The Kings Spoil Mike Brown's Sacramento Return, Beat Knicks 112-101
January 14, 2026 / 9:55 PM PST / AP
DeMar DeRozan's stellar performance propelled the Sacramento Kings to a 112-101 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, marking a significant moment in the team's history. DeRozan's 27 points propelled him to 22nd place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, surpassing Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett.
The Kings' triumph was a double blow for Knicks coach Mike Brown, who returned to Sacramento for the first time since his abrupt dismissal in the 2024-25 season. The team's three-game winning streak continued, leaving Brown's Knicks with their first loss in the city since March 9, 2023.
Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 19 points, but the team struggled without the injured Jalen Brunson, who limped off after just five minutes of play, scoring four points. DeRozan, a six-time All-Star in his 17th NBA season, showcased his prowess with 7-of-16 shooting, including one 3-pointer, and an impressive 12-of-13 free throw performance. This achievement brought his career points to 26,077, surpassing Garnett's 26,071 points in 21 seasons.
OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 15 and 13 points, respectively, for New York. The Knicks' shooting percentage was 39%, with an 8-of-41 record from beyond the arc.
Despite the warm reception from the Golden 1 Center crowd, Brown's return was bittersweet. He was greeted with a loud ovation before the game, but also faced the reality of his team's recent struggles. Brown and Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, who fired him in December 2024, shared a brief embrace courtside.
Zach LaVine's 25 points, along with 20 points and 14 rebounds from Precious Achiuwa, and 19 points and 11 assists from Russell Westbrook, fueled the Kings' victory. DeRozan and Achiuwa each scored 10 points in the first quarter, establishing early leads of 18-8 and 32-17.
Looking ahead, the Knicks will face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, while the Kings will host the Washington Wizards on Friday.
This game highlighted the dynamic nature of the NBA, where player performances and team dynamics can shift dramatically. The Kings' triumph over the Knicks, coupled with DeRozan's remarkable achievement, serves as a testament to the team's resilience and the league's ever-evolving landscape.
