The Sacramento Kings managed to end their six-game trip on Monday, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-115 behind Tyrese Haliburton’s one-night career.
Haliburton, who started the last four games in place of Marvin Bagley III, set the record for his career with 28 points from 11-15 pitches and 4-5 shots from behind the hoop in 36:22. He also contributed two assists, a rebound, a steal and a block.
Haliburton may just be starting because of Bagley’s injury now, but with more nights like Monday, he may never leave the starting lineup again.
Notably, Haliburton was not even the Kings’ top scorer – that honor belonged to De’Aaron Fox, who scored 30 points in 13-23 pitches and scored six assists and two steals. You would have a hard time questioning the way the Kings defense court played on Monday, especially in the fourth period, where they took turns to bury the Cavaliers.
The Kings will try to bring that momentum into the game against the Atlanta Hawks, a team they have already lost against this season on Thursday, which is also the day of the NBA’s negotiation deadline.