DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Golden 1 Center on November 12, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings, staring down the barrel of a 1-4 homestand on the second night of a back-to-back, were blown out by the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, 133-100.

In the first quarter, the Hawks punched first, jumping out to an 18-8 lead at the 7:37 mark as the Kings defense struggled with the Hawks’ scheme. However, the bench unit for the Kings came in and played really well to get the Kings back in the game, as they were only outscored by the Hawks 37-34. Domantas Sabonis and Dennis Schröder led the Kings with eight points apiece in the first, as the Hawks were led by eight points from Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

In the second quarter, it was all Hawks. The Kings were blown off the court in the second quarter as the Hawks outscored them 29-12 in what was an abysmal performance from the Kings. The Hawks took a 66-46 lead into halftime as they shot 55% from the field. On the other hand, the Kings shot 39% in the first half and didn’t get a sufficient defensive performance either, as they entered another halftime down 20 points. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks in first-half scoring with 18 points as Keon Ellis led the Kings, scoring nine points in the first half.

In the third quarter, it was more of the same for the Kings. The Kings looked like a G League team to start the third quarter and let the Hawks outscore them 39-22. The Kings buried themselves in a 105-68 deficit heading into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth, the Kings had all but mailed it in. The Kings went to the bench for the majority of the quarter and waved the white flag. The Kings outscored the Hawks 32-28 in the final quarter, but it proved meaningless as the Kings fell 133-100 to the Hawks.

It’s hard to analyze games like this. There’s really nothing to diagnose. The Kings were embarrassed, and on their home court no less.

Doug Christie summed it up well after the game, saying, “You are not going to represent the Sacramento Kings that way. Not while I’m here. Put on a jersey, represent it properly… I’m f—ing embarrassed. Period.”

It was a raw and accountable Doug Christie after the game. That’s not something you see very often from head coaches in the NBA, and it was refreshing to see. However, tirades like Doug’s on Wednesday often can get you fired. We will see if Vivek, the front office, and the players can stomach the accountability.

Up Next: The Kings go on the road to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at 5 p.m. PST on Friday night.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.