Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schroder (17) looks for someone to throw the ball to as he is pursued by the Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Clark (22) in the second half of the NBA Cup at the Target Center in Minneapolis on Fri Nov 14, 2025 (AP News photo)
By Barbara Mason
Throughout three quarters the game between the Sacramento Kings (3-10) and the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-4) was a wild ride with the Kings trailing by a single point after three. In the early minutes of the fourth quarter we saw what has become the Kings inability to close out games.
After three minutes of play the Timberwolves took a nine-point lead 103-94. The final was 124-110. The Kings can hang with the best in the league but they just cannot finish. While it was a far better effort then Wednesday’s game it is still another loss dropping the team to a discouraging 3-10 season record.
Domantas Sabonis had the high for the Kings with 34 points and Zach LaVine had a solid second half finishing with 25 points. The changes that Head Coach Doug Christie had alluded too could be eminent.
Game recap: Going into the first quarter both Sabonis and Malik Monk took the court. After the first 12 minutes of play the Kings were keeping pace with the Timberwolves but trailed 35-30.
Sacramento kept at it outscoring the Timberwolves in the second quarter 31-26 and going into the locker room at the half, this game was tied at 61. Sabonis took Head Coach Doug Christie’s words to heart scoring 24 points in the first half.
Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan were stagnant with Westbrook coming away empty and DeRozan scoring only two points. Sacramento was hitting 50% of their three-point attempts which were instrumental in a game so very close.
Both teams were terrible from the line with the Kings shooting at 56% and the Timberwolves not much better with 63%. The Timberwolves largest lead of the half was 11 points which the Kings were able to erase going into the third quarter with the game tied at 61.
Going into the third quarter the question remained; with the exception of Sabonis could these starters get their rears into gear. Could they play the brand of basketball that we know they are capable of.
The Kings got off to a good start in the third taking a 74-69 lead early. They have been struggling all season closing out games but this game looked different as they continued to extend their lead with as much as a seven-point lead.
Time would tell if Coach Christie’s harsh words resonated in any way. They certainly had for Sabonis and would any of the other starters follow suit. The first half indicated that they did but they had a long way to go in this game.
The Kings had a five point lead going into the final five minutes of the third but let the Timberwolves back on top with three minutes left in the quarter 88-84. The third quarter closed out with the Timberwolves clinging to a one-point lead 92-91.
Could the Kings dig deep and close out the fourth quarter? Going into the final quarter this game was up for grabs and Sacramento had a great opportunity to prove themselves.
Early in the fourth quarter this game was tied at 94. It all came to an end three minutes into the quarter when Minnesota took a 103-94 lead prompting a Sacramento time-out. Was history repeating itself or could the Kings right the ship? The reality in this game was yet another fourth quarter meltdown by Sacramento. The final was 124-110, the Kings season record dropping to a dismal 3-10.
The Kings hung with the Timberwolves through three quarters but as seen in the past could not close the game out. Sabonis had the game high with 34 points and 11 rebounds another double double. Zach LaVine finished with 25 points but DeRozan was very quiet finishing with six points. Despite playing for 16 minutes Malik Monk could have been hampered by his sore ankle not scoring at all with only one rebound.
Every Minnesota starter finished the game with double digits. Anthony Edwards had his team high with 30 points. Julius Randle had a double double with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Donte Divincenzo had a solid game turning in 20 points and 6 rebounds.
Game notes: Friday night the Kings took another tough loss and their loss streak hit five games. While it is still early in the season there is steep trouble for the Kings and Head Coach Doug Christie is livid as evidenced by a profanity-laden postgame press conference after a drubbing by the Atlanta Hawks 133-100 Wednesday night.
The Hawks were without ace Trae Young and as it turned out they didn’t need him to come away with the win. Christie called that game shameful Keon Ellis had the team high off the bench with 20 points in that game but the starting lineup was abysmal at best.
Domantas Sabonis and Russell Westbrook barely cracked double digits and DeMar DeRozan finished the game with four points. The starters collectively had 45 points while the bench finished with 55 points. While Ellis has been overlooked at times which is puzzling considering the great defense he provides and he has proven to be a strong offensive player.
Much of what Christie said to the team cannot be put into print but suffice to say he was far from pleased. One could not blame him for his colorful rhetoric considering the play the Kings saw against the Hawks. He also said he would not be looking at the tape, seeing it live once was more than enough for him.
Many of the fans began to exit the building when the team was trailing by 37 points going into the fourth quarter. The team was booed off the floor at game’s end. Christie also hinted that there were big changes coming for the team and that the front office was completely on board with those changes. “We’re going to find people who want to compete period,” Christie said.
The Kings have faced the most difficult schedule in the NBA and Friday night they will face yet another tough game. The Sacramento locker room is not a happy place right now and has not been since the start of the season.
The Kings have a lot of talented players who are growing more and more frustrated. Going into Friday’s game both Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk were both listed on the injury list. Sabonis is struggling with a left ribcage contusion and Monk is also questionable with left ankle soreness. They are game-time decisions.
The Kings will continue on the road; they’re next stop in San Antonio for a matchup with Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for Sunday November 16 at 1:00 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.
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