver this season. Keegan Murray added 19 points in his second game back from offseason surgery on his left thumb, while DeMar DeRozan scored 17, including a crucial three-point play with 12 seconds remaining to seal the victory. The Nuggets were without forward Aaron Gordon, who injured his right hamstring early in Friday night’s win against Houston. Spencer Jones made his first career start in Gordon’s place. Jamal Murray led Denver with 23 points, and Cam Johnson added 20. Jokic, despite his 44-point effort, also recorded 13 rebounds and seven assists.

Denver had a 79-66 lead midway through the third quarter, but the Kings rallied to take the lead late in the period and extended it to 104-98 early in the fourth. Westbrook’s layup pushed the advantage to 114-105 before the Nuggets cut the deficit to 123-120 on a Jokic three-pointer. DeRozan’s late three-point play and free throws iced the game for Sacramento. The Kings will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Nuggets travel to Memphis to face the Grizzlies.