It has been a bumpy road for Zach LaVine ever since the Sacramento Kings traded their franchise icon for him in early February. In his first seven games in uniform, the Kings went a pedestrian 3-4, something they can ill-afford given their standing in the jam-packed Western Conference.
However, it seems like LaVine just needed some time to warm up, as in his most recent game with the team (his eighth), LaVine did something he's never done before.
LaVine's historic night against the Hornets
Last night, the Kings absolutely annihilated the Charlotte Hornets to the tune of 130-88. Multiple players contributed to this blowout (eleven different players tallied at least two field goals), but LaVine was a cut above the rest.
In a hair under 31 minutes, LaVine scored 42 points – the 22nd time he's done that in his career (once with the Kings, once with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and 20 times with the Chicago Bulls). However, what makes this particular occasion special is it is the only time he has done so while shooting over 80% from the floor. Against the Hornets, LaVine was ultra-efficient, knocking down 16 of his 19 shots.
This was only the fifth time in LaVine's career that he shot over 80% from the floor. Three of those times, he didn't even play 20 minutes in the game, and the other time, LaVine scored 35 points on 14-of-17 shooting. Unfortunately, his team (the Timberwolves) lost that game to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and LaVine was a -4 in his 29 minutes. Meanwhile, this time, the Kings won, and LaVine was a +36.
LaVine's game is the 97th time a player has scored at least 40 points this season. However, it is the only time that a player has scored 40 points while also shooting at least 80% from the floor (per Stathead).
Throughout his career, LaVine has often been criticized as an empty-calorie scorer (the kind of player who scores a lot but doesn't necessarily impact winning in a positive way). But yesterday's game should serve as a reminder that LaVine does contribute to winning, and sometimes when he's really feeling it, he can put a whole team on his back.