Kings center Domantas Sabonis set a new NBA record by recording his 54th consecutive double-double in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite getting his jaw rocked by an elbow early in the game, Sabonis finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 108-96 victory over the 76ers. This streak surpasses Kevin Love’s record from the 2010-11 season and is the longest single-season streak since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976. Sabonis has been a standout player for the Kings this season, leading them to a 42-29 record and a tie for the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver was in attendance to witness Sabonis break the record and praised the player for the phenomenal season he’s having. Sabonis, who is not an All-Star, should be considered for All-NBA honors and even the MVP discussion with his outstanding performances. De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray also had strong showings in the game, each scoring 23 points to help the Kings secure the victory. The team had lost 10 games in a row to the 76ers prior to this matchup, making the win even more significant.
Despite a strong performance from Tyrese Maxey, who scored 29 points for the 76ers, the team struggled to keep up with the Kings. Maxey scored 21 points in the first quarter but was limited to just eight points over the remaining quarters. Davion Mitchell was instrumental in containing Maxey and was named Sacramento’s defensive player of the game for his efforts. Mitchell credited his teammates for their support in defending against Maxey and praised Sabonis for his record-breaking accomplishment.
Sabonis leads the NBA in both double-doubles (67) and triple-doubles (25) this season, showcasing his versatility and impact on the court. He became just the fifth player in NBA history to achieve 25 or more triple-doubles in a season, joining the likes of Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook. Sabonis broke Love’s record with an offensive rebound putback in the third quarter of the game against the 76ers, leading to a standing ovation from the crowd. His incredible consistency and durability have impressed Kings coach Mike Brown, who compared Sabonis to legendary players like Tim Duncan.
The record-breaking streak is a testament to Sabonis’ work ethic and determination on the court. Despite facing physical challenges and tough opponents, he continues to excel and make history in the NBA. Only four players in NBA history have had longer single-season double-double streaks, with the last one dating back to 1973-74. Sabonis’ accomplishment cements his place among the league’s elite players and highlights his impact on the Kings’ success this season. Brown praised Sabonis for making the record-setting feat look easy, attributing it to his relentless drive and energy on the court.
