Looking at Domantas Sabonis’ All-Star prospects this season: Does he deserve the nod?

Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings produced a historic performance in the team's 139-114 NBA win over the Houston Rockets.

Sabonis recorded 19 points, 16 assists (a career-high) and 15 rebounds. He became the first Kings player to have 15-plus points, 15 rebounds, and 15-plus assists in a game since Oscar Robertson in 1965.

Sabonis also joined Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird on a list of players who have recorded 19 points, 15 rebounds, 16 assists, two steals, and two blocks in a game. Sabonis' performance helped the Kings secure their 18th straight double-double this season, his 31st overall, and his fourth triple-double of the year.

Kings forward Harrison Barnes praised Domantas Sabonis for his performance, speaking to reporters after the game:

"I thought it was just a great performance the last two games by him but the great season that he's having."

The Kings' win over the Rockets also moved the team to five games over .500 for the first time since April 2006. The dominant performance was not only due to Sabonis' historic game but also to the contributions of other players. These include Barnes (27), De'Aaron Fox (24), Terence Davis (22), Malik Monk (15), and Trey Lyles (13) who all scored in double-figures.

Sacramento's defense also played a key role in the team's win. Sabonis credited Kings coach Mike Brown for the team's improved defense, saying:

"He's been amazing. He's been pushing us on the defensive end all season. In practice, we're always drilling it, drilling it, every day so I feel like guys are locked in more on defense that way."

Overall, the win over the Rockets was a dominant performance that showcased the team's depth and defensive intensity. With Sabonis leading the charge, the Kings are on track to make a playoff appearance this season. He is certainly an All-Star candidate.

Domantas Sabonis is a legitimate All-Star candidate for the Sacramento Kings

Domantas Sabonis has been instrumental in leading the Kings to their best start since the 2004-05 season. They now have a 16-12 record. The 26-year-old two-time All-Star ranks fifth in the NBA in win shares, behind Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant.

Kings coach Mike Brown is convinced that Sabonis should be an All-Star, stating:

"No question about it - zero question. If you don't vote for him to be an All-Star, in my opinion, you don't know basketball because what he's doing, it's almost on a historic level, and I'm not just talking about his ability to score or his ability to pass."

Sabonis, who was named an All-Star with the Indiana Pacers in 2020 and 2021, is more focused on winning games than individual accolades. He said:

"I never really think about those things. The most important, these things come when you win. In the past when it's happened, it's because we've won."

Domantas Sabonis is averaging 17.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists in his seventh season. He leads the NBA in total rebounds (326) and defensive rebounds (255). He is also third in defensive rebounding percentage (.304) and seventh in total rebounding percentage (20.1).

Sabonis also ranks third in the NBA in offensive rating (133.2), fifth in win shares (4.6) and offensive win shares (3.4). He is sixth in win shares per 48 minutes (.240), ninth in value over replacement player (2.0), 13th in box plus/minus (6.5) and 17th in player efficiency rating (23.2).

Overall, Domantas Sabonis' performances this season have been impressive and he is making a strong case for a third All-Star appearance. The Kings haven't had an All-Star since DeMarcus Cousins in 2017 and Sabonis could break the drought.