Tag: Sacramento Kings

Kings Struggle to Contain Celtics, Playoff Pressure Mounts after 113-95 Loss

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Domantas Sabonis goes to the basket defended by Kristaps Porziņģis in the Sacramento Kings battle with the Boston Celtics on Monday night. (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — Golden 1 Center was full of green for the game on Monday night. If you were in the building, you may have wondered if the A’s were holding a fanfest.

No, the Boston Celtics came to town, and the reigning NBA champs were heavily supported by traveling fans and local Celtics fans. The Kings were coming off a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, while the Celtics were on the second night of a back-to-back after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday in Portland.

The last time these two teams played was in Boston on January 10th, when the Kings beat the Celtics 114-97. I asked Doug Christie pregame if he thought the Celtics would have a little extra after the Kings blew them out in Boston. “I would say the only thing in our league is that you can use some things as motivation, especially when you are champions. The one that you do know is that they will not look past you. I think that is the biggest thing.”

On Monday, the game tipped off at 7 PM PST at Golden 1 Center as the Celtics handed the Kings a 113-95 defeat.

In the first quarter, the Kings hit first with good physicality and active hands leading to offensive opportunities. Five minutes and forty-four seconds into the game, the Kings led by nine and had control of the game. Soon after, the Celtics made a run of their own to close the quarter. The Celtics would end up outscoring the Kings 30-29 in the first quarter thanks to a buzzer-beater three from Payton Pritchard.

In the second, the Kings battled. However, the Boston offensive attack was good enough for them to pick up a five-point, 56-51 lead going into the halftime break. The Kings were playing the Celtics well on the defensive end of the floor, but there’s only so much you can do to contain them. Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard led the Celtics in scoring in the first half with 17 and 14, respectively. Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray led the Kings in the first half, each scoring 10 points.

The Kings needed to match the defensive intensity from the first half to defeat the Celtics.

In the second half, the Kings were plainly outmatched. The Celtics outscored the Kings 32-27 in the third and 25-17 in the fourth. In the third, Jayson Tatum would go down as he rolled his ankle on a Domantas Sabonis closeout on a three-pointer. Tatum made 1 of 2 of his free throws, left the game, and would not return. The Celtics remained unbothered by his absence as they defeated the Kings 113-95. There’s not much more to the story than that. The Kings fought, but ultimately, the offense became ISO-focused, and the ball stopped moving. The Kings desperately need to figure out how to close games as a team or they will soon find themselves outside of the play-in picture.

After the game, Doug summarized the night saying, “Disappointing. The areas we really need to be good in is creating extra possessions, offensive rebounds, turning them over. We weren’t able to do that and we need to shoot threes at a higher clip… points of emphasis.” I asked Doug how they get more three-pointers up, and he said, “It has got to be one, two dribbles at the most and kick it out… just the ability to move the basketball, and we can’t hold onto it too long.”

With the loss, the Kings fell to 35-36. The Kings need to right the ship in a hurry if they want to hold onto a play-in game spot at season’s end.

Key Performers:
DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 20 points on an inefficient 9-24 shooting.

Playoff Picture:
The Kings fell to 35-36 on the season and are only 0.5 games in front of the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks for the 11th seed in the Western Conference.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at 7 PM PST inside Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings try to turn it around against Celtics tonight

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On the Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 The Milwaukee Bucks started out slow against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday but were able shake off the cob webs and make a come back to defeat the Kings at Golden 1 in Sacramento 114-108.

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo scored with 32 points, 17 rebounds, teammate Kyle Kuzma scored 14 points with 14 rebounds. the Bucks were down 25-17 in the one quarter were also behind 14 points in the early portion of the third quater.

#3 The three Bucks who got after it were Brook Lopez scored 21 points, Kevin Porter Jr scored 18 points, and Taurean Prince had 11 points.

#4 Great effort by the Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points, Keon Ellis 20 points, Jonas Valanciunas 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists but the Kings fell six points short.

#5 Barbara this was a tough loss for Sacramento and they were coming off a tough loss to the Chicago Bulls two nights before and the Bucks were also another tough customer. The Kings are back to the drawing board on Monday night they host they Boston Celtics. The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference 51-19 and one of the most powerful teams in the NBA. Can the Kings regroup and upset Boston on Monday night on their home floor.

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

Bucks Surge Late to Hand Kings 114-108 Defeat

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Jonas Valanciunas warms up prior to the Bucks game on Saturday night. Jonas had 18 points and seven rebounds in the game. (Photo: Jeremiah Salmonson)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings returned to action Saturday night, hosting the Milwaukee Bucks at Golden 1 Center. The Kings entered the matchup amidst a tough homestand, coming off recent victories against the Grizzlies and Cavaliers and a loss to the Bulls on Thursday. Both teams were short-handed, with Damian Lillard unavailable for Milwaukee, and Sacramento missing Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk. Despite a strong start from Sacramento, the Bucks rallied late to secure a 114-108 victory.

The Kings opened the game playing stout defense, limiting the Bucks to just 17 points in the first quarter while scoring 25 points themselves. Sacramento struggled significantly from beyond the arc, shooting 1-10 from three, yet managed a respectable 42% from the field. The Bucks endured a dismal shooting quarter, converting only 29% of their shots and going scoreless from three-point range. Giannis Antetokounmpo led all scorers with nine first-quarter points.

The Kings maintained their intensity into the second quarter, despite a Bucks surge that narrowed the margin to 43-42 with 4:41 remaining. Sacramento responded effectively, finishing the half strong and entering halftime with a 61-49 lead. The Kings outscored Milwaukee 36-32 in the quarter, led by Keon Ellis, who tallied 18 first-half points. For the Bucks, Brook Lopez matched Ellis’s first-half output with 18 points of his own.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter as Milwaukee surged back into contention. With a little over three minutes left in the quarter, the Bucks tied the game at 80. When the third-quarter dust settled, Milwaukee had outscored Sacramento 37-28, trimming the Kings’ lead to 89-86 heading into the fourth. Antetokounmpo was dominant, scoring 22 points in the quarter alone and shifting the momentum toward Milwaukee.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings faltered, unable to maintain their earlier success. Milwaukee outscored Sacramento 28-19, securing a 114-108 win. The Kings’ offense stagnated late, reverting to isolation basketball, a recurring issue. Sacramento struggled to make critical shots down the stretch, while Antetokounmpo finished with 32 points on 12-20 shooting, guiding the Bucks to victory.

After the game, Doug Christie addressed why Sacramento’s offense often becomes stagnant late. “I think many, many times, the defense blows the play up, and as the shot clock is going down, then you take your time,” Christie explained. “I think we have to explore early in the shot clock, and sometimes we’re not playing as fast as we need to, and then that allows them to press up. All of a sudden, it gets later in the shot clock, and now you become that [stagnant] without even knowing why it happened.” This recurring offensive inconsistency has plagued the Kings in late-game situations.

Keon Ellis echoed Christie’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for more ball movement. “Maybe it’s a thing of trying to get it to them [Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan] too much, too early,” Ellis said. “And I think probably we could move the ball a little bit more before we try to, you know, I would say, just go ISO ball.”

Playoff Picture: With the loss, the Kings fell to 35-35, remaining the ninth seed. They hold a slim 1.5-game advantage over the tenth-place Phoenix Suns and sit just 1.5 games ahead of the 11th-place Dallas Mavericks, dangerously close to dropping out of play-in contention entirely.

Key Performers: DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 22 points on 8-18 shooting. Keon Ellis contributed 20 points and six assists on efficient 6-10 shooting.

Up Next: The Kings remain at home and will face the Boston Celtics on Monday at Golden 1 Center, with tip-off set for 7 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Kings face Giannis and Bucks Saturday at Golden 1

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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) is under guard by Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (left) and Dalen Terry (right) during second half at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Thu Mar 20, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 Coby White of the Chicago Bulls (30-40) was an offensive force leading with 35 points that help keep the Bulls in the game during the first half against the Sacramento Kings (35-34).

#2 Jeremiah Kevin Hueter finished second in scoring for the Bulls with 25 points was there any advantage for Hueter to face his former team the Kings and to come off with a successful game against them.

#3 The Kings keyed in on Bulls Tre Jones whose has been an offensive weapon who scored 15 points but that didn’t stop the Bulls from getting some good offense and a 12 points win 128-116.

#4 DeMar DeRozan who formerly played for the Bulls was second in scoring for the Kings with 22 points was there no doubt that DeRozan has something to prove facing his former team on Thursday night?

#5 The Kings tip off against the Milwaukee Bucks this Saturday night at 7:00pm at Golden 1 in Sacramento. The Bucks are coming off a win against the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday night 118-89. The Bucks are fifth in the NBA Eastern Conference at 38-30. How do you see this match up?

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

Coby White, Huerter Power Bulls Past Kings in Sacramento

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Malik Monk scored 34 during the matchup against the Bulls on Thursday (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action Thursday night, playing the second night of a back-to-back. They welcomed the Chicago Bulls to Golden 1 Center for a 7 PM PST tip-off, marking Kevin Huerter’s return to Sacramento.

Huerter’s return felt bittersweet for Kings fans. He was a key part of the original Beam Team that pushed the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the playoffs just a couple of years ago. However, both the team and Huerter fell short of expectations in his final two seasons in Sacramento. On Thursday, it was all smiles and hugs for Huerter as he greeted media members, coaches, fans, and Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé.

The Bulls entered the game ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 29-40 record, while the Kings held the same position in the West at 35-33. Chicago came away with the win, defeating Sacramento 128-116.

The Kings started strong in the first quarter, catching fire from beyond the arc. Malik Monk hit five threes and Trey Lyles added four as Sacramento outscored Chicago 39-28 while shooting 65% from deep. Monk led the way with 15 points in the quarter, and Lyles added 12. The Bulls struggled to contain Sacramento’s attack, with Tre Jones leading Chicago with six points early.

In the second quarter, the Kings maintained the pressure but couldn’t stretch their lead. Chicago edged Sacramento 27-25 in the period, cutting the deficit slightly. The Kings led 64-55 at the break, playing solid basketball through the first half. Monk paced Sacramento with 19 points at halftime, while Nikola Vučević led the Bulls with 11.

The third quarter saw a shift in momentum. Chicago came out energized and outscored Sacramento 37-25, seizing control of the game. The Kings lost their edge, and the Bulls began to believe they could steal a road win.

In the fourth, the Bulls kept their foot on the gas. They outscored the Kings 36-27 in the final frame, closing out the win behind big performances from Coby White and Kevin Huerter. White finished with 35 points, and Huerter added 25 in his Sacramento return.

After the game, Doug Christie echoed a message he’s repeated during the team’s recent struggles. “Unacceptable,” Christie said at the postgame press conference. “There’s a lot there that’s unacceptable, but you can’t let people come into your house and just do what they want. The energy necessary to do what we need to do was not there tonight.”

Key Performers:
Malik Monk led the Kings with 34 points.

Trey Lyles added 22 points on 6-of-11 shooting.

DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points for the Bulls, becoming the 27th player in NBA history to surpass 25,000 career points.

Up Next:

The Sacramento Kings stay home to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday at 7 PM PST at Golden 1 Center.

Short-Handed Kings Rally to Upset East-Leading Cavaliers 123-119

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Malik Monk during the Kings vs Cavs game on Wednesday night (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings came into Wednesday night’s game against the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers short-handed, missing key players due to injuries and absences. The Kings were without Domantas Sabonis (ankle sprain), Jake LaRavia (illness), and Zach LaVine (personal reasons).

Before the game, Doug Christie emphasized the importance of trust as the Kings prepared to rely on a depleted rotation. “I think even with our guys prior to the other night, that was one of the things we were trying to establish,” Christie said. “For players that haven’t played, the message to them is to play the right way. It doesn’t matter the name on the back of the jersey, it’s about the name on the front.”

Togetherness and consistency, regardless of the opponent, have been key messages from Christie all season. On Wednesday, the Kings needed to embrace that fully to take down Cleveland—and they did just that, earning a hard-fought 123-119 victory.

The first quarter was brutal for the Kings offensively. They shot an abysmal 4-of-23 from the field and were outscored 22-15. Watching the game, it felt like a twilight zone moment, the shooting struggles were so bad that it was remarkable Sacramento trailed by only seven at the end of the period. On the other side, Cleveland wasn’t exactly in rhythm either, shooting 9-of-20 from the floor.

The Kings’ shooting improved in the second quarter, but it wasn’t enough to cut into the Cavs’ lead. Cleveland outscored Sacramento 34-32 in the period, extending its advantage to nine points at the half. The Kings had plenty to build on heading into the third, especially with the Cavaliers playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Despite their shooting struggles, Sacramento was down only single digits. Malik Monk led the Kings with 14 first-half points, while Ty Jerome paced Cleveland with 12. The Kings shot 34% from the field in the half compared to the Cavs’ 56%.

Sacramento completely flipped the script in the third quarter. Fueled by strong play on both ends from Devin Carter, the Kings surged ahead by as many as 11 points. However, Cleveland responded in what became a game of runs, clawing back to keep it close. The Kings outscored the Cavs 43-32 in the period to take a 90-88 lead into the fourth. The Golden 1 Center crowd erupted as Sacramento found its rhythm, putting Cleveland on its heels. With momentum on their side, the Kings needed to execute down the stretch to finish the job.

The final quarter was a battle, with both teams trading blows on both ends of the floor. In the end, the Kings did just enough plays to secure the 123-119 win, outscoring Cleveland 33-31 in the quarter. It was a complete team effort—every Kings player who logged more than seven minutes finished in double figures. Devin Carter and Trey Lyles combined for 29 points, with Carter providing a crucial spark off the bench. Evan Mobley led all scorers with 31 points in a losing effort for the Cavs. With the win, the Kings improved to 35-33, while Cleveland dropped to 56-13.

Doug Christie was clearly pleased with his team’s effort after the game. “Fantastic fight… that’s what Sacramento Kings basketball is all about. You bring that every single time.”

When asked how he got such an impressive performance from his team, Christie said, “That’s the performance I expect. The result may vary from time to time… but a high level of intensity and physicality, when you put on our jersey, that’s what is expected, and hats off to our guys.”

Keegan Murray echoed those sentiments. “It was a good win, especially after the week we had last week and with guys out tonight. It was a good team win against a very good team.”

After a rough stretch that saw them lose four straight, the Kings regained some confidence as they began a long homestand.

Key Performances

  • DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 27 points.
  • Malik Monk scored 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting.
  • Devin Carter added 16 points, five rebounds, and three steals.

Playoff Picture

The Kings remain in ninth place in the Western Conference, sitting 3.5 games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves and LA Clippers for the seventh and eighth spots. They hold a three-game lead over the Phoenix Suns, who occupy the 10th seed.

Up Next

The Kings stay home to face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday at 7 PM PST in the second night of a back-to-back.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Kings take on NBA’s best Cavaliers Wednesday night

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Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (11) drives on the Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (left) in the first half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 17. 2025 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1 The Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis took a beating taking Memphis Grizzlies Luke Kennard’s head that hit him in the face resulting in a cut above his left eye and later returned only to roll his right ankle in the third quarter.

#2 The Kings however did the beating on the scoreboard with a 132-122 win over the Memphis Grizzlies and ending their four game losing streak at home at Golden 1 Center.

#3 The Kings DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points, six rebounds with nine assists and Keegan Murray provided 16 point, ten rebounds in what contributed to the Kings win over the Grizzlies.

#4 Tony talk about interim head coach Doug Christie who won his 21st game since joining the Kings back in December?

#5 Next up for the Kings the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are the knock out punch of the Eastern Conference first place at 56-11. The Cavaliers have won nine of their last ten games and shockingly lost their last game to the Orlando Magic last Sunday 108-103. How do you see this match on Wednesday night at Golden 1?

Join Tony Renteria for the Kings podcasts each Tuesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings Bounce Back at Home with 132-122 Win Over Grizzlies, but Lose Sabonis to Injury

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Zach LaVine in the game on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The Sacramento Kings returned to action Monday night after a rough two-game road trip, where they suffered blowout losses to the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. Following the defeat in Phoenix, Doug Christie remarked, “That’s not us,” as the Kings struggled to find their rhythm. Back home, they had an opportunity to bounce back against a Memphis Grizzlies team playing without Ja Morant. The Kings capitalized, securing a 132-122 victory at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento got off to a strong start, with their offense firing on all cylinders. They outscored Memphis 37-26 in the first quarter, led by DeMar DeRozan’s eight points. Desmond Bane kept the Grizzlies in it with eight of his own. Christie had emphasized the importance of aggression after the loss to Phoenix, and the message clearly resonated.

The Kings maintained their intensity in the second quarter, remaining active in passing lanes and forcing turnovers that led to offensive opportunities. Both teams scored 28 points in the period, allowing Sacramento to hold onto its 11-point lead heading into halftime. Defensively, the Kings racked up nine steals and four blocks while forcing 12 Memphis turnovers. Zach LaVine and Malik Monk led Sacramento with 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Bane paced Memphis with 14. The Kings shot 51% from the field in the half, compared to the Grizzlies’ 46%.

Coming out of halftime, Sacramento aimed to sustain its energy, but an early injury to Domantas Sabonis shifted the atmosphere. Just over a minute into the third quarter, Sabonis rolled his right ankle while driving to the basket and had to be helped off the court. The injury appeared significant, as he had only recently returned from a hamstring injury. Sabonis did not return, and his status remains uncertain. Despite the injury, the Kings edged Memphis 33-32 in the quarter and carried a 98-86 lead into the fourth. Bane continued to lead the Grizzlies with 34 points, while Monk led Sacramento with 20.

Memphis made a push in the final quarter, outscoring Sacramento 36-34, but the Kings held on to secure the much-needed win. Their 132-point performance marked their highest scoring game since February 24th against the Hornets. The victory improved their record to 34-33, keeping them in ninth place in the Western Conference standings. The Grizzlies fell to 43-26, remaining locked into the fifth seed in the West.

Postgame, Christie praised his team’s effort, stating, “That’s us,” in contrast to his remarks following the Phoenix loss.

Sacramento’s defense was a key factor, with nine steals and four blocks helping to generate turnovers in the first half. When asked about the team’s aggressive approach, Christie responded, “A lot of it, to your point, is what we talk about and what we show them… It was pretty exciting for me, and I know it was for them too. I know our fans felt it as well.”

Monk, who had been struggling in recent games, delivered a standout performance with 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting. When asked if he felt like he was back to form, he replied, “Nah, not yet. I need another two or three games, but holla at me after that.”

While the win was crucial, the Kings face a tough test ahead as they prepare to take on the top team in the Eastern Conference on Wednesday. They will be hoping for good news regarding Sabonis’ injury as they look to build on Monday’s performance.

Kings Key Performances:

Malik Monk led the Kings with 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting.

Zach LaVine added 23 points on an efficient 7-for-11 from the field.

Jake LaRavia contributed 12 points and two steals, shooting 4-for-7.

Devin Carter recorded four steals in just under 11 minutes of action.

Up Next: The Kings remain at home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday at 7 PM at Golden 1 Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason: Kings hope to end 4 game skid tonight against Grizzlies

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Phoenix Suns Royce O’Neale (00) reaches up and commits a foul on the Sacramento Kings DeMar DeRozan (left) in the first half at Footprint Arena in Phoenix on Fri Mar 14, 2025 (AP News photo)

Sacramento Kings podcast Barbara Mason:

#1 The Sacramento Kings defense just couldn’t shut down the Phoenix Suns Devin Booker who had 22 points and 13 assists and Kevin Durant with 22 points as the Suns landslided the Kings last Friday night 122-106.

#2 Tyus Jones was another player that the Kings just couldn’t shutdown, Jones 20 points, hit six 3 pointers for the Suns who as a team scored 24 3 pointers.

#3 What was impressive was the Suns who did make those 24 3 pointers were just one short of the franchise record. They shot 55.8% (24 of 43) from behind the arc.

#4 Some Sacramento numbers for Domantas Sabonis 12 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds this after missing six games after suffering a hamstring injury. DeMar DeRozan 23 points, Zach LaVine 21 points and Malik Monk 18 points a hard effort but the Suns just pounced and the Kings could never keep up.

#5 Up next for the Kings the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center. The Grizzlies are fourth in the Western Conference have won five of their last ten games, are 43-25. The Kings are ninth in the conference and have lost four straight games and are .500 at 33-33. Tip off tonight at 7:00pm PDT. How do you see this match up?

Barbara Mason does the Sacramento Kings podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kings’ Defensive Woes Continue in Costly 122-106 Loss to Suns

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Keegan Murray dunks in the game against Phoenix on Friday night (Photo: Sacramento Kings on X)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

PHOENIX — The Sacramento Kings’ season was teetering as their plane landed Friday night. Coming off a brutal 130-104 loss to the Golden State Warriors the night before, they arrived in Phoenix desperate for a win. They had lost four of their last five games, and with the Warriors widening their lead for the sixth seed in the Western Conference and the Suns lurking in 11th, the Kings needed to regroup quickly.

Before the game, I asked Doug Christie about how the team was moving on from tough losses. “That one (the Knicks loss at home) was emotional from a lot of different standpoints, and that’s part of our evolution as a better ball club. You go through a game experience—maybe you don’t play the way you wanted. You process that till about midnight, maybe 2 a.m., but then you have to reset and come back with the right mindset.” However, moving on from bad losses has been a challenge for the Kings this season. Friday in Phoenix was no different. After falling behind early by double digits, they failed to mount a comeback, dropping the game 122-106.

The Kings got off to another rough start in the first quarter, turning the ball over five times and missing multiple easy shots, quickly falling behind 36-22. Digging themselves into early deficits had become a troubling pattern, and Friday was no exception. They needed a shift in intensity heading into the second quarter.

Sacramento responded with a strong second quarter, outscoring Phoenix 35-26 to trim the deficit to five at halftime, trailing 62-57. They cut down on turnovers, and Malik Monk found his rhythm, scoring 12 points in the quarter. Keegan Murray led the Kings at the half with 14 points, while Kevin Durant matched him with 14 of his own. The Kings shot just 21% from three but a respectable 51% overall, while the Suns shot 55% from deep and 52% from the field.

Coming out of halftime, the Kings unraveled again. The Suns dominated the third quarter 35-25, extending their lead to 97-82. Turnovers and poor perimeter defense plagued Sacramento, and they struggled to put together stops.

The fourth quarter was more of the same. Phoenix continued its hot shooting, and Sacramento had no answers outside of some garbage-time scoring from Zach LaVine. The Kings were outscored 25-24 in the final frame, sealing their 122-106 defeat. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant led the Suns with 22 points each, while DeMar DeRozan paced the Kings with 23.

Postgame, the Kings’ locker room was somber, frustration evident after another costly loss in their fight for playoff positioning. Doug Christie didn’t hold back in his press conference. “Disappointing. I expected a way better performance out of our guys… 38 points off turnovers is never going to do it. Defensively, we must be better. We must be better.”

I asked Christie if he still saw effort from his players. “I think these guys want to win badly… but sometimes they get down, and you can’t do that. That has happened here. It’s unacceptable. I don’t care if the guy is open—if he’s shooting it, I want you running at him. If you don’t have it, raise your hand and get the hell out of the game because someone over there does.” His raw honesty made it clear he was searching for answers to spark his team.

Inside the locker room, the sentiment was similar. Malik Monk acknowledged the team’s defensive struggles, saying, “Yeah, I feel that. Drive, kick, swing, and they might be wide open, and we don’t contest. Then we hang our heads, and that’s where we might be down.”

Zach LaVine reiterated a message he’s been repeating recently: “I’m trying to fit in (to the offense) and win games.” Christie, however, emphasized that LaVine needs to be more aggressive from the start.

With the loss, the Kings fell to 33-33, now five games behind the Warriors for the sixth seed. More concerning, they are just one game ahead of the 10th-seeded Dallas Mavericks as their playoff hopes hang in the balance. 

Up Next: The Sacramento Kings will return home for an extended homestand to take on the Memphis Grizzlies. Tip-off is set for 7 PM PST on Monday inside Golden 1 Center.