Category: Sacramento Kings

Kings Secure Home Court in 109-98 Win Over Suns; Sac hosts Dallas Wednesday at Golden 1 in Play In

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Domantas Sabonis on Sunday in the game against the Phoenix Suns (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — It was game 82 of 82 on Sunday afternoon. In a season known more for turmoil than winning, the Kings laced them up one last time in 2025, trying to secure a home play-in game on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks.

After a disappointing season for the Phoenix Suns, they traveled to Sacramento to take on the Kings on Sunday. Officially eliminated from playoff contention, the Suns wouldn’t play any of their stars. Brad Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker all sat for the Suns. The environment was ripe for a Kings win and they took advantage of the resting Suns with a 109-98 win at Golden 1 Center on Sunday to advance to the play in playoffs.

In the first quarter, the Kings outscored the Suns 33-25 to get off to a quick start. The Kings’ energy and intensity were good, and they looked like a team that came to win. Zach LaVine scored 10 points in the first quarter to get off to a hot start offensively.

In the second quarter, the Suns made a run and outscored the Kings 29-24 to get the game within three points going into halftime at 57-54. The Kings’ scoring in the first half came from Domantas Sabonis, who had 17 points in the half.

In the third quarter, the Kings expanded their slim halftime lead to 11 points by the end of the period. The Kings outscored the Suns 29-21 in the third as they looked to complete the win in the fourth.

In the final quarter, the Kings largely played the bench unit as the regular season came to a close. The Kings and Suns both scored 23 points in the final quarter, allowing the Kings to secure the 109-98 victory. The Kings’ best performance came from Jonas Valanciunas, who scored 22 points and had 10 rebounds on the day.

The Kings will stay home to take on the Dallas Mavericks in the 9/10 seed play-in game on Wednesday. Tip-off is set for 7 PM PST inside Golden 1 Center.

NBA G League Playoffs: Kings even up series 144-126 over Magic at Adventist Arena

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The Stockton Kings forward Terry Taylor (32) goes for the throw down against the Osceola Magic in game 2 of the G League playoffs at Adventist Arena in Stockton on Fri Apr 11, 2025 (Stockton Kings X)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–It was do-or-die for the Stockton Kings on Friday night in front of a sell-out crowd at AdventistHealth Arena. A win would force a game three in the NBA G League Finals. A loss on the other hand, would crown the Osceola Magic as G League Champions. The Kings performed well and won game 2 enough to live another game of the G League Playoffs defeating the Magic 144-126.

Early in the game, both teams were trading points back and forth. It took four minutes for a team to take a two-possession lead. The Magic maintained that pace for a while at that point though, as each time the Kings would score, so would Osceola.

Halfway through the quarter, the Magic had started pulling away with a seven point lead. Just a couple of minutes later though, Stockton would have a two point lead of their own. That lead would eventually lead to a game-high, at that point, nine point lead for the Kings at the end of the first quarter.

The Magic quickly shrank that lead, getting off to a hot start in the second quarter and clawing their way back into the mix. Once again, by the halfway point of the second quarter, the visiting team held the lead. They carried that lead into halftime, as the Magic led 75-68 after 24 minutes.

As was becoming a theme in this game, the lead would be short lived as a difficult three by Mason Jones tied the game up for the Kings with eight minutes remaining in the third quarter. After a back-and-forth quarter, Stockton carried a lead into the final frame. With a score of 110-104 in favor of the home team, it was still anyone’s game.

The Kings were dominant to start the fourth quarter. They quickly grew their lead to double digits with a 9-0 run, and forcing the Magic to take a timeout in the process. The Kings continued to grow their lead, making it 129-112 with just over half of the quarter remaining.

Led by strong performances by Jones, Skal Labissiere and Dexter Dennis, the Kings were able to overcome Mac McClung and the Magic to force a game three, winning with a final score of 144-126

Kings Fall Short in Narrow 101-100 Loss to Clippers

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Kings vs the Clippers on Friday night. (Photo: Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — The Kings were back in action on Friday night in Sacramento as they took on the visiting LA Clippers. The Kings lost to LA by a final of 101-100 on Friday night inside Golden 1 Center.

In the first half, the Kings and Clippers kept pace with each other, trying to vie for position. The Kings outscored the Clippers 29-24 to jump out to the quick lead in the game.

In the second quarter, the Kings were outplayed by LA, as the Clippers outscored the Kings 26-20 en route to a one-point 50-49 halftime lead. The Kings were led in the first half by Domantas, who had 10 points in the half.

In the second half, the Kings fell behind the Clippers as they outpaced the Kings 25-21 in the third quarter. Offensively, the Kings couldn’t get anything going early in the second half and were in danger of the game slipping away.

However, the Kings battled and were able to bring the game to within one point with the ball and 2.2 seconds to go in the game. The Kings would inbound the ball to DeMar DeRozan near the logo, and he wouldn’t get a good shot off as the Kings lost 101-100.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings outscored the Clippers 30-26, but it wasn’t enough to win the game.

The Kings were led in the loss by Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, who scored 26 and 19 points respectively.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the Phoenix Suns in the final game of the regular season on Sunday at 12:30 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Nuggets were on a mission Wednesday; Kings hope to stop Clippers tonight

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Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (8) blocks a shot by Sacramento Kings guard Zack LaVine (8) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Wed Apr 9, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets had a triple double with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists as the Nuggets ended their four game skid with a 124-116 win over the Sacramento Kings at Golden1 Center in Sacramento on Wednesday night.

#2 It was the first game for the Nuggets since Mike Malone was fired and the Nuggets ironically were playing against the Kings the organization who fired Malone just before he started with the Nuggets. Were the firings of Malone by the Kings and Nuggets for similar reasons or totally different reasons by each team?

#3 The Nuggets who ended their four game loss streak got scoring help from Christian Braun with 25 points and Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter who had 21 points each.

#4 The win for the Nuggets is a sweep over the Kings for the season. After four straight loses, a new coach for Denver the Nuggets came into Golden 1 on a mission.

#5 Next up for the Kings the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden 1 Center tonight. The Clippers are on a roll they have won six straight games and are fifth in the Western Conference and are 48-32. The Kings coming in tonight are ninth at 39-41 having won four out of their last ten games. What are the Kings chances of getting past the Clippers?

Jeremiah Salmonson does the Sacramento Kings podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings’ Late Rally Falls Short as Jokic, Nuggets Hand Sacramento 124-116 Loss

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The Kings play the Nuggets in Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back home on Wednesday night to take on Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. The Kings were fresh off a 3-3 road trip, while Denver was fresh off firing long-tenured head coach Mike Malone. Malone was the coach for Denver for 10 seasons, and former Kings head coach Rick Adelman’s son, David Adelman, took over on an interim basis in Denver.

The Kings lost to Denver 124-116 on Wednesday night. 

In the first quarter, the Kings got off to a slow start. The Kings’ offense was only able to score 25 points, as Denver managed to put up 33 in the opening period. We saw early sightings of Doug McDermott and Devin Carter in the game, as Doug Christie was going deep into his bench due to the injuries to Jake LaRavia and Malik Monk.

In the second quarter, the Kings matched the intensity from Denver. Both the Kings and the Nuggets scored 33 points in the quarter, as Denver took a 66-58 lead into halftime. The Kings did not see any player reach double figures in the first half, while Denver had four players with double-digit points at the break. The Kings felt outmatched in the opening half and would need to significantly increase their scoring to take the game from Denver.

In the third, the Nuggets continued their steady barrage on the Kings. The Nuggets outscored the Kings 27-25, expanding their lead heading into the final frame, 93-83. The Kings weren’t losing by much, but slowly, over the course of the game, the lead ballooned.

In the fourth, the Kings made a run but ultimately weren’t able to seal the deal as they fell to Denver, 124-116. The Kings managed to pull within four points at 108-104 with just over four minutes left in the game. However, that would be the last run the Kings made, as Denver sealed the deal shortly afterward. The Kings outscored the Nuggets in the fourth quarter, 33-31, but it was too little, too late.

The Kings were led in the defeat by Zach LaVine, who scored 27 points on 10-20 shooting from the floor. Denver was led by Nikola Jokic, who scored 20 points to go along with 12 rebounds and 11 assists.

With the loss, the Kings remain one game up on the 10th-seed Dallas Mavericks.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the LA Clippers on Friday at 7 PM PST in Sacramento.

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Renteria: Kings looking to extend win streak; Nuggets looking to end 4 game skid; Both face off Wednesday

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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) tries to take a shot between the Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) and guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Mon Apr 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 Sacramento Kings Zach LaVine led the way with 43 points and had scored 17 of those points in the third quarter. The Kings DeMar DeRozan had 37 points and the Kings defeated the Detroit Pistons 127-117 at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night.

#2 The Kings have now won three straight and are vying for a chance for a first round home game in the play in tournament.

#3 The Kings Domantas Sabonis scored 19 points, had 15 rebounds and had 10 assists Sabonis has been key for the Kings all season and during this three game win streak.

#4 The Kings hold a one game lead over ninth place Dallas in the Western Conference. There starting to win games at the right time as the regular season winds down.

#5 The Kings host the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver on Wednesday night. The Nuggets are struggling with a four game losing streak. They hold fourth place in the Western Conference if the Kings can continue to battle like they have this game could be for the ages as the Nuggets are fighting to get back in the win column and the Kings are trying to climb in the standings for that playoff spot.

Join Tony for the Kings podcasts Tuesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Continue Winning Streak at 3 Beating Pistons 127-117

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Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan left dribble drives past the Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (right) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Mon Apr 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (39-40) continue to impress beating the Detroit Pistons (43-36) 127-117. Zach LaVine had another monster game finishing with 43 points this time and DeMar DeRozan with 37. Domantas Sabonis finished with a triple double, 19 points, 10 assists and 15 rebounds. The Kings had trailed by as much as 18 points in the first half. Despite the back-to-back for the Kings they pushed through the fatigue to beat the Pistons.

Game recap: The Kings had a slight lead after the first 12 minutes of play 38-37 in a high scoring quarter. Both DeRozan and LaVine finished the opening quarter with double digits although the Kings did not seem to have the same energy they had Sunday night. Fatigue could be the culprit jumping on a plane after last night’s game and heading into Detroit to play again 24 hours later. The Pistons did not play Sunday night after losing to the Grizzlies Saturday night 109-103.

The Pistons took the lead in the second quarter and five minutes into the quarter had taken a 14 point lead. Sacramento took a time out looking to get a handle on this game before it really went sideways. Detroit had taken a 56-42 lead with 7:25 left in the half. Making matters worse for the Kings, Malik Monk was forced to leave the court and it was decided that he would not return for the remainder of the game with calf tightness.

Detroit continued to maintain their lead but was unable to extend it still leading by 14 through much of the quarter. The Kings had gone flat in the second quarter after a close first quarter of basketball. Sacramento, in the final minute of the second quarter, had cut the 18 point lead that the Pistons had to ten points. At the half, the Pistons had a 72-62 lead.

In this back-to-back game for the Kings the eight turnovers were really hurting them conceding 16 points on those turnovers. DeRozan had a great first half shooting for 22 points and was looking for help from Sabonis and LaVine in the second half.

With 33 seconds left in the third quarter the Kings tied the game and with 0.1 on the clock LaVine hit a 26-foot three to give Sacramento the lead 97-94.

LaVine had really come to life finishing the three quarters with 26 points. Sabonis already had a double double and was eyeing a triple double with eight assists. Jonas Valanciunas also had a double double with 11 rebounds and ten points.

The Kings got a hot start to open the fourth quarter with LaVine hitting three triples in the opening minutes. He was six of eight from beyond the arc and he had 35 points with a lot of game still left for more.

At 10:13 the Kings had a 106-102 lead. As the quarter wore on, both team were battling for this game with the Kings holding onto as much as a seven point lead. At the four minute mark Sacramento had a 117-112 lead.

Much like last night they were forced to finish the game and were looking to finish another game at the expense of Detroit in this tight ball game. With under three minutes left in the game, the Kings had a 119-112 lead.

The Pistons had gone cold; the Kings continued to extend their lead now leading 122-112. With under two minutes the Pistons finally scored and needed some stops trailing 114-125. Detroit didn’t get those stops and LaVine refused to back down continuing to play monster ball finishing with 43 points in the 127-117 win. He topped off the fourth quarter with his final three at 1:29.

The Kings cut down on their turnovers in the second half but it was (Heater) LaVine who could not miss from beyond the arc that turned the tide. He was eight of 11 and continues to have monster games as this season runs out.

DeMar DeRozan also had a great games finishing with 37 points and the fourth quarter was the dynamic duo of LaVine and DeRozan that brought this game home for the Kings third win in a row. They had erased an 18 point deficit in the first half and as Zach LaVine said “this was a do or die game.”

Game notes: Monday evening the Kings played their last road game of the 2024-2025 season taking on the Pistons in Detroit. The Kings continue to be without Keegan Murray who was a game time decision. It was decided that he was not quite ready to get back in action. Keon Ellis who was struggling with a sore hand was deemed able to rejoin the team as a starter. Trey Lyles started in the place of Keegan Murray. After a having a monster game Sunday night beating the Cavaliers, the Kings kept up the momentum and confidence they had in the Cleveland game with their win over the Pistons.

The Kings will now head home to Sacramento to finish up the season with their three final games at Golden 1. First up for the Kings will be a matchup with the Denver Nuggets with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM Wednesday night. The goal now for the Kings will be to get that ninth seed and home court advantage a very real possibility.

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings shock the NBA world beating basketball’s best Cavaliers twice in one season

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The Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (left) drives to the basket on the Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) in first half action at Rocket Mortgage Arena in Cleveland on Sun Apr 6, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 How shocking is that that the Sacramento Kings were able to pull off a win over the NBA’s best the Cleveland Cavaliers twice in one season?

#2 The Kings Zach LaVine scored 37 points, had 11 points in the crucial fourth quarter as the Kings defeated the Cavaliers on Sunday 120-113 at Rocket Mortgage Arena.

#3 The Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 28 points and Domantas Sabonis scored 27 points and had nine rebounds as the Kings picked up their second straight win and improved their position in the Western Conference to ninth place.

#4 The Cavaliers Ty Jerome’s 20 points were the most followed up by Donovan Mitchell 19. Jerome had been out since Mar 25th after missing five games with left knee tendinitis.

#5 It’s off to Detroit and the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. The Pistons are sixth in the Western Conference and have won six of their last ten games. The Kings are battling to try and get a playoff spot and the Pistons are a playoff team how do you see these two teams matching up for tonight’s game?

Join Barbara Mason for the Kings podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NBA G League Playoffs: Kings continue to roll in post season defeat Spurs 118-112 at Adventist Arena

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Stockton Kings with their win over the Austin Spurs are the G League Western Conference Champions in the G League Playoff action at Adventist Health in Stockton on Sun Apr 6, 2025 (Stockton Kings X photo)

By William Espy

STOCKTON–The Stockton Kings hosted the Austin Spurs in the G League’s Western Conference Final on Sunday night and the Kings once again advanced for the second time in the playoffs with a 118-112 win over the Spurs.

The Spurs got out to a hot start, scoring 27 points in the first quarter while holding Stockton to just 17. A double digit lead after 12 minutes seemed like a good sign for the visiting team, and that wouldn’t change in the second quarter either.

While the Kings out scored the Spurs in the second frame, Austin still maintained a lead heading into halftime. The Kings scored 28 points, but that was only three more than the Spurs, meaning Austin maintained a seven point lead after 24 minutes.

The third quarter would be a major game changer, as the Kings’ offense exploded. They out scored the Spurs by 20 points in the third frame, 43-23.

Austin trailed 97-82 heading into the fourth quarter, as a result they’d need to recreate the performance their opposition just had if they wanted any chance of moving on to the G League Final. They’d outscore the Kings for the second time of the night, but it wouldn’t be by big enough of a margin, as Stockton would walk away victorious.

Mason Jones continued to have a strong playoff run, as he scored a game-high 38 points. Terry Taylor wasn’t far behind him though, as he scored 29 of his own. Undoubtedly, those performances were a major part of what allowed the Kings to make it to the Final for the first time in organization history.

Meanwhile for the Spurs, Malachi Flynn had a strong offensive performance, scoring a team-high 32 points in Austin’s losing effort. David Duke Jr and Kyle Mangas both eclipsed the 20 point mark as well, but it wasn’t enough for them to upset the top seed.

The Kings will face the Osceola Magic in the G League Final starting on the road Tuesday night.

Kings Pull a Second Upset of the Cleveland Cavaliers 120-113

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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) take the ball to the hoop against the Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and guard Max Strus (1) in the first half at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Sun Apr 6, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Sunday afternoon the Sacramento Kings (37-40) pulled off a second upset of the Cleveland Cavaliers (62-15) this season 120-113. Zach LaVine came unhinged finishing with 37 points. He was on fire hitting seven triples going 7 of 11.

Demar DeRozan scored 28 points and Domantas Sabonis finished with 27. Sacramento hit 14 three’s. The Kings outscored the Cavaliers in the third quarter 35-22 setting the stage for the upset. This win will go a long way towards their fight for a playoff spot.

As this game finished up, the Phoenix Suns lost to the New York Knicks 112-98. The Suns loss gives the Kings a three-game lead for tenth place and they still have a shot to move into ninth place with a little help from the Mavericks.

Game recap: The Sacramento Kings had a great start in the opening quarter leading 31-27 after the first 12 minutes of play. Domantas Sabonis spearheaded a great start scoring 15 points with four rebounds.

Zach LaVine chipped in seven points and the Kings were waiting on DeMar DeRozan to get his engine working. It had been an excellent start for Sacramento and the true test for the Kings would be to keep the pressure on Cleveland and dictate the pace of the game going into the second quarter and beyond.

The Cavaliers took the lead throughout the second quarter and had led by as many as seven points. When the quarter came to an end, the Cavaliers had outscored Sacramento 30-25. The Kings had continued to shave the Cleveland lead and it paid off for them.

The Kings sure know what is at stake right now. and they were playing like it. At the buzzer Keon Ellis hit a triple (43-ft) to trail by a single point 56-57 as the first half came to an end. Sabonis continued to lead the scoring for Sacramento finishing the first half with 19 points and eight rebounds. Zach LaVine was following suit hitting 15 points and DeMar DeRozan was on the edge of double digits with eight points.

Going into the third quarter the Cavaliers hung onto the lead throughout most of the quarter until the final two minutes when the Kings turned it all around. With 53 seconds left on the clock, the Kings had taken a 10-point lead 87-77.

At the end of three quarters, the Sacramento Kings had taken a 91-79 lead. DeMar DeRozan had really heated up finishing the quarter with 19 points. Sacramento had to hold on for one more quarter to pull their second Cleveland upset of the season.

The Kings held on in the fourth quarter but the Cavaliers started to chip away at the Sacramento lead and at 7:47 it was a tie game at 96. The Kings were holding onto their lead but not extending it and they paid for it when the Cavaliers took the lead at 7:04 101-100.

For nearly the next two minutes this was a one-point game or tied with both teams trading the lead. At 6:06 the Kings had pushed back their lead to 105-101 and this game was going down to the wire. With under two minutes left in the game the Kings had taken a 116-111 lead in this nail-biter. As time expired, the Sacramento Kings had beaten the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second time this season.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon the Kings took on the hottest team in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers and shocked the NBA world with a second win of the season over the Cavaliers .

The Kings finally got a win on Friday in Charlotte beating the lowly Hornets 125-102 and face a major challenge against the giants of the NBA. While the Kings were hardly favored in this game, they did beat Cleveland last month March 19 by the score of 123-119 in a thriller.

Sacramento were without the services of Keegan Murray who is out with a back issue. The Kings relied on Trey Lyles who had seven points and Doug McDermott who did not play but were around to pick up the slack in the front court.

While this game doesn’t have huge meaning for the Cavs a win would have meant a home court advantage for the duration of the playoffs. For the Kings this win means a whole lot more as they are fighting to retain their tenth place position in the Western Conference.

After this wild win, the Sacramento Kings will jump on a plane and head into Detroit to take on the Pistons on Monday night, their final road game of the regular season. Tipoff for the Detroit matchup is scheduled for 4:00 PM PDT at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.