The Sacramento Kings faced off against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night in a critical Play-In Tournament matchup, with both teams vying for a chance to extend their season. The stakes were high: the winner would advance to play the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth seed in the Western Conference and a shot at the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. Conversely, the loser would see their playoff hopes dashed, marking the start of the offseason.
As the game tipped off at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, the Kings were riding high after finishing the regular season with a victory over the Phoenix Suns, which secured them the ninth seed in the West. However, they were dealt a significant blow heading into the matchup, as they would be without two key players: Malik Monk and Jake LaRavia. Monk, who has been a vital contributor throughout the season, was ruled out due to a calf injury and is expected to miss the entire Play-In Tournament if the Kings advance. LaRavia, meanwhile, was sidelined with a thumb injury, further depleting Sacramento's roster.
On the other side of the court, the Mavericks were also dealing with their share of injuries but appeared to be in a slightly better position. The team had listed four players on their injury report, with Anthony Davis being the headline name. Davis was listed as probable due to a left adductor strain but was expected to play, a relief for Dallas fans who have seen their star player struggle with injuries this season. Joining Davis on the injury report were Brandon Williams, who was questionable with an oblique strain, while Kyrie Irving and Olivier-Maxence Prosper were ruled out due to injuries sustained earlier in the season.
The game started with both teams feeling each other out, but it quickly became clear that the Mavericks were ready to capitalize on their opportunities. The Kings, despite their higher seed, struggled to find their rhythm, and by the end of the first quarter, they held a slim 29-27 lead. However, the second quarter would prove to be the turning point of the game.
Klay Thompson, who had a rough outing in last year's Play-In Tournament against the Kings, came out firing. The veteran guard scored 16 points in the second quarter alone, hitting four three-pointers in a three-minute stretch that propelled the Mavericks to a commanding 53-39 lead. The Mavericks outscored the Kings 44-19 in the second quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach before halftime. By the time the teams headed to the locker room, Dallas had established a 73-46 advantage.
In the second half, the Kings attempted to mount a comeback, but the Mavericks' defense was relentless. Anthony Davis, despite some early struggles, found his footing, contributing 27 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. The Kings' best player, Domantas Sabonis, had a quiet night, finishing with just 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting, a stark contrast to his typical performance. The Mavericks' length and defensive intensity stifled Sacramento's offensive flow, limiting their scoring opportunities.
Brandon Williams, who had recently signed a contract with the Mavericks, made a significant impact off the bench, scoring 17 points and dishing out five assists without committing a turnover. His performance highlighted the depth of the Mavericks' roster, which had been bolstered by the return of players who had struggled with injuries earlier in the season. Williams' energy and playmaking ability were crucial in maintaining the Mavericks' lead, especially as they sought to exploit the Kings' defensive weaknesses.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Kings found themselves unable to close the gap. The Mavericks maintained their defensive pressure, and as the game neared its conclusion, many Kings fans began to exit the arena, resigned to the reality of their team's impending elimination. The final score read 120-106 in favor of the Mavericks, who celebrated their victory as they advanced in the Play-In Tournament.
With the win, the Mavericks now prepare to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, April 18, 2025, with the eighth seed in the playoffs on the line. If they secure a victory against Memphis, they will move on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Mavericks, who have battled injuries and roster changes throughout the season.
As the Kings exit the postseason early, they will reflect on a season filled with highs and lows, including the mid-season trade of De'Aaron Fox, their franchise guard. The team will need to regroup and reassess their strategy as they head into the offseason.
In summary, the Mavericks' depth and the standout performances from Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson proved too much for the Kings to handle. With their playoff aspirations dashed, Sacramento will now look ahead to what changes may come in the offseason, while Dallas aims to build on this momentum as they continue their playoff journey.
