Sabonis Equals 53 Consecutive Double-Doubles
In the previous game, the Kings suffered an unexpected loss to the Wizards, but they bounced back strong today against the Magic in Orlando. Led by their starting lineup, they managed to hold off the Magic’s late surge and secured a narrow 109-107 victory.
Sabonis Leads with 21 Points, 14 Rebounds, and 8 Assists
Domantas Sabonis had an impressive performance with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists in this game. This marked his 66th double-double of the season and extended his streak to 53 consecutive games, tying Kevin Love’s record for the longest streak of double-doubles since the NBA-ABA merger. He has a chance to set a new record in the next game against the 76ers.
Historical Perspective on Double-Double Streaks
In historical context, the record for the most consecutive double-doubles in NBA history belongs to Wilt Chamberlain, who recorded 227 consecutive double-doubles from 1964 to 1967. Sabonis’s achievement, although remarkable, falls short of Chamberlain’s historic mark. However, in the modern era of basketball, Sabonis’s feat is truly remarkable.
Contributions from Fox, Murray, and Ellis
De’Aaron Fox contributed 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals, including crucial free throws in the final seconds to give the Kings a vital lead. Keegan Murray added 22 points and 7 rebounds, while Keon Ellis, who has recently been promoted to the starting lineup, chipped in with 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.
Magic’s Missed Opportunities in the Final Seconds
In the closing moments of the fourth quarter, with the Kings holding a one-point lead, Cole Anthony and Franz Wagner missed three consecutive opportunities to score within 14 seconds. Paolo Banchero’s attempt to tie the game with a three-pointer also fell short, leading to the end of the Magic’s five-game winning streak.
Strong Performances from Isaac, Banchero, and Wagner
Jonathan Isaac led the Magic’s bench scoring with 25 points, while Paolo Banchero contributed 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Franz Wagner added 18 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds, while Cole Anthony finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. (ME88)
