Kings Backcourt Shine in 110-105 Road Loss vs. Thunder

Sacramento's De'Aaron Fox and Keon Ellis showed out, but the Kings could not get the job done in OKC.

Apr 9, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23). / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

After losing three of their last six games and falling to eighth place in the Western Conference, the Sacramento Kings capped off their four-game road trip by visiting the third-place Oklahoma City Thunder. The Kings will leave Oklahoma City with one more loss than they came with, along with another tally to their disappointing games count this season.

The Thunder won 112-105, despite facing a 20-point deficit at one point. Oklahoma City was led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 40 points and shot 16-20 from the charity stripe.

Despite the loss, the Kings had two bright spots that should keep hope alive. Their starting backcourt of De'Aaron Fox and Keon Ellis combined for 59 points with 15 made threes. Fox contributed 33 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, shooting 12-29 and 7-17 from deep. Ellis, who made just his 18th start of the season filling in for an injured Kevin Huerter, posted a career-high 26 points on an outstanding 8-15 clip from beyond the arc.

One of the main stories from Tuesday's loss will be the end of Domantas Sabonis' historic double-double streak, as the Sacramento big man finished with just eight points and 13 rebounds. After 61 consecutive games with a double-double, the longest streak since the ABA-NBA merger, the historic run has ended.

The Kings finish their season at home, hosting the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers before they head into the playoffs. As every game passes, Sacramento's chances of escaping the play-in tournament dwindle, and their season could come down to one win-or-go-home matchup.

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