LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Zach LaVine scored 43 points as the Sacramento Kings inched closer to the NBA postseason with a 127-117 road win over the Detroit Pistons.
The Kings, who are battling to force their way into the Western Conference’s play-in tournament, recovered from an 18-point deficit to snatch victory at the Little Caesars Arena.
Huge performances from Sacramento’s big three of LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis set up the win over a Pistons side who have already booked their playoff berth from the Eastern Conference.
The Kings’ win followed another impressive victory on the road, when they upset the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. LaVine, who poured in 37 in the’s win over the Cavs, kept the points flowing in Detroit, shooting eight three-pointers to finish with 43 points.
He was backed by DeRozan, who had 37 points, and Sabonis, who impressed at both ends of the court on his way to a triple-double comprised of 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
The win means the Kings remain in ninth place in the Western Conference table with a 39-40 record, just ahead of the 10th placed Dallas Mavericks (38-41).
With just four games remaining before the regular season wraps up, the Kings and the Mavericks are within touching distance of the play-in tournament.
The only team that can bump them out of the play-in positions, the 11th-placed Phoenix Suns, have three fewer wins at 35-43.
