DENVER — There wasn’t a lot of love for the defending champions on Velantine’s Day.
The Denver Nuggets succumbed to their third consecutive loss on Wednesday night, no thanks to De’Aaron Fox who exploded for 30 points and 8 assists to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 102-98 victory at The Ball Arena.
Despite playing without starters Jamal Murray (tibia inflammation) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (hamstring tendonitis) the Nuggets built a 62-46 third quarter lead before the Kings answered with a 56-36 run..
It was the Nuggets’ second loss to Sacramento in five days after the Kings scored a 135-109 blowout last February 9 at The Golden Center. This three-game skid, which matched the longest of the season for Denver, included a 112-95 defeat versus the Bucks last February 12.
Harrison Barnes and Damontas Sabonis combined for 40 points for Sacramento to overcome a poor shooting night when the team only connected on 9-of-33 from beyond the arc (27.3 percent) and 39-of-89 from the field overall (43.8 percent).
The Nuggets capitalized on multiple turnovers by the Kings that led to quick fast break buckets scored by the second unit in the opening half where Collin Gillespie highlighted the Nuggets defense wtth two steals.
Tensions escalated after Nikola Jokic, looking for a foul after a field goal attempt, got handed a technical foul by referee Ray Acosta. Coach Michael Malone also got a T shortly after Jokic did.
AARON GORDON PACED THE NUGGETS WITH 25. JOKIC HAD 15 BUT WAS HELD TO 6-0f-17 SHOOTING.
After an uphill climb, the Kings took over in the final frame and used a lethal 13-3 run to hold off Denver.
“Fox is one of the most dynamic guards in the league, 40 points last night and 30 tonight,” coach Malone said of the Sacramento star guard.
“We have the best starting five in the league, but it’s all about health and they weren’t there. For 82 games we’re gonna get everybody’s best, there are no easy nights for us.”
As the All-Star weekend approaches, the Nuggets are sending over two-time MVP and NBA Finals MVP Jokic to Indianapolis as he starts for the West in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.
“Teams like Phoenix, Dallas, and New Orleans are looking for one of those teams in the top four to drop, if we don’t perform we’ll be heading into a feeding frenzy” Malone added.
