The Sacramento Kings beat the Los Angeles Clippers 176-175 in a dramatic encounter on Friday night, which became the second-highest scoring match in NBA history.
THIS GAME. pic.twitter.com/QBziCzElJ7
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) February 25, 2023
It is only the second time in the NBA’s 76-year history that both teams have scored at least 170 points. Detroit beat Denver 186-184 in triple overtime on Dec. 13, 1983, in what remains the highest-scoring NBA game.
“From a fan’s standpoint, I can see how this game would have been a lot of fun to watch,” Kings coach Mike Brown said. “There was unbelievable shot making and great defense. There was high-level talent that was on display. Kudos to the players.
Malik Monk scored a career-high 45 points for the Kings, while team-mate De’Aaron Fox contributed 42 points in the double overtime win.
The NBA’s highest scoring game was in 1983 when the Detroit Pistons beat the Denver Nuggets 186-184.
Kawhi Leonard finished with a season-high 44 points for Los Angeles and Paul George added 34. Leonard had 21 points in the third quarter, which tied his career high for points scored in a quarter.
The Kings and The Clippers also combined for 44 3-pointers, tied for the most in a game in NBA history.
Both teams also shot at least 58% from the field and were 80% or better from the foul line.
“I thought was a great game. A lot of momentum shifts,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said.
The Kings visit Oklahoma City while the Clippers are at Denver on Sunday.