How DeMar DeRozan got revenge for his snubbed teammate with one big bucket

After losing their first two games of the Zach LaVine era, the Sacramento Kings have put together a mini-winning streak – emerging victorious in their last two contests.

Doing so wasn't super pretty, though. First, the Kings needed nearly all 48 minutes (and some unexpected heroics from Jonas Valanciunas) to put the downtrodden New Orleans Pelicans to bed. Then, last night, the Kings needed extra time to beat the hobbled Dallas Mavericks.

Clutch King vanquishes newest Western Conference All-Star

Yesterday was a bittersweet one for Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. The All-NBA guard was informed that he would be receiving his ninth All-Star selection. However, unlike many of his past nominations, this one was of the injury replacement variety, and the player he was set to replace was none other than his new teammate, Anthony Davis.

It is always nice being recognized for your greatness, but it definitely sucks that it came at the expense of one of Irving's teammates. In any event, Irving being pinged as the next man up certainly ruffled some feathers, especially when you factor in that there are guys like Domantas Sabonis who did not get the call.

It was already rough that Sabonis was left off the All-Star team when the rosters were initially announced, but for there to be a second chance to write this wrong – and still not have it happen – makes it all the more worse. And as history shows, this has been a common trend for poor old Sabonis.

This dynamic made Monday's Western Conference clash even more interesting. Could Sabonis exact revenge on the team of the player that was selected over him as an All-Star replacement?

To his credit, Sabonis played another great game – putting up his 47th double-double of the season while posting a +19 plus-minus. Yet, despite his efforts, the Kings found themselves on the verge of losing with just ten seconds left in overtime.

But as the old saying goes, there are few bonds stronger than the one between teammates, and last night, DeMar DeRozan did all that he could to help Sabonis get his get back on Irving – including draining this game-winning jumper.

Now, winning this game probably doesn't remove all the sting that comes with not being recognized for your individual production. Still, I'm sure that winning that game definitely feels better than losing it, and Sabonis has DeRozan to thank for helping him pull this one out of the hat.