SACRAMENTO — The Lakers, who’ve statistically had the NBA’s best defense over the last 1 1/2 weeks entering Thursday, knew they’d be tested in consecutive matchups against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.

They passed the first test, beating the Kings 113-100 on Thursday night in the first of two games over three days in Sacramento.

They’ll play again on Saturday afternoon.

On a night where their offense struggled after a 37-point first quarter to take a nine-point lead going into the second, it was the Lakers’ ability to win around the margins that gave them their third win in their last four games, improving them to 15-12 on the season.

The Lakers (15-12) grabbed nine more offensive rebounds (13-4) than the Kings (13-15), giving them an 18-4 edge in second-chance points and 94-81 field-goal attempts advantage.

Anthony Davis led the Lakers in offensive rebounding, grabbing six of his 18 rebounds off of the offensive glass to go along with a season-high six blocked shots, 21 points (7-of-20 shooting), four assists and three steals.

The Lakers scored 24 points off of the Kings’ 17 turnovers, taking advantage of being disruptive on the defensive end of the floor.

Austin Reaves led the Lakers in scoring with 25 points on 7-of-14 shooting to go with five assists and five rebounds.

Reaves knocked down a 3-pointer off an assist from LeBron James (19 points, seven assists, six rebounds) to put the Lakers up 103-92 with just over minutes left in the game.

The Lakers led by at least double figures for the remainder of the night.

D’Angelo Russell (16 points, six rebounds) and Gabe Vincent (12 points, five rebounds, three assists) made significant contributions off the bench.

Max Christie had eight points, four rebounds (three offensive) and two steals. Vincent also had a pair of offensive boards.

The Kings were led by De’Aaron Fox’ 26 points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals.