The Sacramento Kings hosted the Chicago Bulls on March 20, 2025, at the Golden 1 Center in what turned out to be a significant game for both teams. The Kings entered the matchup fighting for a playoff spot, sitting ninth in the Western Conference standings, just three games ahead of the Phoenix Suns, who were vying for the tenth seed. Conversely, the Bulls were also positioned in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, tied with the Miami Heat, making the stakes high on both ends.
The intensity of the game was palpable, with both teams desperately seeking a win. The Kings had come off a strong victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers just a day prior, while the Bulls were looking to recover from a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The spotlight, however, was firmly on Kings star forward DeMar DeRozan, who entered the matchup on the verge of a historic milestone. Needing just 17 points to reach 25,000 for his career, DeRozan achieved this feat late in the third quarter with a fadeaway mid-range shot, making him the 27th player in NBA history to reach this landmark. This achievement was particularly fitting, given DeRozan's reputation as an elite mid-range shooter. “It hasn’t really hit me,” DeRozan said after the game. “You know, it sucks losing... an honor period to still be able to play this game at a high level.”
Despite DeRozan's individual achievement, the night ended on a sour note for the Kings, who fell to the Bulls with a final score of 128-116. The game saw a dynamic performance from Kevin Huerter, who emerged as a standout against his former team, scoring 25 points along with five rebounds, seven assists, and four steals. Huerter was traded from the Kings to the Bulls in the same deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs earlier in February. His strong showing was a clear signal of motivation as he labeled the game a “one-hundred percent revenge game.”
“That felt good to come out of here with a dub,” Huerter noted, summing up his driven approach for the contest.
Malik Monk led the Kings with an impressive 34 points, shooting five three-pointers in the first quarter alone, while Trey Lyles contributed 22 points off the bench. Despite the significant contributions from his teammates, DeRozan’s performance was overshadowed by the team’s loss. He ended the game with 22 points, four rebounds, and five assists, showing his consistent ability even as he acknowledged the pain of the defeat.
Reflecting on the game, DeRozan recognized the momentum players feel when facing a former team. “He came in here like he had a grudge, and he played like it,” DeRozan commented on Huerter’s performance. “He made big shots.”
The Kings, while disappointed with their loss, were keen to rally in the coming matches. Monk expressed his frustration but also admiration for DeRozan’s milestone, recognizing how exceptional it is to reach such heights in the NBA. “Man, a lot of people don’t even get to the NBA,” Monk reflected. “For him to do that, it’s crazy.”
In a broader context, DeRozan’s accomplishment is not just a personal milestone, but also a testament to a career that has flourished over sixteen seasons. His journey is marked not only by points scored but by the respect he has earned in the league, with his name now etched alongside other basketball greats.
As the Kings and Bulls parted ways, the outcome of the game continued to reflect the unpredictable nature of the NBA, where personal achievements can sometimes be eclipsed by team dynamics. With the playoffs looming, both teams will need to recalibrate and strategize for the challenges ahead in their respective conferences.
The game and its implications resonate well beyond the scoreboard, capturing the essence of competition, rivalry, and the persistent pursuit of greatness that defines the league. For DeRozan, the chase for more points and future accolades continues, while Kingston fans remain hopeful for a turnaround in their season performance.
