Malik Monk

Over the three-minute Q&A that accompanied Malik Monk’s all-around performance on January 5, 2025, one phrase, perhaps accidentally, was often repeated: “Getting everybody involved.” With his teammates taken care of through a 26-point, 12-assist performance in victory, Monk — evidently meaning “everybody” — shared some love for the cameramen and highlight reel makers, too. Likely understood if he decided to coast, with the Sacramento Kings ahead by 24 in the second half’s late stages, Monk avoids the urge, keeping aggressive during a pick-and-roll with two Golden State Warriors obstructing his path. Unleashed after using a smooth between-the-leg dribble, Monk turns his free drive into an explosive one-handed hammer, leaving the already-stunned crowd in a full-on silence. Nothing short of spectacular during the blowout win, the eight-year veteran reached new levels, pairing the aforementioned scoring excellence and career-high night in assists with elite efficiency (9-of-14 shooting), four steals, one block, and five 3-pointers. Riding his unstoppable wave, Sacramento tallied victory No. 4 in what ultimately became a six-game winning streak.