De’Aaron Fox's big finish pushes Kings past Wizards

[March 18, 2021]  De'Aaron Fox rescued the Sacramento Kings with seven late points, including a tie-breaking 19-footer with 1.3 seconds remaining that provided the difference in a 121-119 victory over the host Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

Fox scored Sacramento's final nine points in all to cap a team-high 28-point night that helped the Kings snap a two-game losing streak.

Bradley Beal had a game-high 29 points and Russell Westbrook his 158th career triple-double for the Wizards, who dropped their fifth straight.

Held to 12 points for almost the first 10 minutes of the fourth quarter, the Kings' offense -- namely, Fox -- finally came to life after Westbrook had brought the Wizards within 114-113 on a layup with 2:17 to play.

Fox had a three-point play on a driving layup that flipped the switch, creating a four-point cushion at the 2:05 mark.

After Beal misfired on a 3-pointer at the other end, Fox drew a foul and increased the Sacramento lead to 119-113 with a pair of free throws with 1:46 to go.

Westbrook single-handedly drew the Wizards even with two free throws and two layups, the second of the hoops off a Beal assist with 22.6 seconds remaining. That tied the score and set the stage for Fox's heroics.

The Wizards couldn't get off a shot on a final desperation possession.

Fox complemented his 28 points with a team-high seven assists and game-high five steals for Sacramento, which led by as many as 11 points and took a 102-93 lead into the final period.

Washington Wizards guard Raul Neto (19) shoots between Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) and center Richaun Holmes (22) during the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Harrison Barnes chipped in with 18 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Richaun Holmes also had 18, Tyrese Haliburton 17, Buddy Hield 16 and Cory Joseph 12.

Haliburton and Hield bombed in three 3-pointers apiece as the Kings outscored the Wizards 30-12 from beyond the arc.

Beal's point total came despite 0-for-5 shooting on 3-pointers for the Wizards, who have opened a five-game homestand with four straight losses.

Westbrook booked 26 points, a game-high 14 rebounds and a game-high 10 assists to move within 23 of Oscar Robertson's all-time lead in triple-doubles. Westbrook ranks No. 2 on the list.

Rui Hachimura added 17 points, Alex Len 13 to go with 12 rebounds, Raul Neto 12 points and Robin Lopez 10 points for Washington.

--Field Level Media
 

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