In a recent game, the Sacramento Kings fell to the New Orleans Pelicans 140-133 in overtime, despite a remarkable performance by Domantas Sabonis. Sabonis recorded 22 points, 28 rebounds, and 5 assists, becoming the first NBA player since Larry Smith in 1981 to achieve such a stat line in a losing effort.

Since Doug Christie took over as head coach, the Kings have shown improved team cohesion. Patrick Beverley has praised Christie’s impact, and Sabonis has been delivering consistently outstanding performances. Earlier this season, Sabonis became the first player since 1977-78 to record a triple-double with no turnovers and no missed shot attempts in a game against the Toronto Raptors.

Despite averaging 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, Sabonis was not selected as an All-Star. He finished ninth in voting for frontcourt players, behind stars like Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant. Even with Anthony Davis’s injury withdrawal, Sabonis was overlooked, with Kyrie Irving chosen as the replacement.

The Kings currently hold a 28-27 record in the Western Conference, and Sabonis’s contributions have been pivotal to the team’s performance.