5 takeaways from the Kings beating the Clippers in the second-highest scoring NBA game ever

The Kings beat the Clippers in the game of the century.

The Sacramento Kings just won quite literally the greatest regular season game in NBA history, beating the Los Angeles Clippers, 176-175, in double overtime. Yes…you read that correctly. In the second-highest scoring game in NBA history, both teams combined for a whopping 351 points.

This was the type of game that can change everything for a team. Second night of a back-to-back, on the road and against a very good Los Angeles Clippers team that is coming off a full week of rest. Most teams in the league lose this game probably seven or eight times out of ten. But somehow, someway, the Beam Team showed some serious grit and played with an insurmountable level of heart.

Here are five takeaways from this signature beam team win.

Kentucky Boys

Last night, De’Aaron Fox continued his elite level of play over this recent stretch. He scored 42 points accompanied by 12 assists and 5 steals. The Kings’ defensive player of the game was unguardable all night and helped lead his team to a major win on a night where Domantas Sabonis was busy battling Tony Brothers.

But even with all that said, he had only the second most impressive performance for the Kings.

The first came courtesy of Malik Monk, who had the game of his life against the Clippers. He scored 45 points off the bench, including a buzzer-beating three to send the game into overtime. Not only was it his career high, but it was the most points scored by a reserve player this season. Monk also tied Kevin Martin for most bench points in Sacramento Kings history.

This was also the first game in Kings’ franchise history where two players scored 40 or more points in the same game, and the third game in NBA history where a starter and bench player would both score 40.

A historic night, to say the least.

Bench impact

It wasn’t just Monk that made a major impact in this one though. Everyone played their part and contributed in a major way on both ends of the floor. Even without Monk’s numbers, the bench accumulated 32 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals and 1 block. They also had a combined +/- of +8 in a game where the Kings were trailing seemingly all night.

Not letting the officials decide the outcome

The Kings are no stranger to an unfair whistle. This game, officiated by Tony Brothers, looked to be in favor of the Clippers from the jump. But instead of folding over and angrily staring at a Last 2 Minute report the next day, the Kings got gritty and forced a victory on their own terms. This is what separates the Mike Brown Kings from past teams. Swagger, and the ability to fight.

Turnovers

Going into the game the Clippers averaged the 12th-fewest turnovers per game in the league with 14.0. Tonight, the Kings were able to take advantage of some sloppy play and force a staggering 25 turnovers.

When you’re playing a team that ends up shooting over 60% from the field and almost 58% from three, those extra opportunities not only boosted momentum, but kept them in the game. Without the turnovers, Sacramento loses this game by a mile.

Fastbreak and paint points in the paint

The point differentials both off of fastbreak points and points in the paint were kind of ludicrous. The Kings had 41 fastbreak points as opposed to the Clippers’ 17; they also had 88 points in the paint compared to the Clippers’ 48.

When the Kings are clicking on their scheme and play to their strengths this is what happens. They are faster and more athletic than almost every team in the league. They took advantage of this and made magic happen.