Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (left) takes a shot over the Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Sat Dec 6, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night the Sacramento Kings (6-17) played an impressive game beating the Miami Heat (14-10) 127-111. They started Maxime Raynaud in place of Drew Eubanks and the rookie did not disappoint finishing with a double double.

Russell Westbrook also had a double double but it was Zach LaVine who came unleashed scoring 42 points after only scoring two points against the Rockets last Wednesday. He was tremendous as the team outscored the Heat in the first three quarters of the game to clinch the win.

Game recap: The Kings got down to business from the get-go taking a 34-31 lead after the first 12 minutes of play. They kept the pressure on the second quarter outscoring the Heat 38-24 and taking a 72-55 lead at the half. As expected Raynaud started the game.

It was a terrific first half for Sacramento with their “new look” which certainly appeared to be working for them. They played with great energy and passion from the start of the game and would need to take that energy into the second half of the game where they have struggled this season.

The Kings outscored the Heat in the third quarter 29-23 taking a 101-78 lead into the fourth quarter. Sacramento had led by as much as 28 points in the second half. They finished the game with only 11 turnovers.

They hit 14 three’s, 42% to the Heat’s nine which was 29% and Sacramento also had ten steals. Despite the dominating play they still stumbled a bit. at the line only hitting 15 of 21 for 71%. The final was 127-111 in favor of the Kings playing a complete game.

The hero of the game was LaVine who finished with 42 points. Both Russell Westbrook and Raynaud had double doubles. Westbrook had 12 rebounds and ten assists and Raynaud finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, another terrific game for the rookie. The team high for the Heat was Norman Powell who scored 18 points.

Game notes: Saturday night in Miami, the Kings matched-up with the Heat at Kaseya Center. Both teams are struggling with injuries right now, the Kings were still without Dennis Schroeder and Domantas Sabonis.

The Heat will be without Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell. The Kings had lost their last four games before beating the Heat on Saturday night and the Heat continue to struggled losing now four of their last five games which followed a six-game winning streak.

The Heat came into this game losing a heart-breaker to the Orlando Magic Friday night 106-105. The Kings lost to the Houston Rockets Wednesday night 121-95. The Kings made a change in the starting lineup considering the way this season has gone and it makes total sense with the emergence of bench player rookie Maxime Raynaud and the brilliant play we have seen from this guy.

With so many devastating injuries the Kings have struggled with getting any sort of rhythm going with different players on the floor game to game. It is without doubt that Raynaud has been a standout scoring 25 points Wednesday night against the Rockets. On Saturday against the Heat Raynaud came up with 12 points and the Kings scoring leader was Zack LaVine with 42 points.

Drew Eubanks has filled in as center in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis but he has been ok at best he had four points on Saturday and Raynaud continues to excel at a crazy rate. His time is right around the corner, it is eminent.

Monday the Kings will travel to Indiana for a game with the Pacers. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

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.