2 Takeaways From Kings Statement Win Over Cavaliers

The Sacramento Kings pick up a dominant win over the Cavaliers in De'Aaron Fox's first game back from injury.

The Sacramento Kings took down the Cleveland Cavaliers 132-120 on Monday night in their first game with G De'Aaron Fox back in the lineup after suffering an ankle sprain over two weeks ago. 

In their first Eastern Conference matchup of the season, the Kings made a statement with a dominant second-half performance over a talented Cavs squad. After trailing with three minutes left in the first quarter, the Kings took control of the game and led the rest of the game.

In a must-win game in front of the home crowd, the Kings took care of business while making a statement to the rest of the league.

Two takeaways from the Kings dominant victory over the Cavaliers on Monday:

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Nov 13, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) dribbles past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center.  / Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

De'Aaron Fox is an NBA MVP Candidate

After going 2-3 with their All-Star point guard sidelined due to injury, Fox returns to the Kings lineup with something to prove. Fox finished with 28 points and six assists, shooting 11-20 from the field and 2-6 from deep.

The Kings move to 5-4 on the season and 3-1 with Fox on the court, but the poor performances from Sacramento with Fox in street clothes prove how valuable he is to this team. The Kings averaged just 102.6 points per game with Fox injured but shook off the rust Monday night with a strong 132-point performance.

Fox did it on both sides of the ball Monday night, holding one-time All-Star G Darius Garland to just 16 points on 5-14 shooting. While Fox is not known for his defense, the All-NBA point guard has continued to prove his value as a two-way player.

Fox is averaging 31.3 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.3 steals through his four games, putting him up with the best point guards in the league. While Fox will likely not bring the 2023-24 NBA MVP Award to Sacramento, he will make a case for an All-NBA First or Second Team appearance if the Kings continue to win.

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Nov 13, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) in the third quarter at the Golden 1 Center.  / Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Sharpshooters Thrive With Fox Back

Kings G Kevin Huerter and F Keegan Murray have disappointed fans to begin the season as they have both been in remarkable shooting droughts, despite each shooting over 40% from deep last season. Both deep threats showed out in Monday's win.

Murray finished Monday's contest with an outstanding 25 points and eight rebounds, shooting an efficient 9-13 from the field and 5-8 from long range. This is following a 24-point performance on Friday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but Monday's outing was his most efficient this season by a wide margin.

Huerter finished with 20 points in 29 minutes of action, shooting an impressive 6-9 from deep. The 25-year-old sharpshooter started his 2023-24 campaign on a dreadful cold streak but has found a groove in his past few games.

Huerter followed up a 28-point performance against Oklahoma City with a more efficient shooting showcase against Cleveland.

Both Murray and Huerter are vital to the Kings' success this season, as they are two of the most dangerous three-point shooters in the league. With Fox back on the court, the floor spacers should continue to thrive.

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