About Last Night: Let's recognize the Kings

The Sacramento Kings have something to be “proud” of.

Through nine games, the Kings are 6-3 and off to their best start since the 2002-03 season. Their latest win came on Thursday when De’Aaron Fox posted a huge triple-double and gashed Atlanta’s defense to fuel a 146-115 rout.

That’s now five straight victories for Sacramento, a franchise that has been starving for relevancy and production from the significant amount of lottery picks and former collegiate stars on its roster.

Fox stuffed the stat sheet against the Hawks with 31 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds. The 20-year-old became the youngest player in NBA history to post a 30-15-10 line, passing Magic Johnson (21) and Michael Jordan (21). He also joined LeBron James as the only players in NBA history to record a 30-point triple-double before turning 21.

It’s not just Fox feasting, as the Kings have received contributions throughout the team. Buddy Hield appears to be emerging into a consistent scorer. Nemanja Bjelica has been one of the best offseason additions. Willie Cauley-Stein is making impressions and No. 2 overall pick Marvin Bagley III is off to a strong start.

Sacramento currently has the fifth-best record in the Western Conference to go along with a top-10 offense overall. Just like the Kings’ talent, however, the season is young. There’s likely to be some regression as 2018-19 rolls along — the Magic, Grizzlies and Pistons each started 6-3 last season and missed the postseason — but for a franchise that holds the league’s longest active playoff drought, any glimmer of success is worth capturing.

Here’s to hoping for a bright future in Sactown.

Celtics unload from deep

In a season replete with offensive explosion, Boston kept the trend going.

The Celtics connected on 24 3-pointers, a franchise record for most 3s in a game.

Hit it, Kyrie!

* * *

This Giannis spin

Giannis Antetokounmpo has one of the most lethal spin moves in the league considering how much ground he covers by the time it’s over.

Last season, he hit Al Horford with it.

Last night, Gordon Hayward fell victim.

Streak broken

As electric as Giannis played, the Bucks suffered their first loss of the season. More importantly, Ersan Ilyasova’s incredible winning streak has ended. He was 23-0 dating back to the 2017-18 regular season with Philadelphia.

Russell Shammgod

Shammgod crossover. Dagger layup.

Salute to Steven Adams for keeping that side of the floor intact earlier in the game. Stand up guy.

Link leftovers

Joel Embiid doing things that haven’t been done since Karl Malone

Boston Red Sox receive standing ovation at TD Garden

Shaq the skateboarder

Nance Jr. posterizes Plumlee, who gets revenge via rejection and victory

Nuggets (7-1) off to best start since 1976-77.