The Sacramento Kings traveled into enemy territory to take on the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. Missing both Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk, many fans had low expectations against a strong Denver squad, but the Kings have put up a fight.

The Kings stormed out to take a 13-point lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Nuggets battled back to make it a game.

Missing two starters, the Kings needed a big game from Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan, and the latter stepped up. DeRozan has erupted for 33 points (and counting) to lead the Kings in a time of desperation.

Not only has DeRozan had one of his strongest games of the season, but he made league history. With a three-point late in the first quarter, DeRozan passed Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing for 27th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

DeRozan was a huge pickup for the Kings in the offseason, acquiring him via sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls. This season, DeRozan is averaging 21.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, shooting 48.9% from the field.

The 35-year-old veteran is well past his prime, but he remains one of the most elite shot-makers in the league and proves it on a nightly basis. DeRozan now sits behind Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry, who also continues to work his way up the all-time scoring leaderboard.

DeRozan has scored the sixth-most points of any active NBA player, and his veteran presence in Sacramento could take them far.

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