Category: Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings Upset Los Angeles Clippers 118-109; Triple-double for Westbrook

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Sacramento Kings Russell Westbrook gestures after scoring a three pointer against the the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Arena in Los Angeles on Sat Mar 14, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (17-51) pulled off an upset Saturday night beating the Los Angeles Clippers (34-33) 118-109. They have been playing some greatly improved basketball despite the multitude of injuries they are facing right now. Again DeMar DeRozan had the high for the Kings with 27 points and Precious Achiuwa chipped in a double double 25 points and 13 rebounds. Maxime Raynaud finished with 23 points.

Game recap: The opening quarter was a close one with the Kings taking a slim 33-31 lead after the first 12 minutes of play. Sacramento really began to pour it on the second quarter and after two quarters they had outscored Los Angeles 35-23 and were leading at the half 68-54.

After the first two quarters, Precious Achiuwa had scored 18 points and DeMar DeRozan and Maxime Raynaud both had double figures. The Kings would be looking to keep the pressure on after an impressive first half of basketball.

Kawhi Leonard was the only Clipper in double digits with 17 points. While the first quarter was a close one the Kings were doing a great job containing the Clippers in the second quarter pushing their lead to fourteen points.

The Clippers were really struggling scoring from the field. Both teams were not great from the line, the Kings shooting 64% and the Clippers at 69%. The Kings did have ten turnovers in the half conceding nine points.

The largest lead in the game for Sacramento was 14 points. Extending their lead in the second half and playing spoiler would definitely be in their sites with the Clippers clinging to eighth place in the Western Conference. The Golden State Warriors are chasing them and a loss Saturday night would give Los Angeles a one game lead over the Warriors.

The Kings got a bit sloppy in the third quarter with three turnovers early in the the quarter. They began missing shots and fouling letting their 14-point lead dwindle down to nine points mid-way through the quarter.

At 7:45 the Kings had taken a timeout to get this game back on track. With five minutes left in the third quarter they had pushed their lead back out to double digits 82-69. As the quarter began to wind down the Kings had taken a 20 point lead 90-70 their largest of the game. Going into the fourth quarter the Kings had a 92-75 lead.

The Clippers continued to try and cut the Kings lead but Sacramento continued to hang onto a sizeable double digit lead although Los Angeles had cut the 20 point King lead to fourteen. With nine minutes left in the game this contest was hardly over and numerous fouls were really hurting Sacramento as the Clippers got within 12 points 97-85.

As in the third quarter, the Kings had a sloppy start to the fourth letting the Clippers back in this game. With 6:57 left on the clock the Kings again took a timeout with the Clippers again pulling to within nine points.

Sacramento was unable to pull away after that timeout this time allowing the Clippers to get within three points 103-100 with four minutes left in the game, This would be a fight to the end as the Kings battled for the rest of the game.

Los Angeles took a time out looking to take the lead they had not seen since the first quarter. With 2 1/2 minutes left in the game Sacramento fought back to a 112-102 lead. The Clippers rallied to within six points with 1:25 left on the clock taking a time out looking to somehow win this game.

A Los Angeles challenge favored the Kings who pushed their lead out to 114-106 when DeRozan hit free throws. With under a minutes left in the game and Sacramento leading 118-106 the Kings had pulled off the upset.

The Kings fought in this game to the very end . When the Clippers very nearly took the lead in the fourth quarter Sacramento held on to push their lead back out and upset the Clippers.

Rozan had the team high with 27 points, Achiuwa had a double double with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Raynaud finished with 23 points and Russell Westbrook also had a triple double with 12 points, 12 rebounds and ten assists. Daeqwon Plowden had an amazing game off the bench finishing with 15 points and five rebounds. Every starter tonight scored double figures in an all-around team effort.

Game notes: Saturday night the Kings who traveled down to Los Angeles for a matchup with the Clippers the Kings won it in a shocker beating the Clippers at Intuit Arena this was the Kings third win in four games. The Kings came off a loss to the Charlotte Hornets 117-109 last Wednesday night.

Despite the loss Wednesday the Kings DeMar DeRozan had a banner night scoring 39 points the high in the game. Nique Clifford had a solid game scoring 18 points. Precious Achiuwa has been really stepping up and in that game he scored 14 points and just as importantly with eight rebounds which was the high for Sacramento.

Despite all the injuries the Kings suffered this season there have a handful of players who have picked up the slack and continue to improve with each game. They have lent a lot of hope for the Kings for next season. Saturday night the Kings faced a Clippers team containing Kawhi Leonard, no easy task. Alongside Leonard, Darius Garland who has been solid on and off the bench Bennedict Mathurin is also a threat.

Sacramento was without Malik Monk Saturday night’s lineup. He is suffering a right ankle injury that he suffered in their game with the Pacers, missing his second consecutive game. Devin Carter also missed Saturday night’s game.

Sacramento now heads back home to Golden 1 for a matchup with the Utah Jazz. They are slightly favored as they go into another winnable game. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM Sunday night.

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. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Kings really rely on DeRozan and Achiuwa

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The Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan led all scorers in points with 39 against the Charlotte Hornets Wed Mar 11, 2026 in Charlotte (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 Can the Kings control the pace? Will Sacramento be able to push the tempo and play their preferred fast-paced offense, or will the Clippers slow the game down in the half court?

#2 Which team wins the battle in the paint? Will Sacramento’s interior scoring and rebounding hold up against the Clippers’ frontcourt defense?

#3 Who steps up in the clutch? If the game is close in the fourth quarter, which team will execute better in late-game situations?

#4 Can the Clippers contain Sacramento’s perimeter shooting? The Kings often rely on strong three-point production—can Los Angeles limit open looks from deep?

#5 Will home-court advantage matter for the Clippers? How much impact will the crowd and environment have for the Clippers playing at home?

Tony Harvey does the Sacramento Kings podcast each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings looking for a W, face Clippers in LA Saturday

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The Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) blocks a shot by the Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Mar 11, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Can the Kings control the pace? Will Sacramento be able to push the tempo and play their preferred fast-paced offense, or will the Clippers slow the game down in the half court?

#2 Which team wins the battle in the paint? Will Sacramento’s interior scoring and rebounding hold up against the Clippers’ frontcourt defense?

#3 Who steps up in the clutch? If the game is close in the fourth quarter, which team will execute better in late-game situations?

#4 Can the Clippers contain Sacramento’s perimeter shooting? The Kings often rely on strong three-point production—can Los Angeles limit open looks from deep?

#5 Will home-court advantage matter? How much impact will the crowd and environment have for the Clippers playing at home?

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento Kings podcast each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

DeRozan’s 39 Not Enough as Kings Fall to Hornets 117-109

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Kon Knueppel #7 of the Charlotte Hornets is guarded by DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Golden 1 Center on March 11, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Kings welcomed the Charlotte Hornets to Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night as the Kings played their second game in two nights, this one tipping off at 7 p.m. PST.

The Kings were without a full lineup of players as Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, Dylan Cardwell, Russell Westbrook, and Malik Monk were all unavailable going into the action. The Kings elected to go with a starting lineup that featured DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa, Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, and Killian Hayes. With so many of the veteran players for the Kings out, the focus was certainly on the younger guys and the minutes they provided for Doug Christie.

The Kings couldn’t extend their winning streak on Wednesday as they fell to the Charlotte Hornets 117-109.

In the first quarter, the Sacramento Kings got off to a quick start against the Charlotte Hornets. The Kings outscored the Hornets 34-30 as DeMar DeRozan got going early in the first quarter with eight points to take the quick lead. The Hornets, led by 13 first-quarter points from LaMelo Ball, held their own on the offensive end of the floor while their defense struggled to contain the Kings. Killian Hayes and Doug McDermott also started off hot, scoring seven and six points, respectively, in the first.

In the second quarter, the Hornets managed to flip the script and outscore the Kings 29-28 in the quarter to trim the Kings’ lead to three points heading into halftime, 62-59. DeMar DeRozan continued with his hot hand on the offensive side of the ball, dropping 14 points in the second quarter and bringing his first-half total to 22 points heading into halftime. Both the Kings and the Hornets played solid defense in the second quarter, but there was no containing DeMar for the Kings. LaMelo Ball did his best to counter DeMar as he added another seven points in the second quarter to bring his first-half total to 20 points. Miles Bridges was the second-leading scorer for the Hornets as he scored 11 points in the first half, while Kings guard Nique Clifford scored eight first-half points.

Coming out of halftime with the three-point lead, the Kings tried to maintain their intensity to remain in the lead. However, as shots failed to fall for the Kings and the Hornets began to catch a rhythm, the Kings were outscored 31-23 by the Hornets in the third. Brandon Miller and Miles Bridges did the lion’s share of the damage against the Kings in the third as they scored 10 and nine points, respectively, for Charlotte. On the other hand, DeMar DeRozan continued to punish the Hornets as he dropped an additional nine points in the third, keeping the Kings in the game and driving his game total to 31 points at that point in the contest. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Kings trailed 90-85 but were well within striking distance as they went for their third straight win.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings and Hornets traded baskets, but that wasn’t enough for the Kings to cut the deficit and win the game. The Kings were defeated by the Hornets 117-109 and were outscored in the fourth quarter 27-24 as they fell to LaMelo Ball and his 30-point performance. In addition to Ball, the Hornets had three other 20-plus-point performances as Brandon Miller scored 20, Kon Knueppel had 24, and Miles Bridges dropped 26 on the Kings. In defeat, the Kings were led by DeMar DeRozan, who had 39 points. Nique Clifford impressed yet again for the Kings as he scored 18 points to go along with seven assists.

Nique Clifford spoke with the media after the game and was asked a series of questions on his confidence at this point in the season.

“I’m very confident in myself and my capabilities to help the team,” Clifford said. “I feel like I bring a lot of versatility in different aspects. I’m still trying to find that consistency, like we were talking about Deebo, and what I can do on a night-to-night basis, but I’m slowly figuring that out. But just trying to impact the game in many different ways.”

Speaking of DeMar, the 39 points for the 36-year-old was a vintage DeRozan game.

Lost in all the chaos this season, DeMar has been professionally and diligently going about his work on a nightly basis, not something all vet players can say on a losing team at this point of the season.

“Everybody who has a job every day, every year you go to work, everything isn’t just great,” DeMar told me after the game. “It just doesn’t work out like that. You are going to go through your ups and downs, and you are going to enjoy it. When things aren’t great, you really are going to be tested and see who you really are.”

The Kings will head out on the road to take on the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on Saturday at 7:30 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. 

Devin Carter’s 22-Point Fourth Quarter Lifts Kings Past Pacers 114-109

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Devin Carter #22 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket during the game against the Indiana Pacers on March 10, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Kings were back in action on Tuesday night inside Golden 1 Center. The Kings welcomed the Eastern Conference’s worst team, the Indiana Pacers, to town for a 7 p.m. PST tilt.

As the two worst teams in the NBA faced off, it was a stark reminder of how important the impending NBA lottery and draft to follow are for both clubs. The Kings defeated the Pacers on Tuesday 114-109.

In the first quarter, neither team got off to a remarkably quick start as the quarter was relatively tame. The Kings were outscored 25-24 in the first quarter as Aaron Nesmith led all scorers with 11. The Kings and Pacers weren’t playing with a lot of urgency early on the first night of a back-to-back.

In the second quarter, the Pacers made their move on the Kings. The Pacers outscored the Kings 34-18 in what was a brutal quarter for both the Kings’ defense and their offense. The Kings couldn’t contain the Pacers as Aaron Nesmith continued his torrid pace, adding another 13 points in the second quarter to bring his first-half total to 24 for the game. The Kings were led in first-half scoring by Maxime Raynaud, who dropped 10 points in the first quarter, and DeMar DeRozan added eight. The Kings took their 17-point deficit into halftime looking to rebound in the second half.

In the third quarter, the Kings made their move on the Pacers to get back into the game. The Kings outscored the Pacers 30-23 to open the second half as they were led by seven points from Russell Westbrook in the quarter. The Kings still entered the fourth down 82-72, but they were within striking distance.

In the fourth quarter, Devin Carter went off to propel the Kings to outscore the Pacers 42-27 in the final quarter of the game. The Kings’ 2024 13th overall pick Devin Carter scored 22 points in the fourth quarter and 24 points overall as the Kings came back from a 10-point deficit to defeat the Pacers 114-109. The Kings were led in scoring by the aforementioned Carter, but Maxime Raynaud was close behind scoring 18 of his own.

With the win, the Kings improved to 16-50 and are now the second-worst team in the NBA, now trailing the Indiana Pacers.

The Kings will stay home to take on the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. PST at Golden 1 Center.

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. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings snap 3 game skid with win over Bulls at Golden 1; Westbrook’s triple double helps light the beam

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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk goes for the the throw down against the Chicago Bulls at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Mar 8, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

1.Sunday night the Sacramento Kings took on the Chicago Bulls without veteran DeMar DeRozan and ended up defeating the Bulls 126-111 to end a 3 game skid. It’s been a rough week for the Kings losing earlier in the week to the Phoenix Suns and a real disappointment losing on Thursday to the New Orleans Pelicans who have struggled all season.

2. Despite being shorthanded, they have been shorthanded all season decimated by injury and or illness, Sacramento had a terrific start in the first half of the game.

3. Along came the critical second half where the Kings have at times stumbled but this time they had a strong start and continued to hold onto a double figure lead the entire quarter.

4. There were some outstanding stats coming from the starters as well as the Kings bench finishing off the Bulls and playing spoiler.

5. The Kings will now take on the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday with 17 games left in their season. The Pacers have nearly the same record as Sacramento as they too have struggled through the season.

Barbara Mason does he Sacramento Kings podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

Westbrook’s Triple-Double, Youth Movement Power Kings Past Bulls 126-110

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Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings looks on in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Golden 1 Center on March 08, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Don Collier/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night in Sacramento as they took on the Chicago Bulls. The Kings defeated the Bulls 126-110 during a sparsely attended matchup at 6 p.m. PST.

During the win over the Bulls, the youth development was on full display for the Sacramento Kings.

The Kings went with a young lineup on Sunday with the exception of Russell Westbrook. Daeqwon Plowden, Precious Achiuwa, Maxime Raynaud, and Nique Clifford filled out the lineup as Doug Christie elected to go with the youth movement to start the game.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a quick start against the Bulls. The Kings outscored the Bulls 30-25 to open the game and take the quick five-point lead. In the absence of DeMar DeRozan, the Kings offense seemed to be flowing with a higher pace in the first quarter. While incredibly talented in his own right, DeMar’s more isolation-heavy style of basketball doesn’t tend to lend itself to a high-pace offensive scheme. Malik Monk scored seven points in the first quarter in a quick outburst that has become commonplace for him this season. Collin Sexton paced all scorers with eight points in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings continued to pressure the Bulls and expand on their early first-quarter margin. The Kings outscored the Bulls 35-26 in the second quarter to build a double-digit, 65-51 lead over the Bulls heading into halftime. Maxime Raynaud led the Kings with a big second quarter where he scored 14 points and had 18 points for the game heading into halftime. The Bulls had very little answer for the Kings big in the second quarter as Malik Monk added another seven points to bring his game total to 14 in the first half.

Could the Kings keep up the positive momentum and avoid a third-quarter collapse that has become normal this season?

Yes.

The Kings continued to play at a high level in the third quarter to maintain their advantage they had going into halftime. The Kings outscored the Bulls 39-38 in the third quarter as they grew their lead ever so slightly heading into the final quarter. Granted, the Bulls did challenge the Kings defense in the quarter, but the Kings offense was able to pick up the slack and maintain their advantage. Daeqwon Plowden shined for the Kings as he scored 10 points in the third quarter to pace the Kings offense. Collin Sexton led the Bulls in the third quarter with 12 points as he did his best to keep them in the game but with little success as the Kings took a 104-98 lead into the final quarter of action.

In the fourth quarter, both teams took a step back scoring the ball, but the Kings still managed to outscore the Bulls 22-21. Russell Westbrook managed to record the 208th triple-double of his career in the fourth quarter as he led the Kings to victory. Malik Monk and Maxime Raynaud led the Kings in scoring as they scored 30 and 26 points respectively along with Westbrook’s 23 points. Daeqwon Plowden also played well for the Kings on Sunday scoring 16 points in his just over 34 minutes of game action.

The Kings 126-110 win over the Bulls was their first win at home since January 16th and improved their record to 15-50 for the 2025-2026 season.

The Kings will stay home to take on the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday at 7 p.m. PST inside the Golden 1 Center.

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. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Westbrook takes exception to some of the local media commentary

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) drives on Sacramento Kings Nique Clifford (5) before being called for an offensive foul in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Mar 4, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 How will Precious Achiuwa control the paint against the Chicago Bulls’ frontcourt, and can his rebounding and playmaking set the tone for Sacramento’s offense?

#2 Can veteran guard Russell Westbrook provide a spark in transition and help the Kings push the pace against the Bulls’ defense?

#3 Will Keegan Murray return soon he’s been out with that ankle injury?

#4 How important will scoring bursts from Malik Monk be for Sacramento’s second unit against the Bulls’ bench?

#4 Can DeMar DeRozan deliver a strong offensive performance against his former team, the Chicago Bulls?

Join Tony Harvey for the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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. 

Kings Lose “Tank Off” to Pelicans as Westbrook Blasts Media Postgame

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Russell Westbrook #18 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Saddiq Bey #41 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Golden 1 Center on March 05, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Thursday night in what I dubbed “The Tank Off Championship.”

The Kings entered the game in last place in the Western Conference with a 14-49 record and losers of their last two games. The Pelicans came in with only a slightly better record of 19-44, as both teams had hopes of finishing toward the bottom of the league in hopes of a top draft pick.

The Kings fell to the Pelicans 133-123 on Thursday night.

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a hot start in the game to take a quick lead over the Pelicans. Led by 10 points from DeMar DeRozan in the first, the Kings outscored the Pelicans 30-26 to open the game. The Kings looked to maintain their same effort levels and keep the Pelicans at bay heading into halftime.

In the second quarter, the Kings gave up 41 points and slipped into a deficit heading into halftime. The Kings managed 33 points in the second, but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Pelicans as they took a 67-63 lead into the break. Trey Murphy led the charge for the Pelicans with 10 points in the second quarter.

In the third quarter, the Kings did their best to keep the Pelicans at arm’s length but couldn’t accomplish their task. The Kings were outscored by the Pelicans 38-28 in the third quarter as they fell behind by 14 points heading into the fourth quarter. Precious Achiuwa did what he could in the third to keep things close, scoring 11 points in the quarter, but it was to no avail as Saddiq Bey countered for the Pelicans with 10 points of his own.

In the fourth quarter, as the Kings entered it down 14, they managed to outscore the Pelicans, but it was too little too late. The Kings scored 32 points in the fourth compared to the Pelicans’ 28, but ultimately fell 133-123.

Precious Achiuwa led all scorers in the game with 29 points in just over 40 minutes of action. Achiuwa has made the most of his renewed opportunity in Sacramento as he has gone from out of the league to playing high-level basketball with the Kings.

After the game, Doug Christie had some succinct praise for the 26-year-old Achiuwa.

“Precious, he’s been playing some bona fide basketball,” the Kings head coach said postgame.

The Kings fell to 14-50 with the loss and remain the NBA’s worst team.

In what has certainly been a frustrating season for Russell Westbrook, the Kings mid-training camo pickup, he unloaded on the media after the game. In his postgame comments, Russ went after multiple media members directly and questioned all of our reporting on the team this season. In a largely baseless tirade, the veteran point guard went one by one through us in the media asking for opinions, as he added he believed the coverage was “to stir stuff up.”

“What I don’t like is… you guys, the job is to talk about the game, what’s happening in the game, not stir up a bunch of—I don’t want to cuss you because I want to get fined—but stir up a bunch of stuff that is not accurate. And that’s my problem,” Russell said to us after the game.

Westbrook failed to provide specifics after Sacramento Bee writer Chris Biderman asked him directly what he had said to deserve this critique.

Russ responded to that question with, “I don’t want to go down that road.”

The Kings will stay home to take on the Chicago Bulls on Sunday at 6 p.m. PST inside Golden 1 Center.

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. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Struggling Kings host Pelicans Tonight at Golden 1

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Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) loses the ball driving to the basket against the Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) in the first half at Golden 1 in Sacramento on Tue Mar 3, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Can the New Orleans Pelicans capitalize on Sacramento’s struggles at home?
The Kings have been on a rough stretch at home and are looking to snap a losing streak in their arena.

#2 Will the Pelicans Zion Williamson be healthy and effective if he plays?
With Zion Williamson listed as questionable due to an ankle issue, his availability could significantly impact New Orleans’ offensive ceiling.

#3 How will the Kings generate offense against New Orleans’ defense?
Sacramento averages about 114.9 points per game, but they’re facing a Pelicans team that tends to allow high three-point volume, creating an interesting matchup dynamic.

#4 Can Sacramento end its losing momentum and defend home court?
With both teams near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, this matchup could be crucial for confidence and momentum moving forward.

#5 Which role players will step up with key injuries affecting both teams?
Injuries (including Sacramento’s sidelined Keegan Murray) could force bench players to take on bigger roles in scoring and defense.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

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.