Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes (4) and the Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan (10) battle for the ball at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Wed Apr 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

With nothing to play for the Sacramento Kings (20-57) sure played a great game Wednesday night beating the Toronto Raptors (42-34) 123-115. They outscored the Raptors in the first and third quarters, and tied Toronto in the second quarter 34 points apiece. The Kings took a 90-85 lead into the fourth quarter. There was no fourth quarter meltdown for Sacramento. When the Raptors threatened, the Kings kept their cool and did not panic. Precious Achiuwa was amazing finishing with 28 points and 19 rebounds.

After the first 12 minutes of play the Kings had taken a 27-22 lead. A win is not really a good thing for the Kings; a loss might put them in the bottom three with a chance for a first round draft pick.

While in no way suggesting tanking it would not be the end of the world to lose this game. The Raptors on the other hand who won this game and move into a tie in the Eastern Conference standings with the 76ers. The Magic two games behind with a few more games left on their season than the 5 games that the Kings have. It could turn out to be a photo finish.

Game recap: The Kings took as much as a ten-point lead at the start of the second quarter. A few minutes later the Raptors had chewed up the Kings lead taking the lead 35-34 at 8:33. Toronto continued to build on their lead and mid-way through the quarter had taken a 47-39 lead.

The Kings had all but erased the strong start the Kings had in the opening quarter. Sacramento was getting pummeled in the paint and beyond the arc. Closing in on five minutes left in the half the Kings pushed back trailing 47-46. Despite what they have faced all season there is still no quit in this team. At 3:27 to the half the game was tied at 50 and seconds later the Kings had taken back the lead 52-50 continuing to push. At the half, the Sacramento Kings had taken a 61-56 lead.

Precious Achiuwa was leading the team and already had a double double, 18 points and 15 rebounds. He was was the only King in double figures after two quarters. He has been amazing and he is only 26 years old with a lot of playing time ahead of him. He continues to grow and seldom does he disappoint. Malik Monk had the bench high in the half with nine points. For the Raptors, RJ Barrett had the high for Toronto with 14 points in the first half.

The Kings continued to push their lead taking their largest lead of the game 80-69 mid-way through the third quarter. With three minutes left in the quarter the Raptors took a time-out after trailing 86-77.

They needed this win to solidify a trip to the pre-season. Achiuwa continued to play lights out and now Devin Carter, DeRozan and Monk had shot double digits. With nothing to fight for, this team continued to fight; call it pride but they were on a roll. The Raptors would have to pull out all the stops to win this one. The third quarter came to an end with the Kings leading 90-81.

Going into the fourth quarter could the Kings pull off the upset? After trailing by 11 points, the Raptors pushed back pulling to within five points. Every time they pushed, the Kings pushed right back. With six minutes left in the game and a five point lead 108-103, the Kings called a time-out.

As the clock continued to wind down, the Kings began to struggle with turnovers and fouls. With 1:18 left on the clock, the Kings had a 118-114 lead. It was still anybody’s game. Sacramento made one final push and with under a minute left in the game they took a 123-115 lead. That would be the eventual final with Sacramento pulling off the upset.

The Sacramento Kings played a great road game upsetting the Eastern Conference sixth place team, the Raptors. Precious Achiuwa and DeRozan had the game high each of them scoring 28 points. Achiuwa also had a double double with 19 rebounds. Carter had 13 points and Monk had 18 points off the bench. It was a great win for the team although it does dim their hopes for a first round draft pick.

Game notes: Wednesday evening the Kings defeated the Raptors and with a handful of games left in the season. The Raptors are currently in sixth place tied with the behind the 76ers. Their circumstances could change but in all probability they are playoff-bound.

The Kings are headed into the off-season with a multitude of questions and issues. It should be a most interesting off-season for the Kings. DeRozan was cleared for action in Wednesday night’s game. He had been dealing with right hamstring soreness.

DeRozan played 35 minutes and scored 28 points facing his former team where he has really performed very well. He has averaged 19 points in his last ten games. Russell Westbrook, remains out and although Keegan Murray has an estimated return date of April 3 that seems to be doubtful. While he has been focused on returning there is really no point if he is not at 100%. He is just not ready for game action yet.

The Kings will now travel home to take on the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night April 3 at Golden 1. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 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