Tag: Sacramento Kings

Kings Lose To Trail Blazers In A Wild Overtime 134-133

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Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) questions a foul call against him in the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers Thu Dec 18, 2025 in Portland (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (6-21) lost to the Portland Trail Blazers (11-16) in overtime 134-133 forging a late fourth quarter rally to force the overtime They had trailed by as much as 18 points before making an amazing run.

DeMar DeRozan finished the game with 33 points and it appeared he had hit the winning shot but a foul sent Portland to the line with 1.5 seconds left on the clock. The Trail Blazers Deni Avdija hit both free throws winning the game for Portland by a single point.

Game recap: The first quarter was a high scoring opening 12 minutes with the Kings leading 40-36. As it turned out Dennis Schroeder was able to play off the bench in this game. The Trail Blazers came back strong in the second quarter outscoring Sacramento 27-20 taking a 63-60 lead into the locker room at the half. The Kings were very much in this game going into the third quarter.

A wild third quarter got underway with the two teams trading the lead throughout. With under four minutes left in the quarter the Kings had a slim 77-76 lead. Maxime Raynaud had the high score in the game so far for Sacramento with under three minutes left in the third.

The Kings had four starters in double figures and the Trail Blazers Shaedon Sharpe with 22 points was doing a lot of the heavy lifting for Portland as well as Deni Avdija. Going into the fourth quarter, this game could not have been any closer with Sacramento continuing to hold onto a one-point lead 83-82.

Not being able to close out games in the fourth quarter has been problematic for the Kings this season. Sacramento had yet another chance to try and close out this game for the win.

The Trail Blazers took back the lead early in the fourth quarter 89-85 and the race was on. With 8:36 left on the clock the Kings were already showing signs of shutting down as Portland continued to extend their lead 91-85.

At 5:16 the Trail Blazers had their largest lead of the game 107-89. With under four minutes left in the game it was all downhill for the Kings via fouls and turnovers and it began to look like another meltdown was in the works. Sacramento began to pick away at the Trail Blazers lead and with 8 seconds left on the clock DeMar DeRozan hit a three to tie up the game 115-115 and this contest went into overtime.

The Kings struggled to start the overtime giving up a 122-117 lead to Portland. Sacramento fought hard throughout the extra minutes coming as close as three-points 129-126 with a minute left on the clock.

With 4.4 seconds left in the overtime it was again DeRozan giving the Kings a one-point lead 133-132. When a win seemed imminent Russell Westbrook fouled Deni Avdija. Avdija made both free throws and that was the game with the Trail Blazers winning a wild one 134-133 handing the Kings a heart-breaking loss.

Sacramento fought hard in this game especially in overtime. They came so very close losing by a single point. DeRozan had the team high with 33 points and Maxime Raynaud had a double double finishing with 29 points and 11 rebounds. Westbrook turned in 20 points and Keegan Murray had 17 points.

Portland’s Avdija had the game high with 35 points hitting the two free throws at the end that won the game for the Trail Blazers.

Game notes: The Kings have struggled all season and the last thing, they need as they go into another road game this one against the Trail Blazers, with more injuries. The Kings continue without their big man Domantas Sabonis who will be re-evaluated any day now after suffering a partially torn meniscus.

It appears he is close to returning to the court. Along with Sabonis, Zach LaVine is also down with a left ankle sprain that may keep him out for at least a week. It gets worse for Sacramento with Dennis Schroeder questionable with a right ankle sprain.

With all of this upheaval Malik Monk, Nique Cliffored and Keon Ellis played larger roles in this game. As far as the starting lineup for the Kings used Maxime Raynaud who continues to battle in his new role. Drew Eubanks was ruled out with a thumb injury.

With this plethora of injuries the Sacramento bench played a huge role and the starting line up along with Raynaud, DeRozan, Murray, Westbrook and Precious Achiuwa taking the court. The Kings came into this game after losing to the Timberwolves Sunday 117-103 while the Trail Blazers beat the Golden State Warriors 136-131 on Sunday.

The two teams will meet for a second time in as many days this time at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Saturday December 20th with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM .

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings look to end 3 game skid against Portland tonight

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Rod Dillingham (4) goes airborne attempting to drive to the basket against the Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (left) and center Malik Monk (0) at the Target Center in Minneapolis Thu Dec 18, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 With Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine both out of the lineup, how will the Kings adjust their game plan — and which role will DeMar DeRozan take in carrying the offensive load?

#2 Russell Westbrook has been a key playmaker for Sacramento — can he continue his recent assist production and be the catalyst that keeps the Kings competitive in Portland?

#3 How big of an impact can Malik Monk have as one of Sacramento’s leading scorers, especially with the Kings’ offense needing consistent perimeter shots?

#4 Keegan Murray offers size and defensive versatility — what matchup advantages might he have against Portland’s forwards, and can he help secure more rebounds for the Kings?

#5 With other young contributors like Maxime Raynaud seeing increased minutes due to injuries, will Sacramento’s bench production be enough to keep pace with Portland?

Join Jeremiah Salmonson for the 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. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings fall short in loss to Timberwolves

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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels front right controls the ball against the Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (left) in the first half at the Target Center at Minneapolis on Sun Dec 14, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 Sacramento Kings (6-19) Zach LaVine struggled with the Minnesota Timberwolves (16-9) defense at times Sunday night — what adjustments do you think the Kings could make moving forward to get him more open looks?

#2 With Domantas Sabonis unavailable due to injury, how did that affect LaVine’s offensive rhythm, and what did you learn about the depth of like Keegan Murray and Maxime Raynaud who were asked to step up?

#3 Russell Westbrook brings veteran leadership — how did his court vision and playmaking help the Kings in key stretches Sunday night?

#4 DeMar DeRozan has been one of the Kings consistent scorers this season — how important is it for him to maintain aggression against tough defenses like Minnesota?

#5 How would you evaluate the Kings bench production Sunday night, particularly from guys like Malik Monk and Precious Achiuwa, given the adversity on the road?

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 Fall Apart In Fourth Quarter Losing to Minnesota 117-103

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By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (6-20) played well enough through three quarters to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves (17-9) but gave it up in the fourth quarter losing 117-103. They were unable to close out the game despite a solid first half of basketball.

Dennis Schroeder had a nice return scoring 17 points off the bench as did Precious Achiuwa. Malik Monk had 16 points, the bench scoring 50 cumulative points and having a great game. The starters had a very disappointing night.

Game recap: The Kings got a strong start in the opening quarter of the the game leading after the first 12 minutes of play 27-20. The Timberwolves answered the strong King start outscoring them in the second quarter 31-25. Going into the locker room at the half it was anyone’s game with the Kings hanging onto a one-point lead 52-51.

The Timberwolves continued their rally finishing the third quarter strong outscoring the Kings 37-32 and continuing to lead 88-84 going into the fourth quarter. While Sacramento was in a great position to rally and win this game, they would have to tighten up their offense and finish strong as they did to end the first quarter.

It did not go Sacramento’s way as they continued to fall further and further behind in the fourth quarter. Seven fouls in the final quarter and 15 total turnovers cost the Kings dearly in this game. The Timberwolves outscored the Kings in the final quarter 29-19.

Both teams shot at 46% from the field and the Kings actually had more success from beyond the arc than Minnesota despite the loss. The letdown in the final quarter was as we have seen in the past, the determining factor. They were unable to close out this game. The Timberwolves running away with the game in the fourth quarter.

It was a slow night for the Sacramento starters although the Kings bench was outstanding. Both Achiuwa and Schroeder (on his return) scored 17 points. Monk finished with 16 points and the team scored a cumulative 50 points off a strong bench showing.

Three King starters had double figures with DeMar DeRozan the high with only 17 points. Zach LaVine and Keegan Murray finished with ten points apiece. Both Russell Westbrook and Maxime Raynaud each had 8 points. A letdown offensively was just one of the culprits that turned the tide in this game.

Game notes: Sunday evening the Kings took on the Timberwolves the day before the unofficial trade season kicks off. Teams that have players with existing contracts can be traded anytime with speculation beginning early, as in the case of the Kings, with lots of talk regarding re-building and moving most of the starting lineup.

Next week may reveal some major changes within the team. For now, the Kings will be looking to knock off another elite team for the second time this season. In overtime back on November 24 the Kings beat Minnesota 117-112 in a thriller at Golden 1 Center.

Good news for the Kings is the re-evaluation of Domantas Sabonis may be any day now and he is likely nearing a return to the team. His return may be as soon as the next couple weeks. While trade rumors continue to swirl, Sabonis has indicated that he is prepared to stay with the Kings. He is on contract through 2028 and he has significant salary which will limit trade prospects. Dennis Schroeder will be back on the court more good news for the Sacramento bench.

Sacramento will not take the court again until later this week taking on the Portland Trail Blazers Thursday night giving the team a breather to re-group. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Moda Center.

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey: Kings looking at DeRozan and Westbrook to help shore up offense in Minnesota Sunday

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Denver Nuggets guard Jaden Pickett (24) drives on the Sacramento Kings Maxime Raynaud (left) at Golden One Center in Sacramento on Thu Dec 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Tony Harvey:

#1 Can Zach LaVine provide leadership and scoring for the Kings (6-19) against a tough Timberwolves defense? LaVine has been one of Sacramento’s primary scorers this season.

#2 How will DeMar DeRozan’s offense impact Sacramento’s chances in Minnesota — can he create buckets early and often? DeRozan is a veteran scorer who has been relied upon in clutch moments.

#3 With Domantas Sabonis playing a major role this season, how crucial will his presence (or absence due to injury status) be for the Kings.

#4 Will Russell Westbrook’s playmaking and energy spark a Sacramento offense that has struggled to find consistency? Westbrook’s veteran leadership and passing can be key.

#5 Can secondary contributors like Dennis Schröder, Malik Monk, or Maxime Raynaud step up to help balance the scoring and ease pressure on the Kings’ stars? Role players will be important in this road matchup.

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 Return Home, Fall Flat Against Nuggets in 136-105 Loss

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Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets backs in on Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings in the first half at Golden 1 Center on December 11, 2025 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings returned home after 10 days on the road on Thursday night to take on the Denver Nuggets. The Kings, who have been mostly playing their vets to start the 2025-2026 campaign, departed from that strategy and started rookies Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford in the game. The game tipped off at 7 p.m. PST and was the only game the Kings will play at home in the first 19 days of December. Thursday, the Kings fell to the Nuggets 136-105.

In the first quarter, the Kings held their own against the Nuggets in the first few minutes, but that quickly evaporated as the Kings were outscored by the Nuggets 41-26. The Kings dug themselves into an early-game 15-point deficit as Nikola Jokic had his way, scoring 16 first-quarter points. Malik Monk got going early for the Kings with nine first-quarter points to lead the team.

In the second quarter, it was more of the same from the Nuggets as they outscored the Kings 36-28. Jokic again led the team in scoring in the second quarter, dropping seven points to bring his first-half total to 23. Russell Westbrook was the only King really impacting the game on the offensive end in the second, as he scored 11 points for the Kings. The game went into halftime with the Kings trailing the Nuggets 77-54 and no answers for Nikola Jokic.

In the third quarter, the Nuggets continued to build their lead against the Kings. The Nuggets outscored the Kings 32-27 in the third quarter to take a 109-81 lead into the final frame of the game. Nikola Jokic continued his terror on the Kings and added 13 points for a three-quarter total of 36 points.

Jokic wouldn’t play the rest of the game and finished with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in three quarters of action.

In the fourth quarter, the game was all but decided as the Kings waved the white flag. The Nuggets outscored the Kings 27-24 in the final quarter of the game to defeat the Kings by a 31-point, 136-105 margin. The Kings weren’t competitive at any point in the game as Denver fully outmatched them in every aspect of the game.

After the game, the Kings stressed togetherness in the locker room and at the podium. Maxime Raynaud, Malik Monk, and Doug Christie all emphatically said the team is together.

Up Next: The Kings travel to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves at 4 p.m. PST on Sunday night.

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

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

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

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

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

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in. 

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson: How Kings plan to defend Jokic and Nuggets

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The Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) defends against the Indiana Pacers guard Benedict Mathurin (00) at Gainsbridge Fieldhouse Arena in Indianapolis on Mon Dec 8, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 How will the Kings defend against Nuggets MVP Nikola Jokić, who’s averaging elite numbers this season?

#2 Can Sacramento’s backcourt — led by Russell Westbrook and Zach LaVine — keep pace with Denver’s high-scoring offense?

#3 With Domantas Sabonis sidelined (or limited), who steps up on the boards and in the paint for Sacramento?

#4 Will the Kings’ perimeter shooting Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan be enough to overcome Denver’s defensive pressure?

#5 Which bench players could make a difference — can Sacramento’s role players like Maxime Raynaud or Keon Ellis swing momentum?

Join Jeremiah Salmonson does the 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.

Kings Rally But Come Up Short Losing to Pacers 116-105

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Sacramento Kings Maxime Raynaud (42) shoots while being defended by the Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (left) and center Jay Huff (right) defend in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Mon Dec 8, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Sacramento Kings (6-18) lost to the Indiana Pacers (6-18) Monday night 116-105. They trailed in the second half by 19 points and took the lead in the fourth quarter but could not finish. A slow start in the first half was a huge part of the loss.

At halftime only one King had scored double figures. They rallied in the second half but it was too little too late. Russell Westbrook had the team high with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists. It was a tough loss for the team after beating the Miami Heat over the weekend.

Monday night’s game was a tale of two teams who have faced struggles since the start of the season. The Kings have not gotten on track for most of the season with occasional flashes of brilliance.

The Pacers after a most successful 2024-25 season lost their 25-year-old phenom Tyrese Haliburton in last year’s finals to a torn achilles knocking him out of the current season. On December 8th Haliburton posted a video of himself working out.

In these clips he is shown running, dunking and lifting weights. A torn achilles typically takes between 8-to-10 months to resolve so a return this season is a wash. These two teams clashed Monday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and the Pacers came out with a 11 point win. The Kings are coming off a win over the Miami Heat Saturday night 127-111 while the Pacers are also coming off a nice win over the Chicago Bulls 120-105.

Game recap: The Kings, unlike Saturday night got off to a slow start trailing after the first twelve minutes of play 35-23. It did not go much better in the second quarter as Sacramento continued to trail by double digits unable to make-up much ground.

Offensively there was not a lot going on for the Kings as the Pacers continued to extend their lead. Sacramento continued to struggle at the line hitting only 9 of 15 for a 60% success rate. With two minutes left in the half the largest lead for the Kings had been three points while the Pacers had a 16 point advantage in the first half. Indiana took a 66-51 lead into the locker room at the half. Indiana had outscored the Kings in the quarter 31-28.

Not a single King had hit double figures in the first half until the clock ran out on the half and DeMar DeRozan hit a seven foot two point shot for the first Sacramento player to reach double figures with 11 points.

Zach LaVine had scored eight points and Russell Westbrook had nine points. While Sacramento still had the chance to make a game out of this contest, they would need a whole lot more offense and defense. They struggled on both ends of the court in the first half and what we saw against the Heat Saturday night had all but vanished.

Indiana continued to dominate the pace hanging onto a 72-58 lead three minutes into the third quarter. As the quarter wore on, the Pacers started to extend their lead. Stops were hard to come by for the Kings in this game.

With just under six minutes left in the quarter the Kings got a few stops and cut the Pacers 19 point lead to twelve 81-69 going on a 6-0 run. Four of the Kings starters had now scored double figures and continued to cut the Pacers lead now trailing by eight points 85-77 with a lot of time left in the third quarter.

As the quarter came to an end the Pacers were clinging onto a four point lead 92-88. The Kings had to come up with a winning fourth quarter after outscoring the Pacers in the third 37-26.

Four minutes into the fourth quarter the Pacers had a two-point lead 97-95 when the Kings Russell Westbrook hit his second three of the game. At 7:39 this game was tied at 97. Now the question loomed; could the Kings close this game out?

Sacramento took their first lead since the first quarter at 5:38 101-100. The Pacer’s took back the lead with five minutes left in the game 103-101. The Pacers began to hit three’s with Bennedict Mathurin accounting for four of them.

The Kings came oh so close in this game after a nice comeback but came up just short losing to the Pacers 116-105. Once again Sacramento was unable to close out the game getting outscored in the the final six minutes 19 to 4.

The Kings had a slow first half and a disastrous final six minutes of this game. Russell Westbrook had the team high with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists. DeMar DeRozan had 20 points, and Zach LaVine finished with 16 points. Maxime Raynaud had 13 points and eight rebounds so another good one for him.

The Kings will get some time off before they take on the Denver Nuggets Thursday night. After losing to Sacramento in late November Denver will be looking for a little payback. 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: Indiana gets by Kings 116-105 Monday night; Kings snap 4 game skid last Saturday

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The Sacramento Maxime Raynaud (42) take a shot over the Indiana Pacers guard Benedict Mathurin (00) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Mon Dec 8, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Barbara Mason:

  1. On Monday night Sacramento Kings took a tough beating by the Indiana Pacers 116-105 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
  2. The Kings despite the loss had Russell Westbrook led with 24 points and DeMar DeRozan 20.
  3. On Saturday night after four straight losses, the Sacramento Kings pulled an upset win over the Miami Heat.

4. The outstanding performance by Zach LaVine clinched the win for the Kings after a disappointing game against the Rockets only scoring two points.

5. Every starter for the Kings scored double figures and Maxime Raynaud clocked another double double solidifying the decision to start him going forward.

6. It was a tough loss for the Heat who have stumbled lately losing three straight games for the first time this season. They were short-handed missing Tyler Herro, Davion Mitchell and Pello Larsson. Miami had a better fourth quarter but 15 points was as close as they would get in the second half.

7. Thursday night the Kings will take on the Denver Nuggets again after beating Denver back on November 22 in Denver despite Nikola Jokic scoring 44 points. How will they fare in this game.

Barbara Mason does 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. 

LaVine and the Kings Trounce Heat 127-111

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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (left) takes a shot over the Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (12) at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Sat Dec 6, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Saturday night the Sacramento Kings (6-17) played an impressive game beating the Miami Heat (14-10) 127-111. They started Maxime Raynaud in place of Drew Eubanks and the rookie did not disappoint finishing with a double double.

Russell Westbrook also had a double double but it was Zach LaVine who came unleashed scoring 42 points after only scoring two points against the Rockets last Wednesday. He was tremendous as the team outscored the Heat in the first three quarters of the game to clinch the win.

Game recap: The Kings got down to business from the get-go taking a 34-31 lead after the first 12 minutes of play. They kept the pressure on the second quarter outscoring the Heat 38-24 and taking a 72-55 lead at the half. As expected Raynaud started the game.

It was a terrific first half for Sacramento with their “new look” which certainly appeared to be working for them. They played with great energy and passion from the start of the game and would need to take that energy into the second half of the game where they have struggled this season.

The Kings outscored the Heat in the third quarter 29-23 taking a 101-78 lead into the fourth quarter. Sacramento had led by as much as 28 points in the second half. They finished the game with only 11 turnovers.

They hit 14 three’s, 42% to the Heat’s nine which was 29% and Sacramento also had ten steals. Despite the dominating play they still stumbled a bit. at the line only hitting 15 of 21 for 71%. The final was 127-111 in favor of the Kings playing a complete game.

The hero of the game was LaVine who finished with 42 points. Both Russell Westbrook and Raynaud had double doubles. Westbrook had 12 rebounds and ten assists and Raynaud finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, another terrific game for the rookie. The team high for the Heat was Norman Powell who scored 18 points.

Game notes: Saturday night in Miami, the Kings matched-up with the Heat at Kaseya Center. Both teams are struggling with injuries right now, the Kings were still without Dennis Schroeder and Domantas Sabonis.

The Heat will be without Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell. The Kings had lost their last four games before beating the Heat on Saturday night and the Heat continue to struggled losing now four of their last five games which followed a six-game winning streak.

The Heat came into this game losing a heart-breaker to the Orlando Magic Friday night 106-105. The Kings lost to the Houston Rockets Wednesday night 121-95. The Kings made a change in the starting lineup considering the way this season has gone and it makes total sense with the emergence of bench player rookie Maxime Raynaud and the brilliant play we have seen from this guy.

With so many devastating injuries the Kings have struggled with getting any sort of rhythm going with different players on the floor game to game. It is without doubt that Raynaud has been a standout scoring 25 points Wednesday night against the Rockets. On Saturday against the Heat Raynaud came up with 12 points and the Kings scoring leader was Zack LaVine with 42 points.

Drew Eubanks has filled in as center in place of the injured Domantas Sabonis but he has been ok at best he had four points on Saturday and Raynaud continues to excel at a crazy rate. His time is right around the corner, it is eminent.

Monday the Kings will travel to Indiana for a game with the Pacers. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 4:00 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.