Tag: NBA

Kings Embarrassed Again in 133-100 Blowout Loss to Hawks

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DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings is guarded by Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Golden 1 Center on November 12, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings, staring down the barrel of a 1-4 homestand on the second night of a back-to-back, were blown out by the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, 133-100.

In the first quarter, the Hawks punched first, jumping out to an 18-8 lead at the 7:37 mark as the Kings defense struggled with the Hawks’ scheme. However, the bench unit for the Kings came in and played really well to get the Kings back in the game, as they were only outscored by the Hawks 37-34. Domantas Sabonis and Dennis Schröder led the Kings with eight points apiece in the first, as the Hawks were led by eight points from Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

In the second quarter, it was all Hawks. The Kings were blown off the court in the second quarter as the Hawks outscored them 29-12 in what was an abysmal performance from the Kings. The Hawks took a 66-46 lead into halftime as they shot 55% from the field. On the other hand, the Kings shot 39% in the first half and didn’t get a sufficient defensive performance either, as they entered another halftime down 20 points. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks in first-half scoring with 18 points as Keon Ellis led the Kings, scoring nine points in the first half.

In the third quarter, it was more of the same for the Kings. The Kings looked like a G League team to start the third quarter and let the Hawks outscore them 39-22. The Kings buried themselves in a 105-68 deficit heading into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth, the Kings had all but mailed it in. The Kings went to the bench for the majority of the quarter and waved the white flag. The Kings outscored the Hawks 32-28 in the final quarter, but it proved meaningless as the Kings fell 133-100 to the Hawks.

It’s hard to analyze games like this. There’s really nothing to diagnose. The Kings were embarrassed, and on their home court no less.

Doug Christie summed it up well after the game, saying, “You are not going to represent the Sacramento Kings that way. Not while I’m here. Put on a jersey, represent it properly… I’m f—ing embarrassed. Period.”

It was a raw and accountable Doug Christie after the game. That’s not something you see very often from head coaches in the NBA, and it was refreshing to see. However, tirades like Doug’s on Wednesday often can get you fired. We will see if Vivek, the front office, and the players can stomach the accountability.

Up Next: The Kings go on the road to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at 5 p.m. PST on Friday 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. 

Listless Kings Crumble Late as Doug Christie Fires Back at Critics

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Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets looks to drive to the basket on Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Golden 1 Center on November 11, 2025 in Sacramento, California (Mandatory photo credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The listless Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night on national television for an 8 p.m. PST affair with the Denver Nuggets. The Kings collapsed in the fourth quarter and fell to the Nuggets 122-108 inside Golden 1 Center.

In the first quarter, the Kings’ defense fueled their offensive efforts. However, Denver still managed to put up 34 points in the first to outscore the Kings, who managed 33 points. The Kings and Nuggets both shot 53% from the field.

In the second quarter, the Kings were outscored by the Nuggets 27-22 as the offense dried up for both teams. The Kings and Nuggets weren’t making shots at the clip they were in the first quarter, as the Kings shot 47% and Denver shot 40% going into halftime. The Kings’ leading scorer was Domantas Sabonis, who had 13 points in the first half, as the Nuggets were paced by Nikola Jokic with 19 points.

Neither team went on long extended runs in the first half, as they both played enough defense to keep each other at bay.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued their solid play as they outscored the Nuggets for the first time in the game, 26-25. The Kings managed to sustain their defensive pressure on the Nuggets in the second half and were looking to get the offense going as they headed into the fourth quarter trailing 85-82.

Through three quarters, the Kings had played solid basketball and done the things they needed to stay in the game against a premier team in the Western Conference.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings struggled mightily early in the quarter, at one point being down by 17 points. The Kings battled the remainder of the game but weren’t able to claw their way back from that deficit and fell to the Nuggets 122-108. The Nuggets outscored the Kings 37-26 in the fourth quarter en route to giving the Kings their third straight loss. The Kings were led in scoring by their two centers, as Domantas Sabonis and Drew Eubanks both scored 19 points. Denver was led in scoring by Nikola Jokic, who dropped 35 points in 32 minutes of action for the Nuggets.

The Kings are mired in a pit of NBA purgatory as they are now 3-8 on the season with no light at the end of the tunnel. The Kings’ defense is atrocious as they sit at 27th in defensive rating. The Kings’ offense, supposedly the strong suit of this team, is also in bad shape as the 24th-ranked offense in the league.

However, Doug Christie seems to think he has his offense right where he wants it and the issues only come from the defensive end of the floor, saying, “It ain’t about the offense.”

Well, I’m not sure if Doug knows, but the Kings have the 24th-ranked offense and are 20th in points per game. And, as my colleague Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee pointed out on X, the lineups including Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Dennis Schroder had an offensive rating of 104.3. That’s right near the bottom of the NBA. So, the Kings have deep-rooted problems on both ends of the floor.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday at 7 p.m. PST in what will be the second night of a back-to-back.

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 can’t shut down Timberwolves Anthony in tough 144-117 loss

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Minnesota Timberwolves Anthony Edwards gets airborne to make a floating bucket against Sacramento Kings defenders center Domantas Sabonis ( 11) and guard Demar Derozan in the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Sun Nov 9, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 How did Zach LaVine perform in terms of scoring, and did his output make a difference in stemming the Timberwolves’ surge?

#2 In what ways did DeMar DeRozan try to influence the game, and was his effort enough given Sacramento’s defensive breakdowns?

#3 What impact did Domantas Sabonis have on the boards and interior play, and how did Minnesota exploit his presence (or absence)?

#4 How did Russell Westbrook factor into the Kings’ attack — did he set the tone or struggle to find rhythm?

#5 Next up for the Sacramento Kings the Denver Nuggets at Golden One on Tue Nov 11 with a 8:00pm tip. The Nuggets are on a four game win streak and handled the Indiana Pacers 117-100 on Saturday at Ball Arena in Denver. How do you see this match up with the Nuggets and Kings on Tuesday night?

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 Embarrassed by Wolves 144-117 as Doug Christie Demands Defensive Standard

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Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 9, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Kings welcomed the Minnesota Timberwolves to Sacramento on Sunday night. The Kings, mired in a slow start to the season, failed to bounce back as they fell to the Wolves 144-117 in embarrassing fashion in front of a booing Golden 1 Center crowd. 

In the first quarter, the Kings shot well from the perimeter, but that was about it. The Kings shot at a 54% clip from beyond the arc but only 37% overall from the field. The Kings struggled to get downhill and finish at the rim, which led to a 31-25 Wolves lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Timberwolves shot the inverse of the Kings, as they had a 36% clip from beyond the arc and shot 57% overall from the field. Zach LaVine and Rudy Gobert got started early, scoring nine and eight points respectively to start the game.

In the second quarter, the Kings battled but couldn’t contain the Wolves. The Wolves outscored the Kings 40-29 to take a 71-54 halftime lead. The Kings’ defense failed on all fronts to stop the Wolves as they were getting contributions up and down the bench. Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards, and Julius Randle combined for 41 points in the first half.

Zach LaVine led all scorers as he dropped 17 first half points for the Kings. The Kings’ swiss cheese defense was letting them down again as they tried to battle against the Wolves and keep the game close going into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Wolves continued to pressure the Kings and didn’t let up. The Kings were blown off the court again in the third as they were outscored 40-30 to take a 111-84 deficit into the final 12 minutes of action. Kings fans had seen enough in the third as boos and “We want Keon” chants filled the arena.

In the fourth quarter, for the second game in a row, Keon Ellis checked in for the first time in the game to start the final quarter. However, the outcome of the game was all but decided as the Kings trailed by 27 points heading into the final frame. The Kings didn’t have much life to show in the fourth as both teams scored 33 points as the Kings lost 144-117.

The Timberwolves’ leading scorers in the game were Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, who had 26 and 21 points respectively. For the Kings, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan led the way with 26 and 22 points respectively.

After the game, Kings HC Doug Christie spoke with the media. Doug was clear about his level of frustration with this group and their lack of defensive dedication night in and night out.

“First and foremost, you got to stop somebody,” Doug said after the game. “You got to take pride in that together. This is not golf. This ain’t no individual sport. This is a team sport, a collective sport. That’s why I say collective spirit.”

Doug continued to stress that the Kings will have a defensive identity. Whether he has the players for it or not, he stressed the Kings will hang their hat on the defensive end of the game.

“The Sacramento Kings are going to have a damn standard, period. As long as I’m here, there’s going to be a standard.”

Mike Brown and now Doug Christie have both found it impossible so far to convince this Kings group, led by Domantas Sabonis, to buy into a defensive identity. The Kings require a full roster overhaul before they will truly find a defensive identity.

Up Next: The Sacramento Kings will stay home to take on the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday at Golden 1 Center. The Kings and Nuggets will play in what will be the first night of a back-to-back for the Kings at 8 p.m. PST. The Kings will then take on the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday at 7 p.m. PST. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Thunder dominate Kings 132-101 at Golden One; OKC’s Hartenstein tops out with 33 pts and 19 rebounds

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Sacramento Kings Drew Eubanks is in a pickle being defended by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell second to right during the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Fri Nov 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 It wasn’t even a close contest at Golden One Center on Friday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder (9-1) took care of business with a 30 point 132-101 win over the Sacramento Kings (3-6).

#2 Not enough offense some lapses in the outside shot and too much Thunder defense in the paint for the Kings to try and keep up.

#3 Thunder top scorers Isaiah Hartenstein with 33 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 30 points there was very little the Kings could do to stop both of them.

#4 The Kings got lots of scoring help with ten players in double figures, Russell Westbrook led with 24 points but it wasn’t enough to get the job done against OKC who dominated with a 30 point win.

#5 Up next for the Kings the Minnesota Timberwolves (5-4) Sun Nov 9th. The Wolves who picked up their fifth win of the season over the Utah Jazz (3-6) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City rather handedly 137-97 in a 40 point win on Friday night. How do you see this match between the Jazz and Kings this Sunday?

Join Tony Harvey for the Sacramento Kings podcast 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. 

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings suffer a 132-101 drubbing at the hands of OKC

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Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (left) takes a jump shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Drew Eubanks (right) in the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Fri Nov 7, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–After their win on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors, the Kings looked to make it a streak on Friday as they welcomed the Oklahoma City Thunder to town for a 7 p.m. start. The Kings were unable to calm the Thunder as they were defeated 132-101.

In the first quarter, Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk led the Kings to an early lead in the game as they scored 11 and nine, respectively. The Kings defense struggled to contain the Thunder in the early minutes of the game but settled in and pressured the Thunder to 43% shooting in the first quarter. The Kings shot an even 50% from the field in the first quarter as they outscored the Thunder 32-30 in the opening 12 minutes of action.

In the second quarter, the Kings defense again tried to keep the Thunder at bay, but it proved too much. The Thunder outscored the Kings in dramatic 40-24 fashion to take the commanding 70-56 lead going into halftime.

The Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein led all scorers in the game at halftime with 20 points as he positioned himself well to eclipse his career high (24). The Kings shot 45% in the second compared to the Thunder’s 64%. The Kings were led in scoring in the first half by Russell Westbrook, who scored 16.

In the third quarter, the Kings and Thunder traded baskets as the Thunder narrowly outscored the Kings 28-27. The Kings trailed 98-83 going into the final quarter and would need a miracle to come back in their first NBA Cup game of the season.

No such comeback was in order as the Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 34-18 as Oklahoma City ran away with the game. The Kings shot 41% in the loss compared to the Thunder’s 53% from the field in the game.

Hartenstein did indeed reach his new career high as he dropped 33 points for the Thunder in the victory as he led all scorers. Westbrook led the Kings in scoring with 24 points in the contest following his triple double against the Warriors on Wednesday. The Kings fell to the Thunder 132-101 on Friday night at the Golden 1 Center.

The Kings lost the battle in the paint 60-34, which was disastrous to say the least.

“I think there’s a ton of things,” Maxime Raynaud said after the game about improving the points in the paint disparity. “Obviously, we can’t get blown by on drives. Obviously, we can’t let the roller get behind us for LOBs; we can’t leave that many offensive rebounds…”

The Kings were frustrated after the loss with their lack of defending their home court. Yet, they will get another chance on Sunday as they welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves to town for a 6 p.m. PST tip-off.

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: Curry, Green and Butler out with injuries for Warriors; Kings take advantage for win

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Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (17) takes a shot over the Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) in the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Wed Nov 5, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 How did Russell Westbrook contribute to the Kings’ win in terms of points, rebounds and assists?

#2 Westbrook was key in Kings in scoring with 23 points to help lead the Kings to victory.

#3 With the Warriors missing stars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, which rookie for Golden State stepped into a starting role and what was his point total?

#4 DeMar DeRozan led in scoring for the Kings with 25 points talk about how important his offense was?

#5 No doubt with DeRozan, Westbrook, and Nique Clifford the top three scorers for Sacramento their contribution made all the difference in this win.

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the Kings podcasts Thursdays 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 game wrap:Kings crack the code late and close out the Warriors 121-116

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Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) makes a three point shot against the Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) in the first half at Golden One Center in Sacramento (AP News photo)

Kings crack the code late and close out the Warriors 121 to 116

By Mauricio Segura

There is a particular kind of poise that shows up only when a seven point cushion shrinks into a one possession fight. The Sacramento Kings lived on that edge all night and survived the Golden State Warriors’ last push, 121-116, by answering every swing with something cleaner, calmer, and more deliberate in the final minutes.

Golden State opened with verve. Moses Moody streaked in for the first bucket, then the Warriors spread the floor and sprinted to a 32-20 advantage late in the first after Buddy Hield knifed backdoor for a layup. Sacramento prevented a full on avalanche by leaning on veteran traits.

DeMar DeRozan’s soft mid range touch and Russell Westbrook’s straight line drives steadied the group while the Kings trimmed their early turnovers. Malik Monk’s step back three, Raynaud’s trips to the line, and a handful of timely stops kept the game within reach. By halftime, Sacramento had taken the Warriors’ best burst and trailed only 62-57, which felt like a win given the way the quarter had tilted.

The third quarter became the hinge. DeRozan’s free throws to begin the half cut it to 62-59, Clifford’s wing three turned it into a one possession game, and Westbrook’s pair at 9:22 brought the scoreboard to 66 all. Sacramento even nudged in front when Clifford split at the line for 67-66, but Moody fired back with a 27 footer for 69-67.

The tug of war carried on until Monk and the Kings finally carved out daylight. Monk attacked for 79-76 with 4:55 left, then Sacramento layered in defense at the rim, including two important swats from Post that changed the temperature of the period. When the horn sounded, the Kings had authored a 92-85 lead and the building felt different.

Predictably, Golden State charged. Moody buried another deep ball at 9:39 of the fourth, and his and one at 7:34 trimmed it to 100-98. DeRozan answered from 12 feet, Podziemski replied from mid range, and Richard splashed a transition three at 6:45 to give the Warriors a 103-102 edge.

Sacramento held its nerve. Westbrook slashed for a go ahead layup to make it 104-103 Kings, and after a brief exchange that included a technical free throw for Moody to tie it, Dennis Schröder seized control of the closing script.

Schröder rose into a rhythm three from the left slot at 5:34 for 107-104. Westbrook crashed and tipped in a miss at 5:09 for 109-104. Schröder then stepped into another long ball at 4:31, 112-104, and a third at 3:27 for 115-104.

That trio of makes put real stress on the Warriors’ defense and bought Sacramento the cushion that would matter at the end. Golden State still had life, with Richard’s late three at 2:43 cutting it to 115-109 and Podziemski’s deep make at 0:57 trimming it further to 117-114, but the Kings closed like a team that has learned from painful finishes.

With 17 seconds left, Moody’s foul put Schröder on the line, and he calmly dropped both for 119-114. DeRozan added four perfect free throws inside the last seven seconds to place the final stitch.

The Warriors’ young core was excellent. Richard poured in 30, including the last second layup, and kept finding seams for timely threes and cuts. Moody stacked 28 with a full menu of attacks, pull ups, and catch and shoot threes, plus a technical free throw that briefly leveled the fourth.

Jonathan Kuminga showed force at the rim and touch from deep, and Brandin Podziemski’s feel as a connector popped in real time with nine assists and the late 29 foot strike that made it a one shot game.

Sacramento countered with collective maturity. DeRozan’s 25 came with well chosen shots and late game composure. Westbrook shifted tempo on command, piled up rebounds in traffic, and reached double digit assists, including the find that freed Schröder for one of his fourth quarter threes.

Monk’s burst in the third gave the Kings the separation they would need later. Post’s rim protection in the middle quarters tilted possessions in subtle ways, and Clifford’s steals and cuts kept Golden State honest. Most of all, Schröder’s shot diet in the final six minutes, pull up threes taken in rhythm and free throws made without a hint of doubt, translated poise into points.

Strip away the noise and the film says something simple. The Kings bent without breaking in the first, won the opening six minutes out of halftime, and executed with clarity when the clock turned heavy. Against a rival that fired real shots, Sacramento’s veterans measured the moment and made just enough of them.

Costa Rican-born Mauricio Segura has been covering sports in the Bay Area since 2001 for a variety of magazines and newspapers, as well as his own publication, Golden Bay Times.

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. 

It Was All Joker All Night As Nuggets Beat Kings 130-124

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Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) looks to pass the ball against the Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (left) and guard Tim Hardaway Jr who defend in the first half at Ball Arena in Denver on Mon Nov 3, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (2-5) hung around all night as they faced the Denver Nuggets (4-2). They got to within two points in the first half but were unable to take the lead for the entire game in the 130-124 loss.

Every starter for the Kings finished in double figures with Russell Westbrook finishing with the team high of 25. Denver’s Nikola Jokic had the game high of 34 points with 14 assists. Sacramento put up a good fight but was unable to contain Jokic and they were simply outplayed all night long. The Joker finished with 34 points and 14 rebounds. The Nuggets have now beat the Kings six straight times.

Monday night the Kings lost to the Nuggets finishing off a lengthy road trip and head back to Sacramento and their home court at Golden 1 Arena. After a great win over the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday night, the Kings were happy to get their first road trip in the books.

It has been grueling and has resulted in a string of losses for the Kings. Monday night the Kings faced another tough opponent as they faced Jokic, Aaron Gordon, Jamal Murray and company. Not a three-point shooting team the Kings they tried to force the long shots and they faced the task of containing Jokic it was not an easy assignment.

Game recap: After the first12 minutes of play the Denver Nuggets had a 39-30 lead. The Kings got a bit of a handle on the game in the second quarter. With 4 1/2 minutes left in the first half the Kings trailed by two points 54-52.

This ray of hope was extinguished by the Nuggets pushing their lead back out to 12, 68-56 with just under two minutes left to play. As the clock ran out, each team had scored 33 points in the second quarter and Denver had taken a 72-63 lead into the locker room. Sacramento had played hard and matched the Nuggets for much of the quarter but were unable climb over the top.

Jokic finished the first half with 18 points, three rebounds and six assists. Gordon had 15 points and five rebounds. The Denver bench had a cumulative 18 points. Three starters for Sacramento had double digits.

Russell Westbrook finished with the half high of 16 points and five rebounds. Domantas Sabonis was flirting with a double double hitting 11 points and rebounds. DeMar DeRozan had 15 points and three rebounds.

Zach LaVine had a quiet first half and the team would need more from him in the second half. Sacramento had seven turnovers in the half. From the field the two teams were shooting at 50% but the Nuggets were having more success from beyond the arc.

Sacramento while not a three-point shooting team had 32 points in the paint to the Nuggets 24. The Kings were certainly able to keep pace with the Nuggets for much of the first half but had not been able to take the lead.

The third quarter did not get off to a great start for the Kings. Three plus minutes into the third quarter the Nuggets had extended their lead to 84-69. Minutes later the Kings had cut the Nugget’s 15 point lead to ten 84-74.

The Kings were getting stops but not turning those stops into points. Every time Sacramento made a move, the Nuggets had the answer maintaining a double digit lead throughout the quarter.

The Kings had been unable to contain Jokic who finished the quarter having shot for 25 points with 11 assists. After three quarters every player for Sacramento was in double digits with Russell Westbrook leading the way with 20 points eight rebounds and five assists. The high-scoring Nuggets led after three quarters 104-93.

Several minutes into the fourth quarter the Kings had cut the Nugget lead to six points 108-102. The Sacramento starters came back into the game early in the fourth quarter looking to cut the Denver six-point lead even further.

There was a lot of time left in this game and Denver was forced to put their starters back in early as well. Sacramento was hanging around but could not make a dent in the score as Jokic continued to soar and there was no stopping him. Denver won their fourth game of the season.

The Kings put up a fight but really struggled with trying to contain Jokic. Every starter for the Kings finished with double digits. Westbrook had a double double and the team high with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

Sabonis also had a double double with 13 points and 16 rebounds. They both played hard all night. DeRozan finished with 19 points and Dennis Schroeder with 18. LaVine had 15 points and off the bench Keon Ellis had a nice game with 15 points.

The Kings will now head home to Golden 1 Arena and get ready for another tough matchup with Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings tip off with Nuggets Monday night ending four game road trip

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Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan takes a shot against the Milwaukee Bucks Kyle Kuzma in the first half on Sat Nov 1, 2025 at Fiserv Arena in Milwaukee (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 With the Denver Nuggets having won their last five head-to-head matchups against Sacramento, what adjustments must the Kings make to turn the tide?

#2 How will Sacramento cope with key absences of Keegan Murray and Malik Monk, and can those gaps give Denver an edge?

#3 Given Denver’s potent offense but more modest defensive numbers, can Sacramento exploit their defense especially from three-point range to stay competitive?

#4 With the game taking place at Denver’s home venue, how much does home-court advantage matter in this pairing and how might it shift the dynamics?

#5 Which match-up or player duel could be decisive — for example, can Sacramento’s interior presence challenge the dominance of Nikola Jokić for Denver, or will Jokić control the game?

Join Barbara Mason for the 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.