Malik Monk's 32 Points Lift Kings Over Nets

Sacramento snaps two-game skid with 126-122 victory over Brooklyn

Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:49am

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Malik Monk scored a game-high 32 points, including 7 three-pointers, to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 126-122 win over the visiting Brooklyn Nets. Maxime Raynaud added a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Kings, who snapped a two-game losing streak. Ben Saraf came off the bench to score 22 points for the Nets, who suffered their seventh consecutive defeat.

Why it matters

The win helps the Kings avoid a third straight loss, while the Nets continue to struggle, dropping their seventh game in a row. Both teams are near the bottom of their respective conference standings, making each game important as they look to build momentum heading into the offseason.

The details

Monk's hot shooting in the first quarter helped the Kings erase an early deficit and keep the game close. The lead changed hands 13 times in the first half before the Nets took a 62-57 advantage into the break. The Kings pulled ahead in the third quarter and held on late, despite injuries to key players Killian Hayes and Nique Clifford. A late push by the Nets fell short, as they were unable to complete the comeback.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 23, 2026.
  • The Kings and Nets will play again in New York on March 29, 2026.

The players

Malik Monk

A reserve guard for the Sacramento Kings who scored a game-high 32 points, including 7 three-pointers.

Maxime Raynaud

A forward for the Sacramento Kings who recorded a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Ben Saraf

A reserve guard for the Brooklyn Nets who scored 22 points off the bench.

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What they’re saying

“Malik Monk was on fire tonight, and that really sparked us in the first half. We needed a win like this to get back on track.”

— Maxime Raynaud, Forward, Sacramento Kings

“We just couldn't find a way to stop Monk and the Kings' offense. It's been a frustrating stretch, but we'll keep fighting to turn things around.”

— Ben Saraf, Guard, Brooklyn Nets

What’s next

The Kings and Nets will meet again on March 29, 2026 in New York, providing an opportunity for Brooklyn to avenge this loss.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the Kings and Nets this season, with Sacramento snapping a skid and Brooklyn's struggles continuing. Both teams will look to build on this result as they aim to finish the season strong and position themselves for the offseason.