On January 12, 2025, the Sacramento Kings extended their winning streak to seven games with a 124-119 victory over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.
Key Performances:
• De’Aaron Fox (Kings): Led the team with 26 points and nine rebounds, returning to the lineup after missing three games due to a bruised right glute.
• Domantas Sabonis (Kings): Contributed significantly with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, showcasing his versatility.
• Zach LaVine (Bulls): Topped all scorers with 36 points and added 10 rebounds, marking his sixth consecutive game with at least 30 points.
• Nikola Vučević (Bulls): Added 18 points, providing a strong presence in the paint.
Game Highlights:
The contest featured 28 lead changes, with neither team able to establish a dominant advantage. The Bulls held their final lead at 113-111 following a LaVine running three-pointer with 6:30 remaining. However, the Kings responded with critical plays down the stretch. Fox’s free throws extended Sacramento’s lead to 122-119. A crucial turnover by the Bulls, a five-second violation with 14.1 seconds left, sealed their fate, allowing Sabonis to secure the win with two additional free throws.
Team Statistics:
• Kings: Dominated the paint, outscoring the Bulls 56-42 in that area, and maintained a 70.3% shooting percentage in the restricted area.
• Bulls: Excelled from beyond the arc, shooting 48.6% (18-for-37) from three-point range, extending their streak to 39 games with at least 10 made three-pointers.
Quotes:
DeMar DeRozan, who scored 21 points against his former team, reflected on his return to Chicago: “It was cool, man, just to have the opportunity to come back to a place where they love and appreciate you. My three years here felt like 10. I enjoyed my time here, and it was fun going out there and talking trash to some of the guys I played with.”
The Kings’ victory improved their all-time series lead over the Bulls to 86-85. Both teams are scheduled to meet again on March 20 in Sacramento.
