Nique Clifford #5 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket against Keon Ellis #14 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center on February 07, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Kings took on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night as Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis made their returns to Golden 1 Center. The Kings were unable to defeat the Cavs in James Harden’s debut game as they fell 132-126, and their losing streak extended to 12 games.

In the first quarter, the Kings’ young guys propelled the Kings to an early lead over the Cavs. Daeqwon Plowden and Nique Clifford led the scoring from the Kings’ young guys as they took the lead 31-25 at the end of the first frame. Plowden and Clifford combined for 16 first-quarter points, while Russell Westbrook added eight points of his own in the first quarter. The Kings led in second-chance points 12-4 and rebounds 15-10 to start the game.

In the second quarter, the Cavs took advantage of a struggling Kings offense to get themselves back in the game and ultimately take the lead going into halftime. The Cavs outscored the Kings 32-24 to take the 57-55 lead into halftime. Jarrett Allen led the Cavs in the first half against the Kings with 17 points, as Nique Clifford and Russell Westbrook paced the Kings with 14 and 13 points, respectively. The Cavs’ three-point shooting suffered in the first half as they shot 27% from behind the line, while the Kings were solid at 46%.

In the third quarter, the Kings made their move on the Cavs coming out of halftime. The Kings outscored the Cavs 41-36 in the third quarter to take the 96-93 lead into the final quarter of the game in hopes of closing things out. Nique Clifford led the way for the Kings, adding eight points to lead the comeback, and Maxime Raynaud contributed eight points.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings and the young guys put on a show in an attempt to snap the losing streak. Yet, even as Nique Clifford added another seven points in the fourth, the Kings were ultimately outscored 39-30 as they fell to the Cavs 132-126 on Saturday night. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden carried the Cavs to victory late as the duo put up 17 and 15 points, respectively, in the fourth quarter alone. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs in scoring with 35 points in the victory. On the Kings’ side, Nique Clifford led the Kings with 30 points in defeat, which was a new career high for the rookie.

After the game, the Kings rookie spoke with the media, speaking on his new career high during the loss.

“I got some good looks tonight,” Clifford said after the game. “My teammates were finding me in good positions to score the ball and the shots were falling tonight. So it was a good individual performance, but I’m not a stat guy. I really don’t care unless we get the win. So it was cool, but not the result we wanted.”

The losses are clearly getting to the Kings, but they have remained optimistic and upbeat even while enduring a Sacramento-era record-tying 12-game losing streak.

There’s more pain to come for Sacramento. Yet, the initial group of young players that will be around for the rebuild is appearing to take shape. If the Kings can continue to develop guys like Nique Clifford, Dylan Cardwell, Maxime Raynaud, and Devin Carter, they might begin to build a foundation that can be paired with a top draft pick.

The Kings will head on the road to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday at 5 p.m. PST.

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.