Category: Sacramento Kings

Losing Streak at six Wears On For Kings in Loss to Knicks 103-87

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New York Knicks Jalen Brunson (11) drives past the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (11) in the first half at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tue Jan 27, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The losses continue to mount for the Sacramento Kings (12-36) after losing to the New York Knicks (28-18) 103-87. They have now lost six games in a row with no end in sight. DeMar DeRozan had a great game finishing with 34 points but that was about it for the team. No one else did anything of merit although Domantas Sabonis did have a double double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Game recap: The Knicks got off to a fast start taking a ten-point lead over Sacramento after the first 12 minutes of play 36-26. As the second quarter got underway the tide began to turn around as the Kings outscored the Knicks 25-16 in the quarter. Despite getting outscored by Sacramento in the second quarter the Knicks retained the lead by a single point 52-51. It had been a very competitive first half for the Kings with DeMar DeRozan having a solid game but getting no support from fellow starters.

The third was another close quarter with the Kings coming out on top 21-20 and going into the fourth quarter this game was all tied up at 72. Sacramento was now faced with another fourth quarter opportunity to win the game and put an end to their losing streak.

Fourth quarters of games have been the Kings undoing more often than not this season. Sacramento needed some support for their hot man in the game DeRozan. Through three quarters DeRozan was getting little help from his starters nor the bench.

As the fourth quarter got underway you could sense another meltdown from Sacramento. It had looked so promising going into the final quarter but it all began to slip away. It was a one-point game after the first three minutes of play but mid-way through the quarter the Knicks continued to extend their lead. Around the three minute mark New York took a ten-point lead 95-85 and the Knicks never looked back finishing off Sacramento 103-87 handing the Kings their sixth loss in a row.

DeRozan never got the support he so desperately needed. He had an amazing game finishing with 34 points and five rebounds. Russell Westbrook and Domantas Sabonis finally got double digit numbers in the fourth quarter, Westbrook with 14 points and Sabonis had a double double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Kings bench was quiet in this game. Dylan Cardwell only had four points but he did have ten rebounds. The Knicks outshot Sacramento in the field and from beyond the arc, and the Kings had 17 turnovers. In all fairness the Knicks had more turnovers than the Kings with 21. The turning point in the game was the New York offense who at one time in the game had an 18-point lead.

The high for the Knicks was Jalen Brunson with 28 points and some great support from Mikal Bridges (18 points), Karl-Anthony Towns (17 points) and OG Anunoby (15). The Knicks didn’t get a whole lot of support from their bench either.

Game notes: After getting beaten pretty soundly Sunday by the Detroit Pistons 139-116 the Kings lost a tough one at Madison Square Gardens in their matchup with the Knicks. Sacramento had beaten the Knicks back on January 14th 112-101. Tuesday night the Kings were be without Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray and Malik Monk. LaVine is out with a back issue and both Monk and Murray have ankle injuries.

Both Monk and LaVine will in all probability return for their next game on Thursday against the Sixers. The Kings now have an estimated return date for Murray which looks like February 4th. The Kings are now riding on an ugly six game losing streak right now and hope to put an end to that against the Sixers.

The Kings continue their road trip taking on the Philadelphia Sixers Thursday night with tipoff scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Renteria: Kings and Knicks tip off at Madison Square Garden tonight

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Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie leads the Kings into Madison Square Garden on Tue Jan 27, 2026 for a tip off with the New York Knicks (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 Can the Kings DeMar DeRozan continue his scoring leadership?

#2 What impact will the Kings Dennis Schröder’s shooting have?

# 3 How will the Kings Russell Westbrook influence the pace and playmaking?

#4 What role will the Kings Malik Monk play in this matchup?

#5 How will the Kings Maxime Raynaud be used against bigger Knicks front-court players?

Join Tony for the Sacramento Kings podcasts Tuesdays 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. 

Another Loss For Sacramento At Hands of Pistons 139-116; Loss is fifth straight for Kings

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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. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Kings look to snap 4 game skid in Detroit on Sunday

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jayson Tyson (20) goes to the basket against the Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Fri Jan 23, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 Domantas Sabonis delivered a big performance off the bench with 24 points and 16 rebounds — how would you evaluate his energy and impact against Cleveland, especially during key stretches in the second half?

#2 Dennis Schröder had a strong scoring night with 21 points — what adjustments did he make to find rhythm against the Cavaliers’ defense, and how important was that for the team’s offensive flow?

#3 DeMar DeRozan contributed 20 points — what did you see from him in terms of leadership and execution down the stretch, particularly in late-game possessions?

#4 After taking a late lead before a Cleveland comeback, what do you think the Kings can learn from how they closed out the fourth quarter, both offensively and defensively?

#5 Given that Sacramento continues a long road trip, how do you assess the team’s resilience and recovery, especially from players like Sabonis and Schröder who logged heavy minutes Friday night?

Join Tony Harvey for the Sacramento Kings podcasts Saturdays 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 Hang With Cavaliers Only to Come Up Short in the Fourth Quarter Losing 123-118

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Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Mitchell (31) goes for the basket against the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (right) at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Fri Jan 23, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (12-33) hung with the Cleveland Cavaliers (25-20) through the first half and half of the third only to give up their lead which grew significantly in the fourth quarter. Sacramento lost the game 123-118 after trailing by two points with 90 seconds left in the game.

They had a great opportunity to win this game but a couple of fouls and missed shots in the final minute of play determined the winner. The Kings bench started the game and finished the first half with a collective 47 points.

Game recap: The Kings had a sluggish start, the Cavaliers going on a 11-0 run but battled back to tie up this game after the first 12 minutes of play. The first quarter came to an end with the two teams knotted at 35.

After some less than stellar games from their starters, the Kings played the majority of the opening quarter with their bench taking the court. They did not disappoint as they’re starters watched much of the game from the sidelines.

The second quarter was another see-saw battle with the two teams continuing to trade leads. The Cavaliers had as much as a 14 point lead in the game but it was Sacramento who led for much of the second quarter. The Kings outscored Cleveland in the quarter 36-33 and took a 71-68 lead into the half.

The Kings bench had a great first half of basketball collectively scoring 47 points. In the first two quarters Domantas Sabonis, Dennis Schroeder and Malik Monk each had double digits, Sabonis with 14, Schroeder with the team high of 17 and Monk with ten points.

The starters saw more action in the second quarter scoring 24 points collectively. Sacramento would need to take this battle into the second half and continue to keep pace with the Cavaliers.

Both teams were shooting well from the line and the Kings had the edge from beyond the arc and inside. Points in the paint were dead even with each team scoring 24 points. Another plus for the Kings was limiting the turnovers with only four in the half.

Three Cleveland starters finished the first half with double digits. Evan Mobley had the high for the first half with 19 points and Donovan Mitchell turning in 18 points.

The third quarter was more of the same with the Kings leading for the first five minutes of play by as much as five points. At 5:33 the Cavaliers took their most significant lead since the first quarter 87-82.

For the rest of the third quarter Cleveland continued to extend their lead taking a 100-89 lead with 1:22 left in the third. Going into the fourth quarter Cleveland had taken a 102-93 lead.

The Kings had trailed 11-0 to start the game and recovered and now they would need another surge with 12 minutes left in the game to do it. Four minutes into the final quarter the Kings made their move, cutting the 11-point Cavalier lead to four points 106-102 with 8:29 left in the game.

With 90 seconds left on the clock the Kings trailed by a couple of points 118-116. With a great chance to pull even it came down to Sacramento fouls and far too many missed shots in the final seconds. Sacramento has now lost four games in a row.

Sabonis finished the game with a double double. He had 24 points the high for the team and 16 rebounds. Schroeder had 21 points. DeRozan finished the game with 20 points but not much more for the King starters. The team had 11 turnovers in this game and hit 13 3-pointers. Schroeder was 3 of 5 from beyond the arc and Monk was 4 of 9.

Game notes: Friday night the Kings took on the Cavaliers in their first game on the road in quite awhile. They come into this game after losing to the Toronto Raptors last Wednesday 122-109 and prior to that game they lost to the Miami Heat 130-117.

The Kings lost four games in a row the first three of them at Golden 1 Arena. Friday night the Kings sought to break their losing streak and get back on track. The Kings needed more production off their bench and looked to Nique Clifford, Dylan Cardwell, Malik Monk and Dennis Schroeder to get the Kings going in the right direction despite the effort the Kings lost by a five point deficit. Upon his return Domantas Sabonis will continue to play off the bench.

Donovan Mitchell had the high for the game hitting 33 and Evan Mobley had a double double with 29 points and 13 rebounds on Friday.

Sunday the Kings will travel to Detroit for a matchup with the Pistons. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings drop seesaw battle 121-109 for third-straight loss to end homestand

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Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) grabs the rebound against Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Jan 21, 2026 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California

Toronto Raptors 122 (27-19)

Sacramento Kings 109 (12-33)

By Stephen Ruderman

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings came out on the wrong side of a wild seesaw game against the Toronto Raptors, as Sacramento led by 12 points towards the end of the second quarter, but the Raptors came back, and won it by a final of 122-109 to hand the Kings a tough loss to end their seven-game homestand Wednesday night.

The Kings were right back at it after suffering their second-straight loss Tuesday night. The Raptors came up I-80 to Sacramento after a dominant win against the Warriors Tuesday night in San Francisco. Right away, Toronto gave the Kings problems.

Zach LaVine hit a three 20 seconds into the game to open the scoring for the Kings. Sandro Mamukelashvili then hit a three 27 seconds to tie it, and Brandon Ingram hit a jumper to give the Toronto lead.

Toronto jumped out to an eight-point 14-6 lead, just under three minutes into the game, when Immanuel Quickley hit a jumper. The Raptors took two more eight-point leads, and then the Kings had their chance in the latter part of the first quarter.

With the Raptors up 18-10 and 6:25 left in the first quarter, the Kings would start their drive, and very quickly went on a 8-2 run. LaVine threw down a dunk to cut the deficit to just two points at 20-18, and then he hit a three soon afterwards to put the Kings back ahead. The Kings made it a 20-6 run to close out the first quarter, and they led it 30-26.

The Kings kept their momentum going into the second quarter. Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk led the charge for the Kings, who opened up a 12-point-lead as the game approached the half.

The Kings went into the third quarter up 61-52. However, it seemed too good to be true for the Kings to have such a big lead over a strong Raptors’ team. Unfortunately, the third quarter would prove that correct.

Quickley hit a jumper to open the quarter for Toronto. Scottie Barnes was then fouled, and hit both shots from the line to make it 61-56.

Westbrook hit a three to give the Kings a brief reprieve. To give credit to the Kings: they fought tooth and nail to hold onto the lead in the early minutes of the quarter.

However, come the middle of the third quarter, the Raptors’ onslaught was too much. Barnes ran a layup to tie the game at 73-73 with 6:37 to go. Precious Achiuwa threw in a layup to put the kings back ahead.

Quickley was fouled, and hit both shots from the line to tie again. Ingram was also fouled, and he, too, hit both shots from the line. That gave the Raptors a 77-75 lead, their first since the first quarter.

It was a lead that the Raptors would not let go of for the remainder of the game, as they took complete control of the game at the end of the third quarter. Barnes and Jamal Shead let the scoring for Toronto in the third quarter with 14 and 10 points respectively.

The Raptors led 95-82 going to the fourth quarter. They eventually opened up their lead to 111-92 after a dunk by Mamukelashvili with 6:48 to go.

Just as they did last night, the Kings went down fighting. They were able to go on a 13-2 run, and cut Toronto’s lead to eight at 113-105 with 3:27 left after a layup by LaVine.

However, after Ingram immediately followed that up by hitting a jumper, that quickly extinguished any hopes of a miraculous Kings’ comeback. The Raptors won by a final of 121-109.

Ingram and Barnes led the Raptors in scoring with 23 points, and Ingram was money from beyond the arc, as he went 3-for-5 in three-point attempts. Mamukelashvili followed them up with 22 points, and was 8-for-14 in field goal attempts. Quickley scored 18, and Shead scored 15. Shea, like Ingram, was 3-for-5 from downtown.

Westbrook and Levine led the scoring for the Kings with 23 and 19 points respectively. Malik Monk followed them up with 17 points, and Dennis Schroder was right behind Monk with 16.

For the Kings, this is the third-straight loss, as they drop to 12-33. They will now head on the road for what will be a tough 6-game east coast swing. The trip will start Friday against a solid Cavaliers’ team in Cleveland. Tipoff will be at 7:30 p.m. in Cleveland, and 4:30 back home in Sacramento.

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 game wrap:Threes burn Kings, who drop second-straight, 130-118 to Miami

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Miami Heat forward Jamie Jaquez Jr (11) drives to the basket against the Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, California

Miami Heat 130 (23-21)

Sacramento Kings 117 (12-32)

By Stephen Ruderman

SACRAMENTO–After the Kings teased their fans with a four-game winning streak, they have dropped two-straight, as the Miami Heat came in won by a final of 130-117 in a game in which you could argue that the main highlight was a pair of skirmishes.

The Kings had their four-game winning streak snapped in a 117-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday night. They would be up against the Miami Heat, who came off a brutal 135-112 loss to the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco Wednesday night.

The Kings would catch somewhat of a break, as Miami center Kel’el Ware would be out with hamstring tightness that had bothered him throughout the day. However, the Heat would handle themselves just fine without him.

Zach LaVine fired the opening salvo with a jumper to give the Kings a 2-0 lead in the game’s first minute. However, after Davion Mitchell and Norman Powell hit threes for Miami, the Heat assumed control of the game.

A dunk by Bam Adebayo made it 12-6 Miami with 7:17 remaining in the first quarter. From there Miami’s lead remained steady for most of the quarter. A layup by Nique Clifford cut the score to 19-16 with 3:49 left, but the Heat ended the first quarter ahead 32-25.

However, LaVine had hit a three right at the buzzer to end the first quarter, and that gave the Kings a shot in the arm. Sacramento indeed made some noise, and almost came back early in the second quarter. Malik Monk hit a three, and LaVine threw in a layup to cut it to 32-30.

The Kings remained shortly behind over the next several minutes, but by the middle of the quarter, Miami was back in command. DeMar DeRozan was involved in a scuffle, and got hit with a technical foul. DeRozan still had some words for a few players on the Heat as he was escorted back to the Kings’ bench. The Head led 77-64 at the half.

LaVine had scored 10 points in the first quarter, but only scored two points in the second. Russell Westbrook came alive in the second quarter, as did DeRozan, who didn’t score at all in the first quarter, but scored 10 points in the second quarter.

The Kings bursted out of the gate in the third quarter with an 8-2 run in the first three minutes and five seconds. After DeRozan was fouled and hit both shots from the line, the Kings trailed 79-72.

Unfortunately, just as they did in the second, Miami just as quickly regained control of the game. The Heat regained their double-digit lead, and hit triple digits at the end of the quarter, as they led 100-89.

Despite the Kings’ rough season, and despite the fact that they were down by double digits for most of the night, the fans never wavered. The crowd at Golden 1 Center was large, and they got into it with every basket the Kings hit, as they did everything they could to muster a comeback in the fourth quarter.

Miami’s lead remained in double digits, and while there was another scuffle, the fourth quarter was largely uneventful. The Heat won by a final of 130-117.

What really hurt the Kings tonight was the three. Miami was 21-for-42 from beyond the arc, while the Kings were 11-for-30.

Adebayo and Powell led the scoring for Miami with 25 and 22 points respectively. Adebayo and Powell were also money in their occasional shots from beyond the arc. Adebayo went 4-for-5, and Powell went 4-for-6.

DeRozan led the Kings in scoring with 23 points, and was a perfect 10-for-10 from the line. Westbrook scored 22, and Levine and Monk both scored 18.

The good news for the Kings is that they will be right back at it here at Golden 1 Center Wednesday night. The bad news is that it will be against a strong Toronto Raptors’ team, who dominated the Warriors in a 145-127 win in San Francisco Tuesday night.

Tipoff will be at 7 p.m Wednesday.

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Renteria: Kings get ready for Heat tonight at Golden 1 Center

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Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) is pumped after scoring agianst the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Jan 18, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 How will the Heat plan to defend Zach LaVine if he plays like he has recently, given his scoring ability and threat from three-point range?

#2 With DeMar DeRozan’s scoring efficiency, what defensive adjustments might Miami make to limit his opportunities in isolation and mid-range areas?

#3 Domantas Sabonis recently returned from injury — how much of an impact can he have on the boards and in the paint against Miami’s big players?

#4 Russell Westbrook brings veteran playmaking — will his ability to push the pace and find teammates be a key factor for Sacramento’s offense tonight?

#5 How might Malik Monk’s perimeter scoring and Maxime Raynaud’s size and versatility influence the Kings’ bench production and matchup dynamics?

Join Tony Renteria for the Sacramento Kings podcast Tuesdays 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 Barbara Mason: Four game win streak comes to an end Trail Blazers beat Kings 117-100

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Caleb Love (2) drives on the Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (back) in the first half at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Jan 19, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason Mon Jan 19, 2026:

  1. The Sacramento Kings (22-22) got some reinforcement that certainly was a part of their four-game winning streak. Unfortunately Sunday that streak came to an end when the team lost to the Portland Trail Blazers (12-31).

2. This game was tied after the first quarter at 32 but unraveled in the second quarter the Trail Blazers taking full advantage of the Sacramento second quarter meltdown.

3. The Kings bench was on fire finishing with 45 points to the Trail Blazers 14. There was bit of a letdown for the Kings starters but they put up a great fight in the fourth quarter pulling to within four points in the finals seconds of the game.

4. Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk each scored 23 points the high for the Kings but the team stumbled in the second quarter setting the stage for the loss while Deni Avdiga sunk 30 points for the Trail Blazers which was the high for the night and along with some nice numbers from every starter Portland sailed away with the win.

5. The Kings will remain at home for their next game a matchup with the Miami Heat that will take place on Tuesday with tip off scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Join Barbara Mason for the Sacramento Kings podcasts Mondays 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’ Winning Streak Snapped as Sabonis Role Comes Into Focus in Loss to Blazers 117-110

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Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 18, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night in Sacramento at the Golden 1 Center.

Coming into the game having won four games in a row, the Kings’ winning streak was snapped as they fell to the Blazers 117-110.

In the first quarter, the Kings and Blazers traded baskets. Deni Advija and Russell Westbrook led the charge for both teams as they scored 15 and 11 points, respectively, in the first quarter. The size and physicality of the Blazers was clearly bothering the Kings early as they looked to counter with different lineups, including multiple bigs.

In the second quarter, the Kings’ offense struggled against the Blazers as they only managed 21 points in the frame. On the other hand, the Blazers kept up a steady offensive pace as they outscored the Kings with 32 points of their own. The Blazers went into halftime leading the Kings 64-53 and in a prime position for the second half. The Kings were outshot from the field 51%-46% in the first half but maintained a large lead on shots beyond the arc, where they led Portland 46%-28%. The Kings would need a way to match the defensive intensity of Portland in the second half if they wanted to complete a comeback.

In the third quarter, the Kings stopped the bleeding from the first half but were unable to make up any ground on the deficit. The Kings and Blazers both scored 29 points in the third quarter, enabling Portland to take the double-digit 93-82 lead into the final quarter of action. Shaedon Sharpe tormented the Kings in the third quarter as he cooked for Portland. Sharpe compiled 14 points on 5-9 shooting from the floor and two made free throws in his nearly 11 minutes on the floor in the quarter.

Going into the fourth quarter and trailing by 11 points, the Kings needed to play a nearly perfect quarter in order to win the game.

The Kings fought in the fourth quarter but ultimately came up short and fell to the Blazers 117-110.

The Kings outscored the Blazers 28-24 as they attempted their comeback in the closing quarter. Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook led the Kings in scoring in the loss as they both had 23 points in the game on 25 and 33 minutes, respectively, for the pair.

The Kings battled, which had been the issue for much of the season with this group. It appears that while still maybe not the most cohesive team, they have moved past some of their effort struggles early in the season and are playing more to Doug Christie’s standard.

Dylan Cardwell has exceeded any expectations the Kings have had for the young rookie so far this season. However, he has consistently found himself in foul trouble. That’s not abnormal for rookies, but it remains something that young players continue to work on as they develop.

I asked Doug Christie after the game what his thoughts were on helping Dylan limit his foul troubles — it’s not something Doug is concerned about.

“I think more than anything, you have to let him experience it,” Doug said after the game. “He has to find and go past the limit and then let’s reel you in, as opposed to someone who you’re always trying to turn up to get to a limit. I have no problem with Dylan’s fouls. I don’t want him to be in foul trouble… But with the verticality and the physicality, we are going to live with that right now so he can learn where his line is at.”

Domantas Sabonis played just under 20 minutes of action on Sunday night, which seems abnormal for him even if he is recently returning from injury. He was also not in any of the closing lineups for the Kings, another rarity in recent years in Sacramento.

After the game, I asked Doug if Domas was on a minutes restriction.

“No, he’s just coming back. This is just game two… it is a process, that’s all.”

Well, I’m not sure how much I buy that from the Kings’ head coach. After all, minutes aside, he didn’t choose to have Domantas in the closing lineup, which almost certainly signals some sort of disconnect between what Domas provides and the skill set Doug is looking for late in games.

Doug alluded to that himself when later in the press conference he was asked why Dylan Cardwell was closing the game rather than Sabonis.

“I think more than anything it’s his ability to switch 1-5,” Doug said, referring to Dylan closing over Sabonis.

This will be a storyline to watch, as I would be surprised if Sabonis is happy about his position in all of this. Time will tell if this is simply working Sabonis back into the fold and a structure Doug will look to keep in place.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the Miami Heat on Tuesday at 7 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.