Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings three point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 24, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings returned home on Monday after a brutal five-game, 10-day trip in which they only managed to go 1-4. The Kings, in front of a passionate Sacramento crowd, defeated the Timberwolves 117-112.

In the first quarter, neither the Kings nor the Timberwolves were hitting their shots to start the night. In the end, the Timberwolves outscored the Kings 27-23 to take the early lead in the game. Sacramento shot 45% from the field and wasn’t able to connect on a three all quarter as the Timberwolves shot 44% and 27% from the three-point line. Anthony Edwards provided the majority of the spark for the Wolves, scoring 12 points in the first quarter.

In the second, each team scored the exact same number of points as the first quarter, with Minnesota putting up 27 and Sacramento 23. The Wolves went into halftime with the 54-46 lead. The Kings were hanging with the Wolves, but neither team had gone on a big offensive run, which remained a concern for the Kings in the second half. The Kings’ leading first-half scorer was Keegan Murray with 15 points, and Anthony Edwards led the Wolves with 17.

In the third, the Kings continued to hang with the Wolves. The Kings outscored the Timberwolves in the third quarter 31-28 as they looked to make a fourth quarter comeback. DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook led the Kings and their efforts in the third, scoring 10 and seven, respectively. The Kings headed into the final 12 minutes of the game trailing the Wolves 82-77.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings showed a level of fight that they haven’t shown all season. The Kings were playing physical defense and forcing big mistakes from the Wolves on the other end of the floor. The Kings were able to outscore the Wolves 24-19 to force an overtime session in their first game back since the road trip. The game headed to overtime tied at 101 as DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk finished regulation all with more than 20 points in the game.

In the overtime session, the Timberwolves were careless with the ball as the Kings forced the issue with pressure on the defensive end. The Wolves committed five turnovers in overtime, which led to seven Sacramento points. The Kings outscored the Wolves 16-11 in the extra five minutes to win the game 117-112. The Kings improved to 5-13 on the season as Keegan Murray led the group with 26 points and 14 rebounds.

After the game, DeMar DeRozan spoke highly of Keegan’s value and the impact he has had since his return.

“Keegan is, uhh, key to this team,” DeMar said. “It’s his team. He’s one of those guys that’s going to be very, very special in this league, and he’s showing it.”

Doug Christie echoed those same sentiments after the game, saying, “He’s a special player, man.”

The Kings’ season hasn’t gone to plan so far this year. The team is mired in trade rumors and angst among the fans about the future of the team. However, that doesn’t stop Kings fans from showing up.

On Tuesday, as the 4-13 Kings returned home after an abysmal road trip, a raucous 16,957 welcomed home the team as if they were heroes returning from war. That says something about the fan base in Sacramento. That’s special. That’s abnormal.

Up Next: The Sacramento Kings stay home to take on the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. PST at Golden 1 Center.

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.