Malik Monk Shines in Kings Overtime Win vs. Timberwolves

The Kings fought in a back-and-forth overtime road win in Minnesota.

After losing two consecutive games to drop to 8th place in the Western Conference, the Sacramento Kings bounced back to pick up a win that few that they could get. Even with star point guard De'Aaron Fox sidelined for the second consecutive game with a lingering knee injury, the Kings visited the 1st-place Minnesota Timberwolves, picking up a thrilling 124-120 overtime win. 

Without Fox in the lineup, the leading Sixth Man of the Year candidate knew he would have to step up. Malik Monk led the way with a season-high 39 points off the bench, shooting 16-29 from the field and 5-8 from beyond the arc. Monk continues his impressive campaign, as every performance like this one further helps his case for more money as a 2024 free agent. 

Monk's 24 points in the fourth quarter and overtime further prove how valuable the human highlight reel is to the Kings. His ability to step up in Fox's absence is remarkable, and he is the main reason the Kings pulled out a tough road win in Minnesota.

Kings' Keon Ellis filled in for Fox as the starting point guard, contributing seven assists and four steals in just 19 minutes of play. Star big man Domantas Sabonis kept his double-double streak going with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. Sacramento's backup point guard, Davion Mitchell, had a productive game, dropping 16 points on efficient 7-8 shooting. 

Minnesota superstar Anthony Edwards exited the game at halftime, as it was reported that Edwards left to attend his child's birth.

REPORT: Anthony Edwards left the Timberwolves-Kings game at halftime to be present for the birth of his child. pic.twitter.com/mIaufX0NEj

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 2, 2024

The Kings move to 4-4 on the season when Fox does not play and 4-0 when Ellis starts in his place. On the contrary, Sacramento is 0-4 when Mitchell starts at point guard. When Fox has to miss time, it should be clear to Mike Brown who to start in his place. 

With Friday's win in Minnesota, the Kings moved back to 7th place in the West, sitting one game behind 6th place to avoid the Play-In Tournament.

The Kings will have two days of rest before hosting the Chicago Bulls on Monday,  as the hope is that Fox is good to go by then. 

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