NBA: Malik Monk behind Kings' surge heading into matchup with Knicks

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk has emerged as a key contributor after seeing his playing time sharply reduced in mid-December.

The Kings have now won back-to-back games for the second time this season, and Monk has been the catalyst behind the recent success. He looks to continue his hot streak in Wednesday’s matchup against the New York Knicks, which will mark Knicks coach Mike Brown’s first return to Sacramento since being fired as Kings coach in December 2024.

Monk’s opportunity came after a three-game suspension was handed to guard Dennis Schroder. He seized the chance, posting season highs of 26 points, eight assists, and 7-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc in a 124-112 home victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.

The standout performance followed a 15-point effort in Sacramento’s 111-98 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday.

“Two days in a row,” Monk said of the celebratory atmosphere. “I don’t think we had this all year. It feels good.”

Earlier in December, Monk played 27 minutes in a road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 14 before his minutes were cut. He logged minimal time in the following games, including single-digit minutes in two contests, while waiting for another chance to contribute.

That opportunity arrived when Schroder was suspended for attempting to strike Luka Doncic about 40 minutes after the Kings’ 125-101 loss to the Lakers on Dec. 28.

Two victories later, Monk appears ready to remain a regular in the rotation. The nine-year veteran credited his focus and preparation for his resurgence.

“Just working,” Monk said. “Coming in here whether I’m playing or not, I was not hanging my head or worrying about things I can’t control. That’s how I stay ready—kept getting shots up and doing my work.”

Monk’s approach has paid off. He has averaged 20.5 points and 5.5 assists while shooting 9 of 13 from 3-point range over the last two games. The Kings were especially effective from deep, hitting a season-high 65.4% (17 of 26) against the Lakers on Monday. DeMar DeRozan also shone with 32 points and six assists.

Wednesday’s game will mark the final contest of Schroder’s suspension.

The visiting Knicks come off a 123-114 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, marking just their second win in the past seven games. New York is 1-1 on a four-game road trip entering Sacramento, where Brown has a chance for a little revenge.

Brown is the only coach to guide the Kings to the playoffs in the past 19 seasons, but he was dismissed during his third season after the team started 13-18.

“It’s emotional coming back, but I’m not focused on rehashing the past,” Brown said Tuesday. “You can’t control what people say. Anybody can post something online, and some of it may seem real. You just have to put your head down, keep pushing forward, and be the best you can.”

Forward Josh Hart, who enjoys playing under Brown, recalled the circumstances around his former coach’s firing.

“I don’t know all the details of how it happened,” Hart said. “The way it was reported wasn’t very respectful. I think some of it was unfair and unprofessional.”

Jalen Brunson added 26 points in the win over Portland, extending his streak of consecutive 20-point games to 18.

The Knicks have won four straight against the Kings and eight of the last nine matchups. Sacramento’s only victory during that stretch came on March 9, 2023, at home under Brown.

—Field Level Media/Reuters