Fox, Sabonis set for All-Star stage in Salt Lake City
Feb 19, 2023, 9:46 AM | Updated: 9:48 am
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis will take the floor on Sunday evening in Salt Lake City for the NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first set of Sacramento Kings teammates to suit up together as All-Stars since Peja Stokakovic and Brad Miller did so back in 2004.
The duo will be on the floor together, although it’s currently unknown if they will be playing on the same team or against each other as LeBron James (Western Conference) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Eastern Conference) will select the rosters for each squad during a pregame ceremony.
During his All-Star media availability on Saturday, Fox joked that he would want to dunk on Sabonis if the two are split up on separate teams.
Fox dunks may not be on the menu tomorrow, but if they are he wants it to be for @Dsabonis11 😂
#NBAAllStarMediaDay presented by @att pic.twitter.com/RHywkow8PT— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) February 18, 2023
“It’s fun, it’s definitely a great accomplishment,” Fox said of his first All-Star experience. “I want guys to enjoy this weekend, because once we get back, we’re hitting the ground running.”
Fox, who is in his sixth season with Sacramento, has been one of the driving forces behind the Kings’ impressive 32-25 start to the season, which is the franchise’s best standing at an All-Star break in over 16 years.
Of course, Fox has largely benefited from the incredible play of Sabonis, who has played like an MVP candidate thus far in the season. In the duo’s first full season together, they both have secured All-Star selections while leading Sacramento to a top-three spot in the West with two-thirds of the year in the books.
The two All-Stars weren’t alone this weekend in Salt Lake City, as rookie forward Keegan Murray participated in Friday night’s Rising Stars Game while guard Kevin Huerter took aim at the 3-Point Contest on Saturday.
“It’s great. To have four players representing the Kings and city of Sacramento, it hasn’t happened in a while,” Sabonis said of his team’s presence during All-Star Weekend. “I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
Fox and Sabonis were introduced during Saturday’s All-Star practice before the duo competed in a game of ‘2-Ball’ where they raised $23,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah with a 23-point performance (lead all participants).
De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis are introduced as All-Stars at today’s Western Conference practice ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/zFVt7tfsrc
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) February 18, 2023
De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis rack up 23 points in ‘2-Ball’ and raise $23,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah: pic.twitter.com/U522f3osso
— Frankie Cartoscelli (@FCartoscelli3) February 18, 2023
While the two Kings will take the floor with some of the greatest basketball players in the world, Fox said on Saturday that he hopes he doesn’t play too much as he focuses on being fresh for the postseason run as Sacramento will begin its most-important stretch of games in nearly two decades.
“Truth be told, I hope that don’t play that much,” Fox said when asked of what he expects when he sets foot on the floor for Sunday’s showcase. “Domas told me that he’s expecting me to go out there and do dunks and stuff. I don’t know how much that’s going to happen. I’m not 19 or 20 anymore where I can wake up and just go between the legs, but I’m definitely hoping to go out there and enjoy myself.”
Fox mentioned that the hectic schedule of All-Star Weekend hasn’t been “much of a break” as others around the league rest and prepare for the final two months of the season, but the veteran guard will soak his first All-Star appearance in before getting back to work on Wednesday.
You can watch De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis compete in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 19th at 5:00 PM PST on TNT.
It will be a special day for Fox, Sabonis, and the Kings organization, and Sactown Sports 1140 will be there to have you covered every step of the way.
Be sure to follow Frankie Cartoscelli on Twitter for all of the latest All-Star news and content as De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis take the floor with other All-Star talents in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings Schedule
Sunday, February 19th — NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Thursday, February 23rd – Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers – 7:00 PM PST
Friday, February 24th – Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers – 7:30 PM PST
Sunday, February 26th – Sacramento Kings @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 4:00 PM PST
Tuesday, February 28th – Sacramento Kings @ Oklahoma City Thunder – 5:00 PM PST
Friday, March 3rd – Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers – 7:00 PM PST
Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Frankie Cartoscelli is the Kings’ beat reporter for SactownSports.com. Follow Frankie on Twitter.”
