Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (right) drives against the Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sun Jan 25, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (12-35) suffered yet another loss stringing their defeats to five in a row. This loss came at the hands of the red-hot Detroit Pistons (33-11) 139-116. This game was tied after the first 12 minutes of play at 35 but Detroit broke the game wide open in the second quarter outscoring the Kings 43-30.

It was all downhill from there with Sacramento getting outscored in the third and fourth quarters. It was another low key game for the Sacramento starters but was again a great game for the bench who successfully scored 56 collective points scoring almost half of the total for the game.

Game recap: This game was a close one after the first 12 minutes of play tied at 35. This is a pattern the Kings have seen far too often from Sacramento leading to a collapse in the final quarters.

This game was more of the same with the Kings getting outscored 43-30 in the second quarter giving the Pistons a 78-65 lead at the half. The Pistons are leading the Eastern Conference and so expectations were pointing to a fifth win for Detroit in their last six games.

The Pistons outscored Sacramento in the third quarter 35-28 and went on to finish off the Kings in the fourth quarter outscoring them 26-23. This was Sacramento’s fifth loss in a row. The impressive winning streak that the Kings had celebrated earlier in the month was now a distant memory and they have settled back into mediocrity at best.

The Pistons Cade Cunnington had the high for the game with 29 points with eight of their bench players adding points. They have a very deep balanced team which explains the success they are having this season.

The Kings never really got any kind of lead after the first quarter which ended in a tie. They faltered mightily for the rest of the game The high for the Sacramento starters was DeMar DeRozan with only 16 points.

It was a disappointing showing for the starters. Domantas Sabonis was back in the starting lineup for this game scoring 12 points with 7 rebounds. The high for the team was off the bench with Malik Monk scoring 19 points.

The Kings shot around 60% from the line and the 19 turnovers hurt as well. conceding 28 points. The largest lead for Sacramento in this game was seven points which was overshadowed by the 25 point lead the Pistons had amassed.

As the Kings approach the trade deadline in early February they are sure to see some major overhauls. The way things are headed right now cannot continue for very much longer. With every game the Kings are seeing deepening disappointments so something has got to give and they will shortly find out what will transpire.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon the Kings took on the Eastern Conference leading Pistons. Domantas Sabonis started the game after playing off the bench since his return he scored 12 points. The Kings have now lost five games in a row after Sunday’s loss and will have to find some relief in their next game Tuesday in New York as they continue to struggle.

The Kings will next match-up with the New York Knicks on Tuesday evening with tipoff scheduled for 4:30 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.