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Kings Look to Extend Hot Streak as DeRozan Returns to Toronto
The Sacramento Kings, riding a three-game winning streak, aim to keep their momentum when they visit the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night. With DeMar DeRozan in fine form and returning to face his former team, the Kings are showing their potential as a formidable squad early in the season.
DeRozan’s Impact on the Kings
Since joining Sacramento in July as part of a three-team trade, DeRozan has made an immediate impact. Scoring 20 or more points in each of his first five games with the Kings, he is off to one of the most productive starts for a new player in franchise history, with only Chris Webber and Oscar Robertson achieving similar streaks. His presence has helped bolster the team’s offensive consistency and its performance at the free-throw line, a crucial area where the Kings struggled last season.
On Friday night, DeRozan scored 27 points and added eight rebounds in a 123-115 win over the Atlanta Hawks, which marked the Kings’ second victory in a four-game road trip. Sacramento’s free-throw shooting, boosted by DeRozan’s 8-for-10 performance, contributed significantly to the win.
“DeMar has always been a good free-throw shooter,” teammate Kevin Huerter noted, “and having him get there consistently helps stabilize our offense.”
Fox and Sabonis Anchor Kings’ Offense
De’Aaron Fox continues to be a major offensive force for Sacramento, leading the team with 31 points against Atlanta. Domantas Sabonis also played a key role, contributing 15 points and 14 rebounds, and his partnership with Fox and DeRozan has allowed the Kings to create consistent scoring opportunities. When Atlanta rallied late in the game, DeRozan’s composure under pressure, including clutch free throws, helped seal the win.
“DeMar just makes the game so much easier,” Fox commented. “He’s tough to cover, and his ability to draw fouls makes him a huge asset on offense.”
Raptors Seek to Rebound with Barrett Leading the Charge
Toronto, now on a four-game losing streak, will need to recover quickly if they are to challenge the surging Kings. Despite their recent struggles, the Raptors showed resilience on Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. RJ Barrett, who scored a team-high 33 points and dished out a career-best 12 assists, led a spirited comeback that saw Toronto close a 26-point deficit to six in the fourth quarter.
Gradey Dick, also stepping up for the Raptors, scored a career-high 31 points. Despite missing key players like Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, Bruce Brown, and Kelly Olynyk due to injuries, the Raptors displayed depth and tenacity, with Jakob Poeltl adding 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Head coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the team’s slow start against the Lakers: “The first quarter was definitely a problem. But we found our rhythm in the second quarter and played well from there.”
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Key to the Game: Defense and Free Throws
The Kings’ strong free-throw shooting, particularly from DeRozan, has been a significant factor in their recent success. If Sacramento can maintain its efficiency at the line and keep up a balanced offensive attack led by Fox, Sabonis, and DeRozan, they will be tough to beat. For the Raptors, a solid defensive start will be essential. They cannot afford another slow opening if they want to compete with a Kings team firing on all cylinders.
With Toronto honoring Hall of Famer Vince Carter’s legacy by retiring his No. 15 jersey, Saturday’s game will be full of emotion, and DeRozan’s return adds an extra layer of intensity. Both teams have compelling storylines, and fans can expect a competitive and high-energy game at Scotiabank Arena.
