Tag: NBA

Kings Fall To Magic in the Final Seconds 121-117

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Orlando Magic forward Pablo Banchero (5) holds onto the ball against the Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) in the first half at the Kia Center in Orlando on Thu Mar 26, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (19-55) rallied in the fourth quarter of their game with the Orlando Magic (39-34) letting the game slip away in the final 50 seconds of the game. Despite the 121-117 loss DeMar DeRozan had a stellar game finishing with 33 points which was the game high. Every starter in the game had double figures with the Kings coming up just short in this one.

The Magic are tied for ninth place with the Charlotte Hornets in the Eastern Conference going into this game and they are a half game out of the eighth spot. Thursday night’s game is crucial for the Magic. The Magic took to the court without Anthony Black who averages 15 points per game and Franz Wagner who averages 21 points per game so they will be missed. Both are expected to play in Sunday’s game against the Raptors.

The Magic got on top of the Kings in the opening quarter leading after the first 12 minutes of play 39-30. Sacramento made up some of the deficit in the second quarter outscoring the Magic 29-26 but were still trailing by six points at the half 65-59.

The Kings got after it in the third quarter outscoring the Magic 31-28 trailing by three points going into the fourth quarter 93-90. Sacramento was still very much in this game after three quarters.

DeRozan was having a terrific game and with six minutes left he had scored 29 points and had five rebounds and six assists. A minute into the quarter this game was tied at 93. At 8:49 the game was again tied at 95.

At that point the Magic started to inch away and with 5:57 on the clock Orlando had a ten point lead. Too many missed three’s by the Kings in the final quarter hurt; they were 11 of 28. With so much on the line Orlando continued to pull away in the final minutes.

The Kings attempted a rally with four minutes left in the game pulling to within six points 109-103. Fouls in the final quarter were hurting Sacramento but despite that with 50 ticks left on the clock it was a one-point game 116-115 and with 20 seconds left in the game the Magic had a two-point lead 119-117.

The Kings Malik Monk fouled Desmond Bane who made both free throws. A three-point attempt by Monk missed and that was the game with the Magic prevailing 121-117.

The Kings put out a great effort with DeRozan scoring the game high with 33 points and 11 assists. Daeqwon Plowden had 23 points off the bench. Every Sacramento starter had double figures. Precious Achiuwa and Devin Carter each scored fourteen points, Malik Monk with 13 and Maxime Raynaud with ten points. The Kings had great ball protection and reeled in the turnovers, and were also solid from the line. They came up just short in a very close finish.

Paolo Banchero had the Magic’s high finishing with 30 points and Desmond Bane had 23 points.

The Kings came close in the final seconds of this game and will now play another road game facing the Eastern Conferences’ fifth place team the Atlanta Hawks. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for Saturday night 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.

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmoson: Kings tip off with Magic tonight at the Kia Center

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Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (3) looks to take a shot against the Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (3) in the first half at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte NC on Tue Mar 25, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 How will Devin Carter’s scoring efficiency impact the Kings’ chances against Orlando, given he’s averaging around 19 points per game this season?

#2 Will Maxime Raynaud be able to dominate the boards and facilitate the offense against Orlando’s frontcourt?

#3 What role will Russell Westbrook play in controlling the tempo and distributing the ball for Sacramento in this matchup?

#4 Can DeMar DeRozan create enough offense in isolation to break down the Magic’s defense, especially late in the game?

#5 How much scoring support can players like Malik Monk provide off the bench to complement the Kings’ primary scorers?

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. 

Golden State on 2-game Winning Streak, & beat the Brooklyn Nets on Latino Heritage Night, 109-106.

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Golden State Warrior guard Brandin Podziemski shoots and makes a 26-foot three-pointer in the 1st quarter against the Brooklyn Nets (17-56) on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA. (Photo Credits to editor Michael Villanueva)

SAN FRANCISCO – With their 600th straight sellout against the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center Wednesday night, the Warriors have extended a franchise record. The streak started on December 18, 2012, against the then-New Orleans Hornets. Golden State is now the sixth-longest in NBA history & the second-longest active streak. (Miami Heat is the first-longest active streak) The team was also celebrating Latino Heritage Night, as Golden State would win this one in a nail-biter, 109-106.

The Warriors are now on a two-game winning streak after going 2-8 in their last 10 games. The Golden State Warriors are entering their final games of the season and are making maximum efforts to secure a spot in the postseason. Injuries have been a “huge problem and loss,” in the words of Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. So with that, this win on Wednesday night was a big confidence booster and another win column to the record. The Warriors hope to have a .500 or higher record as they move to 35-38.

Golden State started guards Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, forwards Gui Santos and Draymond Green, and center Kristaps Porzingis. Gui Santos will be replacing guard Moses Moody after a scary injury just two days ago. He suffers from a left patellar tendon rupture, and the team will announce more on his injury and status in the following days. However, fans can expect to have lost both of the team wings this season due to injuries. A huge loss for the team as their regular season is reaching its final games.

The Brooklyn Nets started with guards Ben Saraf, Drake Powell, Terance Mann, forward Ziaire Williams, and center Nic Claxton. The Nets are missing their big scorer forward, Michael Porter Jr., who is out for the game due to a left hamstring strain. Center Nic Claxton has been leading the team with his 11.8 points per game and averaging 7 rebounds per game. This young squad hasn’t had much to celebrate this season, but came into Chase Center on Wednesday hoping to end their 8-game losing streak.

In the first half, the Warriors’ shooting and turnovers were the reasons the Nets were able to see early success. By the end of the 1st quarter, Golden State would have 10 turnovers, but was shooting at 50% in all categories. The Warriors were able to stay in the game, but could’ve seen better results on the scoreboard if they were more careful with the ball.

Also in the 2nd quarter, the Warriors went cold, especially from deep. The team would find themselves going 1-of-10 from deep, and with 5 turnovers. This performance wasn’t gonna hold up, especially playing in your own home. So the Warriors went to the paint and had their forwards surround the basket to get easy second chance points.

At halftime, the Warriors are down to the Nets by 8 points, 58-50. The Warriors are dominating and proving they can get rebounds against this young Nets team. However, Golden State had 15 turnovers in the first half. Brooklyn was able to use those possessions to their advantage, and at one point. The Nets had a 13-point lead on the Warriors. Warriors center Porzingis is leading the way so far with his 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.

At the start of the 4th quarter, the Warriors were down by 9 points. In the last 7 minutes of the game, we had a tie game at 90-90. Then Warriors rookie guard Will Richard knocked down a 26-foot three-pointer to give Golden State the lead, 93-90. This shot got the crowd on their feet and would ultimately give the Warriors the confidence to finish this game, especially with this sellout crowd. Forcing the Nets to call a timeout, but that would bite them later as they only had one timeout left with a lot of time to play left.

Although the Warriors couldn’t get a shot to go in, they were able to draw in the shooting fouls and get points from the foul. So with that, and the Warriors’ defense clutching up in the end. The Golden State Warriors would go on and beat the Nets after being down 13 points, 109-106.

The Warriors get themselves back-to-back wins for the first time since forward Jimmy Butler III’s injury on Jan. 19th. Player of the game went to Gui Santos. His performance and hustle was important as he also became a big fan favorite player. Santos would finish with 31 points, 4-of-6 from three-pointer’s, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist. Now Golden State looks and has a great chance to make it a three-game winning streak when the Washington Wizards come to the Bay on Friday, March 27th, 2026, at 7 p.m. right back at Chase Center as the team will also celebrate Filipino Heritage Night.

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor: Can Warriors make it to post season?; Nets trying to end 8 game skid

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Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody reacts after being fouled by Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg during overtime of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 23, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Golden State Warriors podcast David Zizmor:

#1 Can the Nets snap their losing streak on the road? Brooklyn enters the matchup struggling and looking to break a significant skid, making this a key test of resilience.

#2 Will the Warriors take advantage of home-court edge at Chase Center? Golden State has been more productive offensively at home, so this game could hinge on whether they capitalize on that environment.

#3 Talk about the loss of Moses Moody for the season and how that impacts the Warriors chances in trying to get a play in spot?

Join David Zizmor for the Warriors podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: The Warriors’ report is not good

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Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (right) suffered an injury on this play going up against the Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) at the America Airlines Arena at Dallas Mon Mar 23, 2026 (AP News photo)

The Warriors’ report is not good

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

Over the last few years, the area around Chase Center in San Francisco has been a party atmosphere, with the Warriors competing every season, but things have changed, and the Bandwagon of Warriors fans is not what it used to be; they are deserting in droves.

The Warriors played at the Oakland Arena from 1971 to 2019; they won the NBA title in 1975, 2015, 2017, and 2018. Then they moved to the brand-new, spectacular Chase Center in San Francisco for the 2019-20 season and won the 2022 NBA title, the only one since moving to San Francisco.

This season, the team has faced many setbacks. Obviously, their superstar Stephen Curry is the one who has the Warriors worried. Curry will be evaluated before the game at Chase Center this Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. After Curry’s practice, the Warriors have to make a decision, and with only ten (10) games left during the regular season, the team and their fans are praying he can return because without Curry, they have little chance.

As of March 21, 2026, Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is recovering from a right knee injury diagnosed as runner’s knee combined with a bone bruise. His last game was on January 30, 2026.

The team just lost Guard Moses Moody for the remainder of the season, suffering from a torn left patellar tendon during the recent overtime victory over the Mavericks.

 In conclusion, the Golden State Warriors must win the next three games to have a shot at ‘Eight in the West’.

While playing in the Oakland Area, the Warriors had great fans, extremely loyal, who, especially after their 1975-76 NBA title season, were the NBA team from Northern California, years before the Sacramento Kings were born.

During the 1990s, when I was their Spanish radio play by play announcer for all games, home and away, traveling with the team, by the way, the only Spanish play-by-play announcer they ever hired in their history, these are the players I remember, especially the “Run TMC Trio”, Mullin, Hardaway, Richmond and others under coach Don Nelson. However, my favorite overall player during those years in the NBA was Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing a few times

Quote: “Talent wins championships, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships’  -Michael Jordan.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com

Kings Crushed By Hornets In Forgettable Game 134-90; Charlotte gets fourth straight win

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Charlotte Hornets guard LeMelo Ball (1) takes a jump shot against the Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (left) in the first half at Golden 1 in Sacramento on Tue Mar 24, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

It wasn’t pretty! The Sacramento Kings (19-54) were demolished by the Charlotte Hornets (37-34) 134-90. They did come into this game even more beat-up then ever with Russell Westbrook still out, and Nique Clifford and Killian Hayes injured last Sunday.

The Hornets were on fire from beyond the arc draining 26 and many of those three’s were second chance shots. With the playoffs at stake the Hornets had a palpable goal in their sites and they could not be stopped.

Game recap: The Hornets are fighting to move into playoff position. They are currently in tenth place but they are a half game behind the ninth place Heat and a game behind the eighth place Magic.

They certainly have a great chance to make the playoffs making Tuesday night’s game a critical one for Charlotte. Playing at home and with so much at stack they will be tough to contain. They have won their past three games and they are really playing like a playoff bound team right now. They are a three-point shooting team and the Kings will also have that to contend with.

The Hornets came out with a vengence leading after the first 12 minutes of play 34-25 and they were just getting started. It was like a runaway freight train that continued to pick up speed as the game wore on. There was no stopping the Hornets outscoring the Kings in the second quarter 38-22 taking a 72-47 lead at the half.

The Hornets continued their onslaught in the third quarter picking up where they left at the finish of the first half. They outscored Sacramento 41-29. Trailing by so much this game was decided in the third quarter.

The Hornets were on fire from beyond the arc and four of their starters had double digits going into the fourth quarter. Bench player Coby White could not be stopped scoring 27 points after only 18 minutes of play. Charlotte came unleashed from beyond the arc draining 23 triples with over seven minutes left in the game.

At 7:04 left on the clock, the Hornets were leading 124-82. They had punished the Kings in every quarter of this lop-sided game. Sacramento had been beat up offensively and defensively.

The Hornets were closing in on a season high for three’s, their highest 26 and with almost six minutes left in the game they had already drained 24. With two minutes left in the game Charlotte had tied their season high from beyond the arc.

While the Hornets did not break their record for three’s in the game, they certainly made a statement as to their push towards a playoff berth. The final in this game was 134-90 with their largest lead 46 points.

This was sheer disappointment for the Sacramento Kings and a game that they need to put behind them. They struggled from start to finish getting outscored in every quarter. Daeqwon Plowden had the high for the Kings with 22 points. Devin Carter finished with 18 points and Maxime Raynaud with 16 points. The Hornets had their way with Sacramento defensively and offensively.

The high for this game came off the Charlotte bench with Coby White scoring 27 points in only 18 minutes of play, and collectively the Hornet bench scored 61 points. Four of the Hornet starters had double figures. LaMelo Ball had 20 points and Moussa Diabate had a double double, 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Hornets have now won four games in a row.

Game notes: After getting back on the winning track beating the Brooklyn Nets 126-122 on Sunday the Kings headed to Charlotte and took on the Hornets on Tuesday night. While the Kings did win their last game it did come at a cost when both Nique Clifford and Killian Hayes were injured in the game.

Clifford suffered a left ankle injury in the game limping off the court in the fourth quarter. It has been reported that he has a left mid-foot sprain after just returning in the Nets game after a hamstring injury. Killian Hayes was also injured in that game due to a toe injury.

Of course the Kings will not see a post-season but these continued injuries rob the younger players of precious time and experience. Veteran Russell Westbrook was out for the Hornets game with right foot soreness after having missed the Nets game.

Malik Monk and Devin Carter will no doubt see increased backcourt roles in Westbrook’s absence. Precious Achiuwa who has been outstanding is also out with lower back soreness. And so go the injuries for the Sacramento Kings.

Thursday night the Kings travel to Orlando for a matchup with the Orlando Magic. Hopefully the Kings will get some of their injured players back on the court trying to shake off Tuesday night’s game. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Draining triples

Golden State Warriors podcast Michael Villanueva: Nets are looking to snap losing streak; Warriors battling to get to the play in

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Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis (7) and Gary Payton II (left) react to the injury of Moses Moody (4) Moody is now out with a left knee injury against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on Mon Mar 23, 2026 (AP News photo)

Golden State Warriors podcast Michael Villanueva:

#1 Can the Nets snap their losing streak on the road? Brooklyn enters the matchup struggling and looking to break a significant skid, making this a key test of resilience.

#2 Will the Warriors take advantage of home-court edge at Chase Center? Golden State has been more productive offensively at home, so this game could hinge on whether they capitalize on that environment.

#3 Which team controls the pace and scoring tempo? With trends pointing toward high-scoring matchups between these teams, pace and shot efficiency could decide the outcome.

#4 Can the Warriors stay in the Western Conference play-in race? Sitting around the playoff bubble, every win matters for Golden State down the stretch of the season.

#5 Will young Nets players step up against a more experienced Warriors squad? Brooklyn’s developing roster faces a tough challenge against a veteran-led Golden State team.

Micahel Villanueva does the Golden State Warriors podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Renteria: Kings open 5 game road trip in Charlotte Tuesday night

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Sacramento Kings Precious Achuiwa (9) takes the mic and address the attendees after the Kings defeat the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 23, 2026 (Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 Sacramento Kings (19-53) Kings Malik Monk scored ten of his 32 points in the last five minutes of the game against the Brooklyn Nets (17-54) at Golden 1 Center in the Kings win over the Nets 126-122.

#2 Monk had seven 3 point shots and was 9-9 from the free throw line as the Kings won their 19th game against 53 loses ending the Kings brief two game losing streak.

#3 The Kings Devin Carter scored 16 points and grabbed five rebounds and it was Carter’s two free throw shots that helped the Kings surpass the Nets in the last few seconds of the game.

#4 Kings Maxime Raynaud scored 22 points and ten rebounds and it was the 16th time Raynaud had a double double for the season. Precious Achiuwa had 14 points, 15 rebounds and teammate DeMar DeRozan had ten points and eight assists.

#5 The Kings are on the road against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. The Hornets are currently tenth in the Eastern Conference they have won three in a row and have an overall road record of 20-17. The Hornets just recently paid tribute to former Hornet Dell Curry retiring his number 30 on Mar 18th. Tip is at 4:00pm talk about how you see this match up Tuesday.

Join Tony Renteria for the 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. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings come away with 126-122 victory over Nets at Golden 1

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Sacramento Kings Malik Monk (0) shushes the Brooklyn Nets bench after hitting a three point shot in the second half at Golden 1 in Sacramento on Sun Mar 22, 2026 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 Sacramento Kings Malik Monk scored ten of his 32 points in the last five minutes of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center in the Kings win over the Nets 126-122.

#2 Monk had seven 3 point shots and was 9-9 from the free throw line as the Kings won their 19th game against 53 loses ending the Kings brief two game losing streak.

#3 The Kings Devin Carter scored 16 points and grabbed five rebounds and it was Carter’s two free throw shots that helped the Kings surpass the Nets in the last few seconds of the game.

#4 Kings Maxime Raynaud scored 22 points and ten rebounds and it was the 16th time Raynaud had a double double for the season. Precious Achiuwa had 14 points, 15 rebounds and teammate DeMar DeRozan had ten points and eight assists.

#5 The Kings are on the road against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. The Hornets are currently tenth in the Eastern Conference they have won three in a row and have an overall road record of 20-17. The Hornets just recently paid tribute to former Hornet Dell Curry retiring his number 30 on Mar 18th. Tip is at 4:00pm talk about how you see this match up Tuesday.

Join Barbara Mason for the Sacramento Kings podcast 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. 

Monk, Raynaud Lead Kings Past Nets in 126-122 Shootout

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Doug McDermott #7 of the Sacramento Kings celebrates with Nique Clifford #5 after making a shot in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Golden 1 Center on March 22, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday afternoon against the Brooklyn Nets after spending two days off at home. The Kings entered the game on Sunday with an 18-53 record, while the Nets were slightly worse, carrying a 17-53 record. It was a battle of two teams desperate for a top draft pick in hopes of turning the page on their franchises’ recent failures.

Limited by a plethora of injuries, the Kings started a depleted unit of DeMar DeRozan, Precious Achiuwa, Maxime Raynaud, Nique Clifford, and Killian Hayes. The Nets, also battling injuries and the all-but-overt tank, started a group consisting of Terance Mann, Ziaire Williams, Danny Wolf, Drake Powell, and Nolan Traore. The Kings fell to the Nets 126-122 on Sunday afternoon. 

In the first quarter, Malik Monk and Maxime Raynaud got going early for the Kings on the offensive end of the floor as they scored 12 and eight points, respectively. However, the Kings were outscored anyway by the Nets, 34-30, to take an early deficit into the game. The Nets got seven points from Danny Wolf to lead the way for them in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings and Nets mostly traded baskets as the Nets outscored the Kings 28-27. The Kings took a 62-57 deficit into halftime as neither team was able to create any real separation in the game. Maxime Raynaud continued his hot start for the Kings and added an additional nine points for the Kings in the second quarter while scoring 17 first-half points, and Precious Achiuwa added seven points for the Kings. On the Nets side, Ben Saraf led the way, scoring 10 first-half points, while Ziaire Williams and Danny Wolf were right behind, adding nine points each.

In the third quarter, the Kings flipped the script and outscored the Nets 28-20 to take a slim 85-82 lead into the fourth quarter of the game. Ziaire Williams had nine points for the Nets in the third, while Malik Monk led the Kings with six points of his own to help the Kings take the lead.

In the fourth quarter, the game transitioned to a slugfest where seemingly neither team played any defense. The Kings outscored the Nets 41-40 to take the 126-122 win over the Nets in their first meeting of the season. The Nets were led by Ben Saraf, who scored 22 points in the game, while Malachi Smith and Ziaire Williams each added 18 points in the game. The Kings were led in victory by Malik Monk, who scored 32 points, and Maxime Raynaud recorded a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double.

After the game, I asked the Kings how it has been having a veteran like Doug McDermott playing with them. Doug hit a three in the third and two threes in the fourth to finish the game with nine points on 3-4 shooting.

DeMar DeRozan was highly appreciative of Doug’s contributions this season.

“Doug is great, man,” DeMar told me after the game. “He deserves more credit. I think last year he was about ready to retire, and for him to come here, be ready, do what he been doing in this league at a high level when he gets in there, how professional he is, a lot of credit has to go to Doug. We always tell the young guys, Doug was the man back in the day, man. So for him to be the veteran guy, bring it every day, whatever is needed from him, it’s big.”

The Kings will head out on the road for a five-game road trip, starting in Charlotte on Tuesday at 4 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.