Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis is producing at a level that we have never seen previously in the NBA. He has recorded a double-double in 52 consecutive games, which is closing in on the league’s record.
With 12 games to play, Sabonis only needs six more double-doubles to tie the single-season record of 72, which is currently held by Hall of Famer, Hakeem Olajuwon. Based on how Sabonis has played to this point, it would be shocking if his name wasn’t in first place on that list by the end of the regular season.
In addition to all of the double-doubles, Sabonis has also recorded 24 triple-doubles this season, as he stuffs the stat sheet on a nightly basis. These aren’t empty stats that he is providing either, as he is helping the Kings win games and remain in the mix to avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference.
His head coach, Mike Brown has had a front-row seat to the level of play. He believes that Sabonis should be getting more recognition than he does and that his center is a legitimate MVP candidate.
“It’s a shame, but that’s who he is,” Brown said. “He’s a walking triple-double machine. I say it’s a shame because it should be celebrated a ton, but that’s what he does. When he doesn’t get a triple-double, you expect a double-double. He’s getting one of the two, and that’s why he should be in the conversation for MVP.”
On the season, Sabonis is averaging 20 points, 13.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. He is making 60.8 percent of his shots overall, 40.8 percent of his 3-point attempts and has elite advanced stats with a PER of 23.7 and 11.1 win shares.
Despite not making an All-Star team, this is arguably the best season of Sabonis’s career. His teammate, Harrison Barnes, has marveled at his level of play and also believes he deserves some individual recognition for how well he has performed.
“What Domas does for us every single night, it’s impressive,” Sacramento’s Harrison Barnes said. “To be able to be a force, go to the glass, facilitate the way he does, score the way he does, draw the attention that defenses put towards him, it’s something that you always have to bring attention to.
“His continued strong play is definitely All-NBA worthy.”
Making an All-NBA team is certainly not easy. There are only 15 spots overall, with only three of those going to centers. There are a lot of excellent big men in the NBA currently and Sabonis will have his work cut out for himself to snag one of those spots.
But, the numbers don’t lie. He certainly should be in consideration as he is playing at a high level and the Kings are looking to be playoff-bound for a second straight year after setting an NBA record with their playoff drought.
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