SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 25: Malik Monk #0 of the Sacramento Kings in action during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on October 25, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Malik Monk is leading the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award shortlist, and that’s no surprise given his impressive performance of 39 points during the Kings’ 124-120 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center.
The 26-year-old guard was questioned about his play against the Western Conference-leading Timberwolves during Friday night’s post-game press conference.
“I believe I was already at the top, don’t I?” Monk questioned journalists. Let’s just leave it there, then. We still have a few games left, so I can’t say it’s set in stone. However, after a few more attempts, I succeed.
To be fair, after the Kings’ thrilling triumph, Monk had every right to speak with bold abandon.
De’Aaron Fox’s injury forced someone to step up and provide some Fox-like energy to Domantas Sabonis’s projected play for Friday’s game against Minnesota. Monk filled that job admirably, helping Sacramento with 35 points in the second half and overtime.
Monk exclaimed, “S—t, I had to get it going.” “I believe that myself and [Davion Mitchell] did that, especially with the second unit. Someone other than [Domantas Sabonis] and [Keegan Murray] was going to have to step up.”
“We achieved great success. Trey Lyles had a few major plays, but eventually I realized I had to start it. My mid-range and floater opened things up for me as I approached the lane.
Even though he scored just four points in the first half, Monk was able to pick up his game in the second half. He finished the game with a 55.2 percent shooting percentage, four rebounds, four assists, and a steal in 33 minutes.
Davion Mitchell, a teammate, was reminded by the entire performance of Monk’s invaluable importance in Sacramento’s plan, which has a slot set out for noteworthy performances by their Sixth Man.
“[Malik Monk] is a phenomenal athlete,” Mitchell informed the press. “He looks after us in every way. Really, he accomplishes it. That’s one thing I like about Malik: his defensiveness.
He is more than just an attacker. He plays defense with all of his might. He obtained stops on our behalf. He receives help. In a way, he handles everything. He is our team’s star player. Seeing it was incredible. He sort of carried the game for us in the end.
The Kings guard’s effort was made even more noteworthy by the timely win it spurred, as Sacramento attempted to avoid falling further behind in their quest for a postseason berth by putting a two-game losing streak behind them.
Ultimately, postseason teams frequently enjoy the advantage of having a wide range of players who can go off on any given night.
Coach Mike Brown told reporters on Friday night, “It’s huge.” “There are usually two or three individuals on great teams who can call the play when necessary.
“You simply tell them to go make a play for themselves or for their teammates. Here’s the ball. Malik carried that out. We needed someone to defend us, especially with Fox out for the count, and Malik was the man.
Malik proved himself to be a strong contender for Sixth Man of the Year on Friday, deserving of all the accolades.
