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De'Aaron Fox made a spectacular comeback after a two-week hiatus due to an ankle injury, leading the Sacramento Kings to a decisive 132-120 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night. Fox, showcasing his talent and resilience, racked up an impressive 28 points and six assists, marking a pivotal moment in the Kings' season.
His performance was not only a personal triumph but also a key factor in securing coach Mike Brown's 400th career victory. Fox's impact was immediate and palpable. He opened the game with a driving layup just 11 seconds in, setting the tone for the night.
A notable highlight was his performance in the third quarter, where he energized the Kings' offense with eight points, including a remarkable one-handed dunk off a pass from Malik Monk. "It felt good just to be able to go out there and contribute," Fox said, reflecting on his successful return.
Team Effort and Milestone Achievement
The Kings' victory was a collective effort, with significant contributions from several players. Domantas Sabonis added a near triple-double with 23 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, while rookie Keegan Murray had a season-high 25 points, including five 3-pointers.
"It felt like tonight was kind of a night we've kind of been waiting on," Murray expressed, highlighting the team's cohesive performance. On the Cavaliers' side, Donovan Mitchell led with 22 points, followed by Caris LeVert's 21 points and Max Strus's 19.
However, their efforts fell short against the Kings' dynamic play. The night also marked a significant milestone for coach Mike Brown, who achieved his 400th career victory. Brown, who led the Kings to the playoffs in 2023, has a coaching record of 400-254.
The milestone was made even more special as it came against one of his former teams. "The crazy part is he's just scratched the surface of who he can be," Brown said of Fox. "When he gets there, look out." The Kings' victory, fueled by Fox's return and a strong team performance, not only marked a significant achievement for Coach Brown but also signaled the team's potential for the rest of the season.