In a compelling matchup at the Golden 1 Center, the Sacramento Kings faced off against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in a game that was charged with significance for both teams, not to mention the individual milestones achieved. While the Kings were looking to strengthen their position in the Play-In race, it was the visiting Bulls who ultimately grabbed victory, beating the Kings 128-116.
The night began with great anticipation, especially since it marked the return of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine to Sacramento after their trades to the Kings. DeRozan had his own story to tell; not only was this a reunion with his former team, but he was also approaching a significant career milestone, needing just 17 points to reach 25,000 career points. As he entered the game with 24,983 points, the focus shifted back to LaVine, who had missed the previous game due to personal reasons.
The showdown sparked right from the start, with both teams coming off back-to-back games. The pace was staggering—within the first two minutes, the teams combined for 18 points. Yet, it was clear early on that Sacramento was relying heavily on their perimeter shooting. Malik Monk caught fire, nailing four three-pointers in the first few minutes, while his teammate Trey Lyles added another three to help Sacramento establish an early offensive rhythm.
By the end of the first quarter, the Kings had made an astonishing 11 out of their total 12 baskets from beyond the arc. Despite this hot start, the Bulls fought back, capitalizing on their shots inside the paint, going an impressive 17-28 during the first half. Coby White, soaring to a career-best performance, started to take control. The Kings’ initial advantage began to dwindle, and the contest turned into a back-and-forth affair as the Bulls clawed their way back.
As the second quarter progressed, Bulls coach Billy Donovan urged his squad to focus, and slowly but surely Chicago began to find their footing. The Kings, who shot 13-27 from three-point range in the first half, were momentarily stymied, while White managed to propel the Bulls toward a tighter scoreline. Kevin Huerter, who had faced his own former team in this game, drained crucial buckets to keep the Kings in a competitive position, but the Bulls steadily threatened the Kings’ lead.
The Bulls’ comeback truly picked up steam in the second half, with White becoming a menace, ultimately scoring 35 points and leading Chicago to the lead as they erased a 19-point deficit. In the third quarter, Coby White ignited the crowd with a spectacular play that not only leveled the score but also showcased his burgeoning talent as he secured an and-one layup against DeRozan. It wasn’t long before he hit a remarkable 28-foot shot to give the Bulls an edge.
Ultimately, it was Kevin Huerter who dealt a double-digit blow against his former team, clocking crucial three-pointers that established an insurmountable lead late in the fourth quarter. Huerter finished the night with 25 points, while White, through sheer will and determination, closed out the game effectively by adding 17 points in the fourth quarter alone.
In stark contrast, DeRozan and LaVine struggled offensively for Sacramento. At times, it felt as if they were shadows of their All-Star selves, each failing to instill the same scoring prowess they were known for in Chicago. LaVine only recorded 8 points on a disquieting 2-for-9 shooting, which provoked questions about his wellbeing after having missed the previous match. Meanwhile, DeRozan, even in his moment of glory reaching the 25,000 career points milestone, had an uncharacteristically off night shooting. With just 10 points, he fought for rhythm amidst the offensive chaos, further adding to the bitter disappointment for the Kings.
Despite the determination displayed by Sacramento, their inconsistency cost them dearly, particularly on the defensive end. The Kings allowed the Bulls to exploit their defenses excessively down low—an area where they had previously been dominant. Under average circumstances, the Kings would capitalize on such opportunities, especially since the Bulls entered the game with struggles defensively; however, the tides didn’t turn in favor of Sacramento this time.
As the dust settled, the Kings faced reality—exiting this contest with an eye on what needs improvement moving forward. With a record of 11-10 since trading LaVine, they now find themselves at another crossroads. Meanwhile, the Bulls, with interim confidence after winning 5 of their last 7 matches, march on, buoyed by their victorious night. Now both teams can reflect and refocus, with each game taking on more significance as the season progresses.
For the Kings, maintaining hope hinges on capturing upcoming contests, particularly as they battle toward a coveted spot in the Play-In tournament. It’s clear that DeRozan’s achievement against his old team, while overshadowed by the game’s outcome, will stand as a testament to his legacy in the NBA.
