Wizards and Kings deliver upsets as double digit underdogs

CJ McCollum (Google Images)

As we start the final week of November, there have been two significant upsets on the National Basketball Association schedule. On Monday night, the Sacramento Kings defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-112 in overtime as a 10 point underdog. Then on Tuesday night, the Washington Wizards beat the Atlanta Hawks 132-113 as an 11 point underdog.

In the Kings win over the Timberwolves, Sacramento outscored Minnesota 17-11 in the extra period. In the overtime session, Kings veteran power forward DeMar DRozan of Compton, California scored nine points as he made two field goals and five free throws.

Four Kings reached double digits in scoring. DeRozan led the way with 33 points. Forward Keegan Murray of Cedar Rapids, Iowa had the double double as he had 26 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile off the bench, shooting guard Malik Monk of Jonesboro, Arkansas had 22 points, and center Precious Achiuwa of Port Harcourt, Nigeria had 10 points.

This is the second straight win for the Kings as a double digit underdog. On Saturday, they defeated the Denver Nuggets 128-123 as an 11 point underdog to snap an eight game losing streak. With the wins, the Kings improve to a record of five wins and 13 losses. The Timberwolves fall to a record of 10 wins and seven losses.

In the Wizards win over the Hawks, it was a dominant first quarter for Washington as they outscored Atlanta 45-23. Washington snapped a 14 game losing streak with the win. Their only other victory this season came on October 24 when they beat the Dallas Mavericks 117-107.

The Wizards were led by guard CJ McCollum of Canton, Ohio who had 46 points. Center Alex Sarr of Bordeaux, France had the double double as he had 27 points and 11 rebounds. Small forward Corey Kispert of Edmonds, Washington had 19 points, while point guard Bub Carrington of Baltimore, Maryland had 10 points off the bench, and small forward Khris Middleton of Charleston South Carolina had a double-double as he had 10 points and 12 assists.