The Sacramento Kings delivered a stunning performance on January 5, 2025, obliterated the Golden State Warriors with a decisive 129-99 victory at Chase Center, extending their winning streak to four games.
This victory was particularly impressive for the Kings, who had to take the floor without their star guard De’Aaron Fox due to a right glute contusion. Yet, instead of faltering, the Kings seemed to tap deep reserves of motivation and skill, punishing the Warriors for their defensive errors.
During this matchup, Sacramento took control from the start. They quickly capitalized on the Warriors’ eight first-quarter turnovers, notching five three-pointers from their first twelve attempts. Kings center Domantas Sabonis established himself early on with eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists by the end of the opening period, setting the tone for what was to come.
Despite Stephen Curry’s 26-point effort for Golden State, the Warriors’ offense struggled to find its rhythm all night long. The Kings led by as many as 39 points—this significant victory marked Sacramento’s largest margin of victory over the Warriors at their home since the franchise’s relocation to California’s capital city in 1985.
Under the temporary leadership of interim coach Doug Christie, after the firing of longtime head coach Mike Brown, the Kings have revamped their approach. They have benefited from the fresh energy brought about by Christie, and this was evident on the court as the team executed its game plan with purpose.
At halftime, Sacramento held a 24-point lead and maintained its intensity throughout the third quarter, extending the advantage over Golden State. They closed the third period with a comfortable 105-75 lead, effectively shutting the door on any hopes of a Warriors comeback.
One of the breakout stars of the night was Malik Monk, who stepped up incredibly well filling the void left by Fox. Monk not only scored 26 points but also tied his career-high with 12 assists—an extraordinary feat reflecting his playmaking skills. He was instrumental throughout the game, showcasing his three-point shooting ability and pushing the pace of the game.
Domantas Sabonis also had his share of the spotlight, contributing 22 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. The Kings' offense flourished as they shot 58% from the field and knocked down over 47% of their attempts from behind the arc. By exploiting the Warriors’ mistakes, the Kings converted 34 points off 22 turnovers committed by Golden State.
Even rookie Devin Carter, returning from injury, made contributions off the bench, adding 13 points and seven rebounds, hinting at the emergence of yet another young talent willing to contribute to this revitalized Kings squad.
Keegan Murray also returned to action after missing two games due to ankle soreness, providing depth from the perimeter as he hit three of his eight three-point attempts.
With this significant victory, the Sacramento Kings improved to 17-19 on the season, inching closer to the .500 mark. Having dropped six consecutive games prior to this winning streak, the team’s resurgence provides renewed hope and excitement for fans. The Kings now have their eyes set on not just reaching the postseason but aiming for higher ground.
Looking ahead, Sacramento is set to face the Miami Heat on January 6, 2025, at home—a game sure to be exciting as both teams feature high-profile players. With the Heat missing star Jimmy Butler due to suspension, it presents another opportunity for the Kings to keep the momentum going.
Following their dominant display against the Warriors, the Kings find themselves inspired and eager as they prepare for the upcoming matchups, showcasing the potential within their roster to compete and captivate audiences year-round.