Atlanta Hawks Guard Nickeil Alexander Walker drives against the Sacramento Kings guard Killian Hayes in the first half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Sat Mar 28, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (19-56) had a great shot in their contest with the Atlanta Hawks (42-33) tying up the game in the fourth quarter after trailing for much of the game. The Kings just could not sustain the effort falling to the Hawks 123-113; DeMar DeRozan had the team high with 22 points and Maxime Raynaud had a double double, 18 points and 10 rebounds. Precious Achiuwa finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds.

Game recap: After the first 12 minutes of play the Kings led in this game 30-27. The Hawks turned the game around in the second quarter outscoring Sacramento 39-24 totally dominating the quarter taking a 66-54 lead at the half.

Sacramento would have a lot of work to do in the second half of this game. The largest lead of the game for the Hawks was 16 points but as the third quarter came to an end, Sacramento was only trailing by six points 88-82. The Kings Killian Hayes made some noise in the final two minutes of the quarter hitting a two-point jump shot followed by a 39-ft three pointer to close out the third.

After getting bounced around pretty badly for much of the game the Kings had put themselves in a great spot going into the fourth quarter only trailing by six points. Sacramento would need more from their starters. So far in this game the Kings were perfect from the line and had matched the Hawks from the field.

Four minutes into the final quarter the Kings had tied up this game at 97 mounting an impressive rally. The Hawks answered and within a couple minutes had pushed their lead back out to 105-97.

Atlanta had scored quickly and did not let-up for the remainder of the game. After having tied up the game the Kings found themselves trailing 111-99. With under five minutes left in the game, Sacramento was running out of time. The Hawks took back complete control and with 2 1/2 minutes left on the clock they had a 117-109 lead. For the remainder of the game Atlanta was locked in finishing off the Kings 123-113.

Three of the Hawks starters had scored 20+points in this game. Neikeil Alexander-Walker had the game high finishing with 27 points. Jalen Johnson had 26 points and CJ McCollum with 22 points. Every Atlanta starter had double figure in the game.

DeMar DeRozan had the team high for the Kings finishing with 22 points and 4 rebounds. Sacramento had three bench players in double digits. Daquan Jeffries had 15 points, Daeqwon Plowden 14 points and Killian Hayes 10 points. Plowden continues to really contribute off the bench.

Game notes: After losing a close game to the Orlando Magic Thursday night the Kings traveled to Atlanta for a matchup with yet another team in playoff position the Hawks. The Kings had Nique Clifford back on the court but Russell Westbrook was out with a toe injury with a possible return date of April 1st.

Keegan Murray has a projected return date of April 1st as well after a prolonged absence due to an ankle injury. Malik Monk started in place of Westbrook. The Hawks are missing some key players as well. Jonathan Kuminga is out with a knee injury, Onyeka Okongwu has a finger injury and Dyson Daniels also out with a toe injury. All three are projected to return March 30 for their matchup with the Celtics.

Sunday the Kings will take on the Brooklyn Nets looking for a win after beating the Nets last Sunday in a close one 126-122. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3:00 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.