SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning streak by defeating the Sacramento Kings 137-117 on March 19, 2025, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the NBA.
The Cavaliers, boasting a remarkable record of 56-11, came into the matchup looking to secure their 12th consecutive road win against a Kings team that has been struggling with injuries. The game took place at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, tipping off at 10 p.m. EDT.
Leading the Cavaliers was their star guard, Donovan Mitchell, who not only played but thrived, scoring 28 points and providing critical playmaking for his team. Mitchell has been one of the key figures for Cleveland, averaging 24.1 points per game this season. His offensive prowess was on full display, shooting 50% from beyond the arc and contributing significantly to the team’s average of 122.5 points per game, which is among the highest in the league.
Much to the detriment of the Kings, star big man Domantas Sabonis was sidelined with a moderate right ankle sprain—an injury he sustained against Memphis just days prior. His absence was felt profoundly, given his average of 19.2 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, placing him at the top of the league in rebounds. Coach Doug Christie faced an uphill battle in overcoming Sabonis's absence, stating, "When opportunity presents itself that’s why we’re a team. It’s not an individual sport. It's a team sport. So we need to come together as a team this evening," reported by The Associated Press.
Entering the game, the Kings held a record of 34-33, clinging to the ninth seed in the Western Conference playoff chase without key contributors like Zach LaVine, who missed the game for personal reasons. With the team’s depth tested, they were unable to sufficiently counter Cleveland’s dynamic offensive attack. The Kings' defense has been a concern all season, ranked 20th in the league by allowing 115.6 points per game.
The Cavaliers’ offense, known for its efficiency, ranked second in the league in scoring and ranked first in shooting from three-point range at an impressive 38.7%. Leading up to this matchup, they had maintained an 11-game road winning streak, further showcasing their capability to perform outside their home arena.
Darius Garland's absence due to rest did not hinder the Cavaliers’ momentum; they were still able to offer substantial scoring support from players like Max Strus, who rose to the occasion by making key three-pointers to add to his growing reputation as a sharpshooter.
Throughout the game, Cleveland set a fast pace that the Kings could not keep up with. The Cavaliers' strong rebounding, especially led by Jarrett Allen, helped them out-rebounds margin, a critical aspect of controlling the game's tempo. Allen averaged 10.2 rebounds per game, ensuring that Cleveland capitalized on second-chance opportunities while limiting those for Sacramento.
Despite the Kings’ struggle in close games, holding a weak 4-7 record in one-possession games this season, there were bright spots. Players like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine—part of a core that battled injuries—made noteworthy contributions when they were on the floor. DeRozan averaged 22.2 points while LaVine, since joining the team from the Chicago Bulls, averaged 22.5 points over his last 10 outings.
As the game progressed, it became clear that the Cavaliers were on a path to victory, thanks to their disciplined play and effective shooting. The Kings' shooting struggles were evident throughout the match, exacerbated by their defensive shortcomings. Ultimately, Cleveland demonstrated why they are the current first seed in the Eastern Conference and a serious contender for the championship.
With this matchup, the Cavaliers stood firm in their goals for the playoffs, eager to maintain their dominant form as they chase their championship aspirations. For the Kings, the road ahead appeared increasingly challenging, particularly with significant injuries and their need to rally for critical wins to keep playoff hopes alive.
In summary, the Cavaliers' 137-117 win over the Kings not only marked the continuation of their impressive 11-game road streak but also highlighted the challenges facing the Kings without their major star players as they struggle to find cohesion on the court.
