Zach LaVine credited the Sacramento Kings’ strong team chemistry after Friday’s 128-115 win over the Washington Wizards. “We’ve just found a bit of a rhythm. We’re playing hard. There’s ebbs and flows in the game, but we came out with the right intensity,” he said.
LaVine noted the team’s response to Washington’s physical play. “They tried to get a little physical. I think we responded the right way, especially off halftime and in that third quarter,” he said, adding that Sacramento’s defensive effort matched their offensive poise.
To maintain the team’s recent success, LaVine emphasized focusing on each game. “We can’t really look at the record. We just have to play every game like we’ve been the last few. Every one of us knows that, we have to come in and keep getting better,” he said.
He highlighted Sacramento’s depth and ball movement as key factors. “We have a 10- or 11-man rotation today, so the ball is doing fine; it’s got to find the right person. Every game it could be someone different, and I think we’re OK with being a team,” LaVine said.
LaVine also praised the return of Domantas Sabonis. “Man, it was good to see Big Fella. Good to see him roll around the hoop and get a dunk. I think I was able to get him his first points. He looked good and the crowd was great. To have him feel that love and energy, especially in a season like this, is great,” he said.
He described the importance of maintaining composure in the face of a young, aggressive opponent. “We have a lot of guys who have been in big situations, and sometimes you have to draw a line in the sand and beat a bigger brother. That’s what we did tonight,” LaVine said.
Sacramento improved to 12-30 with the win, winning four straight games and entering the first three of a seven-game homestand with momentum. LaVine’s balanced scoring and leadership, combined with contributions from Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan and Precious Achiuwa, helped the Kings dominate on both ends of the court.
The Kings’ energy and defensive intensity on the home court limited Washington to 44% shooting and 32% from three-point range, allowing Sacramento to maintain control after a fast 41-point start in the first quarter.
Sacramento will look to continue its streak against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, while Washington faces the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
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