Domantas Sabonis on fan reaction to record: ‘It’s why I love playing here.’
Mar 26, 2024, 9:40 AM | Updated: 9:41 am
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Domantas Sabonis might not be a 2023-24 NBA All-Star, but he’s etched his name into the history books, anyway.
Sabonis established a new modern-day double-double streak record during the Sacramento Kings’ win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, posting his 54th consecutive double-double to surpass Kevin Love’s post-NBA-ABA merger record of 53 games.
Love racked up 53 straight double-doubles during the 2010-11 season while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Sabonis’ 11-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist effort put the three-time All-Star in rare–and elite–company.
Sabonis is the seventh player in NBA history to post a double-double streak of 54 or more games, joining Wilt Chamberlain (5x), Elvin Hayes (3x), Walt Bellamy, Elgin Baylor, Jerry Lucas, and Bill Russell.
What do all of those notable names have in common? They are all members of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
G1C celebrates Domas’ greatness 💜 pic.twitter.com/SiUjNXn8Ys
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) March 26, 2024
More from Domantas Sabonis on his historic night
“Shoutout to Domas. What a phenomenal year he’s had,” Kings head coach Mike Brown said of his center. “Obviously, he should’ve been an All-Star. He should be discussed for a first, second, or third All-NBA [team]. And he should even be in the MVP discussion.”
The veteran center made history in style with his league-leading 25th triple-double of the season, as Sabonis also became the fifth player in NBA history with 25+ triple-doubles in a single season, joining Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Russell Westbrook, and Nikola Jokic.
Once Sabonis reached the milestone during the 5:31 mark of the third quarter, he pointed into the stands and pounded his chest as a capacity crowd at Golden 1 Center rose to its feet. When asked who he was motioning to during the special moment, Sabonis said he was pointing at his wife and children.
“Just to my wife and kids. I thank her for always pushing me every game to be better,” Sabonis said. “And yeah, just little interactions with my kids–[Sabonis’ son Tiger] loves going to the games. It was awesome to have that moment.”
Sabonis also wanted to show his appreciation for Kings fans, who gave the franchise center a standing ovation as a video montage played on the video board showing the center’s road to 54-straight double-doubles.
“I thank the fans for doing that,” Sabonis said of the ovation. “It’s awesome to get that support and to feel loved here. That’s why I love it here and I want to keep playing here.”
In classic Sabonis fashion, the three-time All-Star didn’t want to hyper-focus on his personal accomplishment during his postgame press conference. Instead, the center applauded his teammates for the group effort as Sacramento continues to push themselves into the Western Conference playoff picture.
“There’s been a lot of hard work here. We’re obviously not done yet, and I feel like we’re just starting to find our groove on both ends of the floor consistently,” Sabonis said of his team. “We just got to keep that momentum going.”
Sabonis’ historic 2023-24 season got its cherry-on-top addition on Monday, and with 12 games to go, he will only look to add to his streak as the Kings continue to push for the postseason
Very cool scene in Sacramento, as Domantas Sabonis breaks Kevin Love’s 53-game double-double streak.
The chant, a video montage, message from owner Vivek Ranadive and embrace from head coach Mike Brown. pic.twitter.com/qdZ49Rh3pC
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) March 26, 2024
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will enter a pivotal two-game stretch–both against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center–that will begin on Tuesday night in front of a national audience on TNT.
The Kings hold a 2-0 record against Dallas this season, with both wins coming on the road. Tuesday’s game will have postseason implications as Sacramento will enter play in a tie with the Mavs for the seventh spot in the Western Conference standings.
Playoff implications. A national broadcast. Plenty of talent on the floor. Get ready for an action-packed two-game set between these two postseason hopefuls.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Mavericks coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.
Preview: Kings, Mavericks to square off with playoff implications
Upcoming Schedule
- Tuesday, March 26th – Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks – 7:00 PM PST
- Friday, March 29th – Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks – 7:00 PM PST
- Sunday, March 31st – Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz – 6:00 PM PST
- Tuesday, April 2nd – Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7:00 PM PST
- Thursday, April 4th – Sacramento Kings @ New York Knicks – 4:30 PM PST
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