109 Points in Back-to-Back Games! De'Aaron Fox Makes History—Is He Underrated?

De'Aaron Fox has been nothing short of spectacular over the past two games, delivering historic performances that have placed him among the NBA's elite. The Sacramento Kings' star guard showcased his offensive prowess in consecutive battles, notching an incredible 109 points in two nights, a feat only achieved by Wilt Chamberlain (15 times) and Kobe Bryant (once) in NBA history. Let’s dive into how Fox turned heads, shattered records, and reignited discussions about his place among the league’s best.

60-Point Masterclass vs. Timberwolves

In a tough matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Fox put on the performance of a lifetime. He played 44 minutes, going 22-of-35 from the field, including 6-of-10 from three-point range and 10-of-11 at the free-throw line. The result? A career-high 60 points, along with 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.

The Kings were severely undermanned, missing star players like Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan. They trailed by as much as 20 points in the second half, but Fox carried them back into the game. Scoring 13 points in the third quarter and an explosive 20 points in the fourth, he willed his team into overtime.

Although Sacramento ultimately fell short in overtime, Fox accounted for 6 points and 2 assists in the extra period, contributing to all 11 of the Kings' points during that stretch. His final act—a step-back three-pointer over Anthony Edwards to tie the game late in OT—was a showcase of his clutch gene.

Fox’s 60 points not only marked a personal best but also set a new Sacramento Kings franchise record. The previous record of 59 points had stood for nearly 65 years, established by Jack Twyman in 1960.

Follow-Up Heroics: 49 Points vs. Jazz

If his game against Minnesota was a masterpiece, Fox’s encore performance against the Utah Jazz was nothing short of remarkable. With even fewer options available—Sabonis and DeRozan were both sidelined—Fox was left to shoulder the load as the Kings faced a determined Utah squad.

From the opening tip, Fox dominated. He scored 18 points in the first quarter and had 26 by halftime. By the end of the game, he had tallied 49 points on 16-of-30 shooting, hitting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and 14-of-19 from the free-throw line. He also added 3 rebounds and 9 assists.

Despite trailing by as many as 9 points in the fourth quarter, Fox once again stepped up, scoring 14 points in the final period to lead the Kings to a comeback victory. However, the win wasn’t without its moments of frustration. Fox missed four free throws in the final quarter, including two crucial misses during his penultimate trip to the line, narrowly missing the opportunity for back-to-back 50-point games.

Historic Milestones and Statistical Brilliance

The combined 109 points over two games placed Fox in rarefied air. Only Chamberlain and Bryant have ever scored as many points in consecutive games, and Fox stands alone when factoring in his 16 assists across the two contests.

Before these games, Fox had never scored more than 44 points in a single game. With these back-to-back performances, he not only surpassed his previous career-high but also eclipsed the career highs of superstars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Fox’s season averages also saw a significant boost. Prior to this stretch, he was averaging a solid but unspectacular 24.6 points per game, ranking 17th in the league. After these two games, his scoring average jumped to 28.9 points per game, catapulting him to 6th in the NBA. His shooting efficiency has also improved dramatically, with his field goal percentage rising to 50.9% and his three-point percentage climbing to 34.5%.

The Bigger Picture: Fox’s Role in the Kings’ Aspirations

These performances reaffirmed a critical point: the Kings’ ceiling is tied directly to De’Aaron Fox’s success. While Sabonis provides the team with a high floor and DeRozan offers veteran support, Fox remains the heart and soul of Sacramento’s offense. His ability to score at will, facilitate for teammates, and deliver in clutch moments makes him indispensable.

Fox’s explosion couldn’t have come at a better time. The Kings are battling in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, where every win matters. Sacramento’s struggles last season, despite a respectable 46-36 record, resulted in a disappointing ninth-place finish and an early exit in the play-in tournament. To avoid a repeat, the Kings need Fox at his best.

The 2022-23 season showed what a fully engaged Fox could do. He averaged 25.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while leading the Kings to a 48-win season and their first playoff appearance in 17 years. Although they were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in a hard-fought seven-game series, Fox’s postseason debut—where he averaged 27.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists—proved he thrives under pressure.

However, last season was less inspiring for both Fox and the Kings. Despite increasing his scoring average to 26.6 points, Fox’s efficiency dropped, and the Kings failed to build on their previous success. With the addition of DeRozan, Fox’s numbers initially took a hit this season, but his recent performances have demonstrated his critical value to the team.

What Lies Ahead

As the Kings await the return of Sabonis and DeRozan, Fox may not sustain this level of individual production. Back-to-back 50-point games are rare for a reason, and with a healthier roster, the scoring load will likely be more evenly distributed. However, Fox’s recent outburst has sent a clear message: he is the engine that drives Sacramento.

If the Kings can find the right balance between their Big Three of Fox, Sabonis, and DeRozan, they have the potential to compete with the best in the Western Conference. But for now, Fox’s historic two-game stretch has reminded everyone of his immense talent and why he remains one of the NBA’s most underrated stars.