The Sacramento Kings ended their 2024-25 season in embarrassing fashion, losing 120-106 to the Dallas Mavericks at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on April 16, 2025. The Mavericks outplayed the Kings in nearly every way imaginable, making it a shameful way to conclude the season in front of their home crowd.
The game truly turned in the second quarter when the Mavericks outscored the Kings 44-19. Klay Thompson was on fire, scoring 16 points in that quarter alone and finishing the game with 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. He added five rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block while finishing the night with a team-best +31 in the plus-minus column. His efficient night helped fuel a balanced attack for his squad.
DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 33 points and took the most shots, attempting 28 field goals. Despite his efforts, the Kings looked completely outmatched and discombobulated throughout the game. They committed 18 turnovers, with a staggering 10 occurring in the second quarter as they explored new and interesting ways to end possessions without a shot attempt.
Brandon Williams, a name that might not ring a bell for many, had a solid performance off the bench for the Mavericks, scoring 17 points in just 17 minutes of play. He shot 5-of-8 from the field and was a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, adding five assists to his stat line. P.J. Washington also contributed significantly, finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, and four assists despite shooting just 5-of-15 from the field.
Meanwhile, the Kings struggled to find their rhythm. Zach LaVine added 20 points and dished out nine assists but had a tough night with turnovers, not attempting a single free throw. Domantas Sabonis managed a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds but also turned the ball over five times, finishing with a team-worst -26 plus-minus rating.
As the game progressed, it became increasingly clear that the Kings were unable to handle the Mavericks' size and length, a recurring theme throughout the season. The loss highlighted the issues plaguing the Kings, especially in the wake of the De'Aaron Fox trade. The team is poorly constructed and has an incredibly low ceiling while being full of veterans on bloated contracts.
Despite the loss, there was a silver lining for the Kings. This defeat gives them a sliver of a chance to keep their first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. However, fans are left wondering how the Kings will utilize this opportunity, with many anticipating they might use it on yet another guard.
On the other hand, the Mavericks celebrated a vital victory that secures their playoff aspirations. With this win, they will face the Memphis Grizzlies for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs. The Mavericks have had their struggles this season, but this performance showed they can still compete at a high level when it matters most.
As the Kings reflect on a disappointing season, major changes will be needed in the offseason. The team has a lot of questions to answer, including how to build a more competitive roster and whether they can turn things around in the near future. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the front office responds to this season's shortcomings.
In conclusion, the Kings' loss to the Mavericks was not just a game; it was a reflection of the struggles that have plagued the franchise for years. As they head into the offseason, the Kings must make significant changes to avoid repeating the same mistakes and to finally give their loyal fanbase something to cheer about.
