The Sacramento Kings delivered a stunning performance, overcoming the challenges of missing key players to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 123-119 in a thrilling game on March 19, 2025, at the Golden 1 Center.
Despite being without All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, guard Zach LaVine and forward Jake LaRavia, the Kings rallied together, showcasing resilience and determination. DeMar DeRozan led the charge with a game-high 27 points, while rookie Devin Carter contributed a career-best 16 points to help the team secure a crucial victory.
Coming into the game, the Kings (35-33) faced the daunting task of meeting the best team in the NBA, the Cavaliers, with a three-game win streak. Nonetheless, they demonstrated their capability with a well-rounded offensive and defensive effort throughout.
Initially, the Kings struggled offensively, shooting a dismal 17% from the field in the first quarter, trailing 22-15 at the end of the period. However, with resilience, they adjusted, scoring 14 points from Malik Monk in the first half to remain within reach of the Cavaliers, who led 56-47 at the halftime buzzer.
In the third period, the Kings ignited a transformation, fueled by a stunning 38-18 run that saw them take a decisive 90-88 lead into the final quarter. Carter was pivotal during this stretch, contributing ten points and two steals. The Kings showcased a seamless offensive integration, with all nine players who entered the game scoring before the end of the first half.
While Sacramento faced a resurgence from Cleveland's Evan Mobley, who tallied 31 points and 10 rebounds, Sacramento’s teamwork prevailed as they closed out the game with remarkable poise. The Kings pushed through four lead changes in the final frame, with DeRozan coming alive when it mattered most, netting 11 points during the fourth quarter alone.
“This is a baseline for who the Sacramento Kings are,” interim coach Doug Christie remarked. He added, “If that’s what we continue to solidify, ultimately we start to grow and be everything our fans and our organization want us to be.”
The Kings finished the game shooting 16-of-35 from beyond the arc (45%), which improved their record to 16-3 when shooting better than 40% from three-point range this season. Teeing off important shots were Malik Monk with 22 points and Keegan Murray, who finished with 13 points.
“My teammates just gave me the confidence to go out there and play my game,” Carter commented on his performance. “Being down a few guys, I knew I would get [more minutes] tonight. I just tried to make the most of it.” His integration into the line-up proved vital, especially when spreading the floor alongside perimeter players such as DeRozan and Monk.
Furthermore, the Kings’ defensive strategies curbed Cleveland’s prominent scorers late in the match, thwarting the Cavaliers’ ability to capitalize on their chances. The Kings knifed to the basket to build a four-point cushion late, sealing the win with clutch plays in the final seconds.
It was an emotional win for Sacramento, which had just battled through a four-game losing streak. Thanks to this victory, they moved three games ahead of the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks in the jostling for a playoff position in the Western Conference.
The Kings are aiming for a solid performance as they approach the end of the regular season, with just 14 matches left to play. They will face the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, March 20, 2025, looking to build on this momentum.
Domantas Sabonis (ankle) will miss at least ten days due to his recent injury suffered during Monday’s game against Memphis, while Zach LaVine was inactive due to personal reasons. The Kings are hopeful to have both players back soon, especially as they prepare for the playoffs.
The Kings’ resounding victory against the Cavaliers is a testament to their squad depth and ability to step up when key players are missing. Their success in this matchup demonstrates their potential when they unite as a team, prepped to face any competition.
