Sacramento Kings Play In recap: Short handed Kings capitalize on Golden State 118-94

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) lights the victory beam at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento after defeating the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Play In game on Tue Apr 16, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night. However, it was game 83 for the Kings this season. The Kings finished the regular season on Sunday and found themselves as the #9 seed in the Western Conference.

It was a lackluster finish for the Kings, who went 2-6 over the season’s final eight games. Yet, the Kings had one thing on their minds: revenge. The Kings played the #10-seeded Warriors in the first game of the NBA Play-In Tournament.

The winner would advance to play the loser of the #7-#8 seeded play-in loser for a chance at the #8 seed in the playoffs. The last time the Kings saw the Warriors in post-season action was last season, when the Warriors defeated the Kings in game seven behind a 50-point Stephen Curry performance.

On Tuesday night, the Kings looked to flip the script and send the Warriors home. The game tipped off inside a raucous Golden One Center at 7 PM PST in Sacramento. The Kings defeated the Golden State Warriors 118-94 on Tuesday night.

Game recap: In the first quarter, the Kings started the game looking good. The Kings defense limited the Warriors to only 22 points in the first quarter. On the offensive end of the floor, the Kings managed 31 points in the first. Keegan Murray started the game red-hot for the Kings with 14 first-quarter points. The Warriors got seven points from Draymond Green in the first quarter. The key to the game in the second quarter would be to keep the defensive intensity high.

In the second quarter, the Kings kept the lead going. With 5:30 to go in, the Kings still led the Warriors 46-34. The Warriors struggled until that point to get on an offensive rhythm. However, the Warriors would pull closer as the quarter ended.

The Warriors offense would pick up a bit of a rhythm, ending the first half to come within four points at 54-50. The Kings were outscored by the Warriors 28-23 to go into halftime in much better shape than the end of the first quarter. Jonathan Kuminga would lead the Warriors with 10 points in the first half. Keegan Murray led the Warriors with 14 points.

In the third quarter, the Kings took back the big lead. The Kings dominated the third quarter behind an offensive outburst that saw them outscore the Warriors 37-26. The Kings would take a 91-76 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Kings leading scorer through three quarters was Keegan Murray, who had 26 points. Steph Curry was leading the Warriors through three with 16 points. Could the Kings hold on going into the fourth quarter to defeat the Warriors and send them home for the season?

In the fourth quarter, the Kings didn’t flinch. The Kings kept the pressure on the Warriors and didn’t allow them to get an inch on the offensive end. The Kings outscored the Warriors 27-18 in the final quarter of action.

The loss for the Warriors potentially marked the end of the dynastic run of Curry, Klay Thompson, and Green. Asked postgame, Curry and Green didn’t have many concrete answers other than, “they want to win and do whatever it takes to win.” Murray led the Kings in victory with 32 points. Curry led the Warriors with 22 points.

Up Next: The Kings will travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans in the win or go home final NBA play-in game. The winner is the 8th seed in the Western Conference. Loser goes home. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30pm PDT on Friday night.

Golden State Warriors Play In wrap up: Kings demolish Warriors 118-94 end Warriors’ season

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) takes an off balance shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (right) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Tue Apr 16, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors, the tenth seed in the Western Conference, had to play the ninth seed, the Sacramento Kings, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. The winner of the game would play the loser of the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans.

The Warriors played well on the road and were 16-4 in the last 20 games away from the Chase Center. The Kings were seeking revenge as the Warriors beat them in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.

That loss to the Warriors left a bad taste in the mouths of the Kings’ players. The Kings got their revenge as they blew away the Warriors to earn the right to play the Pelicans on Friday night in New Orleans. The final score was 118-94. 

The Warriors had one of their worst games in the 2023-2024 season. The Warriors committed too many turnovers in the first half. Their defense was non-existent. The offense went to sleep. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson put five points on the board in the first half. Curry made the five points. Thompson was scoreless.

Warriors fans counted on Thompson and Curry to lead the charge in the second half. That did not happen. Curry finished with 22 points. Curry did not make a basket and finished the game scoreless. I don’t remember Thompson being held to zero points in a game. The margin of victory over the Warriors was the largest since 2006. 

The Warriors led 8-6 early in the first quarter. The Kings went ahead 11-8 and never relinquished the lead. Sacramento finished the first quarter leading 31-22. The Kings led by 14, 48-34. The Warrior’s offense began to click, and they closed the deficit to four points at the end of the first half. The Kings led 54-50.

The Warriors made a run early in the second half to trail by one, 56-55. The Kings’ fans were starting to squirm. The Warriors, famous for owning the third quarter, had the tables turned on them. The Kings’ offense came to life. Keegan Murray continued to make shots. Murray had 14 points in the first quarter and four threes in the first half and continued hitting shots from downtown. Sabonis continued to clog the middle and block shots. Sabonis finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. 

The Kings won the third quarter 37-26 to lead by 15, 91-76.

The rout was on. Sacramento continued to stop the Warrior offense. Domantas Sabonis, Harrison Barnes, Murray, and D’Aaron Fox made key buckets. The Warriors’ offense went to sleep. The game was over when the Kings led 105-86 with 5:29 left to play.

Game Notes: The Warriors’ season is over. Many people are now speculating about the team’s future. Thompson will be a free agent. Thompson had expressed interest in finishing his Hall of Fame career with Golden State. Hopefully, the Warriors’ management and Thompson can agree soon.

Other players may be elsewhere next year, including Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Dario Saric, and Kevon Looney. Wiggins’s scoring went down this year. Wiggins is owed a bundle of money, and the Warriors may trade him to reduce payroll.

The veteran playmaker Chris Paul is 38 years old. Letting Paul seek employment elsewhere will also reduce payroll significantly. Saric was relegated to the bench due to Trayce Jackson-Davis’s improvement at the center position.

Saric earned a little, but he probably did better elsewhere. Kevon Looney was the starter at the center spot early in the season. The Warriors’ head coach adjusted his rotation later in the season. Looney became a fixture on the second unit. Looney never complained and stayed ready even though his minutes on the court were diminished. 

Murray led his team to the Friday night game against the Pelicans. Murray finished the game with 32 points and connected on nine threes. Former Warriors Harrison Barnes added 17. Keon Ellis, an undrafted rookie from Alabama, had 15 points and made three threes. Fox added 24. Malik Monk, who torched the Warriors, was unavailable due to an injury. The Kings’ Kevin Huerter was also unavailable.

The Warriors will now watch the playoffs from their homes.Curry will play for the United States at the Olympics in Paris, France, this summer.

It was a remarkable season. The Warriors needed help finding their rhythm early in the season. They lost games when they had big leads heading into the fourth quarter. They got into gear when Kerr put Jackson-Davis into the second unit.

Thompson, a starter for his entire career, was sent to the bench. Thompson responded by getting back to the player of old. Jonathan Kuminga raised his game to a higher level. Brandin Podziemski, picked 19th in the first round, exceeded expectations. Podziemski played well on both ends of the court. Moses Moody, fighting for playing time, will be someone the Warriors will play more next year. Moody gave the Warriors a spark in the third quarter. 

The Warriors played better on the road this season. They won two more games than they did last year. The competition in the Western Conference has caught up with the Warriors. The OKC Thunder finished as the one seed in the Conference.

The Denver Nuggets, with Nikola Jokic, are preparing to repeat as NBA Champions. The Minnesota Timberwolves are right behind those two teams in talent. The Wolves are built around Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Houston Rockets are on the rise. 

The Kings beat the Pelicans on Friday to become the eighth seed. If they win, they will face the number one seed, the OKC Thunder. 

That’s it for the season. It was very interesting to watch the Warriors in 2023-2024. Let’s hope they draft some players to return them to the top.

Adios

Sacramento Kings game wrap: Kings host Warriors for play in on Tuesday at Golden 1; Beat Blazers Sunday 121-82

The Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) shown after making a three point shot in the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Sun Apr 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday afternoon for the final game of the season. After losing to the Pelicans at home on Friday, the Kings welcomed the Portland Trail Blazers to town. The Kings were fighting for position in the play-in-game while Portland was already eliminated.

The Kings were looking for a win and a Lakers loss to be the 8th seed in the Western Conference. Also of note in the matchup was Kings Keegan Murray facing off against twin brother Kris Murray.

It was the second time the two faced each other in the NBA. The Kings and Trail Blazers tipped off at 12:30 PM PST inside Golden One Center. The Kings defeated the Trail Blazers on Sunday 121-82 to secure the 9th seed in the Western Conference.

In the first quarter, the Blazers appeared outmatched against the Kings. The Blazers were only able to score 18 points in the first quarter. Portland shot an abysmal 1-19 on three-point attempts in the first quarter. On the other hand, the Kings offense was going strong early. The Kings scored 30 points to take the quick first-quarter lead. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings in the first quarter with eight points and two steals. The Kings would lead 30-19.

In the second quarter, the Kings started the process to route the Trail Blazers. The Kings offense took off to outscore the Blazers 35-19. The Kings would lead going into halftime 65-37. The Kings offense was on fire as Portland couldn’t muster anything to stop the Kings. The story was less about the Kings defense and the inability of Portland to put the ball in the hoop. The Kings would look to keep the pressure on in the second half to come away with the victory.

In the second half, the Kings completed the route with ease. The Kings outscored the Trail Blazers in the second half by a combined 56-45. It was clear that the Portland Trail Blazers had nothing left to play for in the season. The Kings took care of business by defeating the Blazers 121-82.

In the second half, Delano Banton was ejected from the game after a technical foul and altercation in which he dropped his shoulder into a Kings defender. Other than the ejection, the second half was very uninteresting. The Kings emptied their bench after the third quarter. The Kings best performance in the game came from De’Aaron Fox, who scored 24 points. Delano Banton led the Trail Blazers with 17 points.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home to take on the Golden State Warriors in the 9-10 seed NBA Play-In Game on Tuesday at 7PM.

Durant leads the way with 28 pts and Nurkic puts game away with free throws as Suns beat Kings 108-107

Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) plays defense against the Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) in first half action at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Friday night in Sacramento. The Kings welcomed the Phoenix Suns into town for the second to last game of the regular season. The Suns were coming off a rest day after last playing on Wednesday night.

The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back after playing on Thursday night. The Kings lost to the Pelicans on Thursday night 135-123. On Friday, the Kings and Suns tipped off at 7:40 PM PST inside Golden One Center. The Kings lost to the Suns 108-107.

In the first quarter, the Kings defense came out strong. The Kings held the Suns to only 22 points in the first quarter. The Kings came out of the gate with much more physicality than they did in the game a night prior against the Pelicans. The Kings offense would put up 27 points in the first quarter to take the quick lead. The Kings would go into the second quarter leading by five points, 27-25. Domas Sabonis was the Kings leading scorer after the first with 11 points.

In the second quarter, the Kings were able to extend the lead. The Kings outscored the Suns in the second quarter 27-23 to extend the lead to nine points going into halftime. The Kings defense managed to hold the Suns to a sub-50 point first half, only allowing 45 points. The Kings would score 54 points in the first half to take a 54-45 lead into halftime. The Kings were led in scoring in the first quarter by Domas Sabonis, who scored 16 points. Leading the way in the first half for the Suns was Kevin Durant, who scored 18 points.

In the third quarter, the Suns were able to come back and bring the game a bit closer heading to the fourth quarter. The Suns outscored the Kings 33-31 in the third quarter to cut the lead to seven points. The Kings would lead going into the fourth quarter 85-78. Kevin Durant was leading the Suns through three quarters with 24 points. Domas Sabonis was leading the Kings heading into the fourth with 25 points. The Kings would need to find the energy to hold off the Suns in the final quarter of action.

In the fourth quarter, the game took an all too familiar turn for Kings fans. The Kings were up four points with 1:02 seconds left in the game. Domantas Sabonis made an errant pass that was picked off by Bradley Beal and scored at the other end. From that point, the Kings could never regain control of the game. The Kings would go onto lose after turning the ball over on the final possession of the game 108-107. The Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 30-22. The Kings were led in defeat by Domas Sabonis who scored 25 points. Kevin Durant led the Suns to victory with 28 points.

Up Next: The Kings will stay home for the final game of the regular season on Sunday. The Kings will take on the Portland Trail Blazers at 12:30 PM PST.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Every game counts for Kings in efforts to make post season

The Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1) takes a jump shot against the Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) and guard DeAaron Fox (5) in the first half at Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Sun Apr 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony R:

#1  With only a handful of games left in the regular season, Sunday night’s game at Barclays Center mattered for the Sacramento Kings and they played like it did, dominating the Brooklyn Nets 107-77 and regaining the eighth seed.

#2 Sacramento’s 30-point blowout win came after back-to-back road losses that caused them to slip to the ninth seed in the Western Conference.

#3 DeAaron Fox scored a team-leading 20 points and Domantas Sabonis had 18 points and 20 rebounds to extend his double-doubles streak to 61 games, the seventh longest in NBA history.

#4 Brooklyn made a comeback effort in the third quarter, outscoring Sacramento 24-13 and cutting the Kings’ lead to 78-64. But the Kings responded with an 18-8 run in the first half of the final quarter. Fox made an impressive two-handed alley-oop dunk with 8:23 to go to give the Kings a 86-66 lead.

#5 The Kings (45-33) continue their road trip facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday with tipoff at 5 p.m. PT.’

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

#1

Kings Sabonis adds those double doubles his 61st in row defeats the Nets 107-77

Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) and Keegan Murray forward (13) exchange congratulations against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclay Center in Brooklyn on Sun Apr 7, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jessica Kwong

BROOKLYN, NY. — With only a handful of games left in the regular season, Sunday night’s game at Barclays Center mattered for the Sacramento Kings and they played like it did, dominating the Brooklyn Nets 107-77 and regaining the eighth seed.

Sacramento’s 30-point blowout win came after back-to-back road losses that caused them to slip to the ninth seed in the Western Conference.

“Our guys did what they were supposed to do tonight,” said Kings head coach Mike Brown. “Obviously Brooklyn was short-handed and our guys came in and did a heck of a job defending. What I always say, ‘Let’s play physical’. Our guys did it.”

De-Aaron Fox scored a team-leading 20 points and Domantas Sabonis had 18 points and 20 rebounds to extend his double-doubles streak to 61 games, the seventh longest in NBA history.

The teams were in a head-to-head contest to start the first quarter, but by the end of it, Sacramento led 29-19 after Fox’s 19-foot step back jump shot with a second remaining.

In the second quarter with 4:09 to go, Sabonis made a layup and his 10th point of the game. Then with 2:22 left to go, Sabonis got the rebound on a missed layup by Trendon Watford and extended his double-doubles streak. The Kings made 51.1% of their shots from the field and 43% of their attempts from behind the arc and ended the half up 65-40.

Brooklyn made a comeback effort in the third quarter, outscoring Sacramento 24-13 and cutting the Kings’ lead to 78-64. But the Kings responded with an 18-8 run in the first half of the final quarter. Fox made an impressive two-handed alley-oop dunk with 8:23 to go to give the Kings a 86-66 lead. Sacramento surpassed 100 points with 2:49 remaining, when Kessler Edwards made a triple to put them up 102-74.

“I thought our sprays were fantastic, we were six-for-12 in sprays in the first half and I thought the second half, we continued to spray the basketball. We got good looks in that third quarter. We just couldn’t make a shot, you know,” said Brown.

“But I thought our guys tried to play the right way in the third quarter and then they figured it out in the fourth.”

The Kings shot 34% from the field, which Brown called “good basketball, doesn’t matter who you’re playing against”.

Keegan Murray, who scored 19 points, noted that “every game’s important” given the team’s spot in the standings.

“We just wanted to come out with great energy and effort and I feel like we started that and it just carried over throughout the game,” said Murray. “So I feel like if every single game we start like that, we can be well off.”

Off the bench, Trey Lyles contributed 14 points and Davion Mitchell scored 12.

“I think the main thing is, just keep working on my game. I mean, no matter if I’m playing or not playing, just keep putting the time in and keep being consistent,” said Mitchell. “I mean, shots are going to fall, I need to find a way to put two halves together but we’re going to figure that out.”

When the teams last played against each other on December 11, the Kings scored 25 three-pointers and set a franchise record in the 131-118 win at home.

The Nets (31-48) are outside of playoff contention but have been continuing to show effort. Coming off back-to-back wins, they had hoped to deliver a blow to the Kings in their penultimate home game of the season.

Sacramento had slipped off the eighth seed after consecutive losses on the road against the New York Knicks on Thursday and against the Boston Celtics on Friday. The Kings lost to the Knicks 120-109 and had a painful 101-100 loss to the Celtics after a controversial no-call in the last seconds at TD Garden.

The Kings (45-33) continue their road trip facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday with tipoff at 5 p.m. PT.

Kings blown out by Mavs 132-96

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by the Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis right and forward Keegan Murray (left) in the first half at American Airlines Arena on Tue Mar 26, 2024

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Tuesday night. The Kings welcomed the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. The Kings were on the second night of a back-to-back as they defeated the 76ers on Monday. Dallas was also on the second night of a back-to-back after defeating the Utah Jazz on Monday night. The Kings and Mavs tipped off at 7 PM PST. The Kings were blown out at home by the final of 132-96.

In the first quarter, the Kings and Mavs got off to an uneventful start. The Kings and Mavs both started the game looking a bit tired. It made sense, as both teams were coming off a back-to-back. The Kings scored 28 points in the first quarter. The Mavs scored 31 points in the first quarter to take a quick three-point lead in the game. Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray, and Keon Ellis had seven points in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Mavs were able to extend the lead over the Kings. Granted, the lead would only grow by two points. The Mavs outscored the Kings 27-25 in the second quarter. The Kings really struggled to contain Luka Doncic in the first half, as he scored 26 first-half points. The Kings got a 14-point first half from De’Aaron Fox as he tried to counter Luka Doncic. The Mavs would lead 58-53 over the Kings going into halftime.

In the third quarter, the Mavs ballooned the lead over the Kings. The Mavs outscored the Kings 38-23 in the third quarter. Doncic had a relatively quiet quarter, but it was Kyrie Irving who did the bulk of the damage. Kyrie had 12 points in the third quarter. The Kings would go into the final quarter of action trailing 96-76.

In the fourth quarter, it was all but finished for the Kings. The lead continued to get out of hand as the game came to a conclusion. The Kings would lose the game 132-96. The Kings were outscored in the fourth quarter 36-20. The Kings leading scorer in defeat was De’Aaron Fox, who had 18 points. The Mavs got their best performance from Luka Doncic, who scored 28 points. The Mavs outscored the Kings 74-43 in the second half of the game.

Up Next: More Mavericks. The Kings stay home to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Friday at 7 PM PST inside Golden One Center.

Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria: Sabonis’ 25th triple double joins elite club of NBA players

The Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) is doubled teamed by the Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed (44) and guard Buddy Hield (17) in the second half at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Sacramento Kings podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tyrese Maxey had a game-leading 21 points in the first quarter. Not far behind Maxey was Keegan Murray, who scored 17 points. 

#2 Domantas Sabonis scored his 25th triple double of the season, Sabonis also had 11 points, 13 rebounds, with 10 assists.

#3 Sabonis’ accomplishments makes him the fifth player all time for NBA players who have scored 25 triple doubles or more in a season joining Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson.

#4 Kings head coach Mike Brown said that Sabonis is having a phenomenal. Coach Brown said that Sabonis should have been first, second or third NBA All Star or have earned the MVP. Despite all his work he gets very little national attention.

#5 The Kings host the Dallas Mavericks on tonight at Golden 1. It’s back to back nights for the Kings they have the home court advantage. Mavericks (42-29) have won four in a row coming into tonight’s game and have won seven of their last ten games. The Kings (42-29) have the same identical record as the Mavericks and have won two in a row coming into tonight’s game.

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

Sabonis leads Kings with 25th triple double in 109-107 victory over Magic at Golden 1

The Orlando Magic guard Tyrese Maxey (left) drives to the basket against the Sacramento Kings Domantas Sabonis (right) in the first half at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Mon Mar 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Monday. The Kings were back on the court after an off day on Sunday. The Kings had last played against the Orlando Magic on Saturday in Orlando.

The Kings beat the Magic 109-107. On the other hand, the Kings welcomed the Philadelphia 76ers, who had last played on Sunday in Los Angeles against the Clippers. The 76ers defeated the Clippers 121-107. The Kings and 76ers tipped off at 7 PM PST at Golden One Center. The Kings defeated the 76ers on Monday by the final of 108-96.

In the first quarter, it was the Tyrese Maxey and Keegan Murray show. Tyrese had a game-leading 21 points in the first quarter. Not far behind Maxey was Keegan Murray, who scored 17 points. The Kings outscored the 76ers in the first quarter 31-25. The Kings would look to maintain Maxey in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Kings did a solid job on Tyrese. Maxey only managed five points in the second quarter as the Kings ballooned the lead on the 76ers. The Kings outscored the 76ers 29-23 in the second quarter. The Kings went into halftime leading 60-48. Keegan Murray led the Kings in the first half with 19 points. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 26 points in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued to put pressure on the 76ers. The Kings expanded the lead on the 76ers by outscoring them 23-20. The Kings would go up 83-68 entering the final quarter. The Kings leading scorer through three quarters was Keegan Murray with 21 points. Tyrese Maxey was still the leading scorer for Philly with 26 points. In the third quarter Domas Sabonis recorded his 54th striahgt double-double a league leading record the last 50 years.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings managed to hold on and seal the deal. The Kings held on to defeat the 76ers by the final of 108-96. The Kings were outscored in the final quarter 28-25. The Kings leading scorers in the game were De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray who each had 23 points. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers in defeat with 29 points. The Kings got a much needed win against an opponent they should have beaten on paper without start Joel Embid.

Up Next: The Kings stay home to take on the Dallas Mavs on Tuesday at 7 PM PST.

Kings Lose Critical Game To The Wizards 109-102

The Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (left) is on a mission driving on the Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis to score at the Capital One Center in Washington DC on Thu Mar 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

On Thursday night Sacramento Kings (40-29) suffered a stunning loss to the Washington Wizards (12-58) who are currently the worst team in the NBA 109-102 at the Capital One Center. The Kings had a miserable first and third quarter. Their offense was sadly lacking in those quarters.

De’Aaron Fox finished with 25 points, 13 of those points coming in the fourth quarter but it was just not enough to get past the Wizards. Sacramento had squandered a golden opportunity with the Pelicans losing to the Magic.

Game recap: The rest did not do much for the Sacramento starters coming out stale in the opening quarter. They did not hit a single three in the first quarter. The Wizards led after the first twelve minutes 35-27.

Sacramento was unable to hit a three until 8:33 in the second quarter and the Wizards continued to build their lead. With under six minutes left in the half, the Wizards had a 54-36 lead.

The Kings needed some offense and they were not getting very much continually turning the ball over. Sacramento was missing Trey Lyles, and Kevin Huerter. In the late minutes of the second quarter the Kings were on the move with 4:20 left in the half.

They cut the Washington lead from 20 to 14. A single digit lead at halftime were in the Kings sights making this game manageable. Sacramento was missing short the entire first half and they also unable to make very many stops.

The Kings began to get those stops and they also got some great offense storming back on a 18-0 run tying up the game at 54. At the half the Wizards led 56-54. Sacramento had turned a 20 point deficit to two points and we had a brand new game.

The Kings had stopped the bleeding in the later minutes of the second quarter. De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk each had 10 points in the half. Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes were on the verge of double digits and Sacramento had gotten this game under control.

Sacramento had a rough start in the third quarter falling behind by 15 points. The Wizards are the worst third quarter team in the league but the Kings were not taking advantage of this deficiency and Head Coach Mike Brown was forced to take an early timeout.

The Kings struggled throughout the third quarter and continued to search for answers in this nightmarish quarter trailing 84-76. The Wizards won the third quarter 28-22 but the Kings had cut the 15 point lead, in an 8-0 run, to 8 points. They were finally looking like they were back on track going into the fourth quarter.

As in the second quarter, the Kings got going in the fourth quarter going on a 15-0 sprint now trailing by a single point 84-83. In the fourth quarter Fox who is third in the league in scoring would do his best to carry his team on his back and the Kings would need him to finish off Washington.

With 7:00 left in the game Fox had already hit three three’s and two shots inside the paint. The Kings just could not get enough stops and their offense fell short in a stunning 109-102 loss to the Washington Wizards.

The Wizards had won their 12th game this season. The Kings had squandered a golden opportunity with the Pelicans losing to the Magic. Sacramento had the opportunity to pull to within one game of fifth place.

Fox finished with 25 points and off the bench Monk had 20 points. Sacramento shot 28% from beyond the arc and when the Kings are struggling from downtown they have a rough time winning.

Post game notes: The Kings traveled to Washington Thursday night to take on the Wizards after trouncing the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night to the tune of 123-89. How would they come out in this game after the amazing effort last night? The Kings starters were able to rest in the fourth quarter of that game looking ahead to Wednesday’s game.

Saturday night the Kings continue on the road traveling to Orlando taking on the Magic in a very tough matchup. They have to put this unexpected loss behind them and get back on track. This game is scheduled for 4:00 PM.