The Sacramento Kings staged an impressive comeback against the Golden State Warriors on January 22, 2025, overcoming an 18-point deficit to secure a thrilling 123-117 victory. With this win, the Kings continued their streak of strong performances, bringing their record to ten wins in the last eleven games.
Dominant on the night, DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 32 points, including 19 points scored during the pivotal third quarter of the game. Joining him, Domantas Sabonis had another standout performance, tallying 26 points and pulling down 18 rebounds during the game. Meanwhile, Malik Monk contributed significantly with 20 points and nine assists, and DeAaron Fox rounded out the scoring with 14 points.
The game unfolded at the Golden 1 Center, where both teams were eager to exhibit their prowess. The Kings appeared to struggle early, as the Warriors, led by Andrew Wiggins' 25 points and Buddy Hield’s 17, managed to build a comfortable 65-48 lead at halftime, fueled largely by their incredible three-point shooting.
But the night took a dramatic turn as the Kings entered the third quarter. Under coach Doug Christie’s leadership, the Kings ramped up their defensive efforts. The first half saw them trailing, with concerns over their defensive slowdowns evident. “I thought we were a little step slow in the first half on rotations,” Christie remarked postgame. His halftime adjustments proved effective as the Kings exploded for 37 points in the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors by 17.
DeRozan, who typically reserves his offensive bursts for the final quarter, took it upon himself to energize the team early this time. “Usually, I kinda wait for the fourth quarter for those moments, but we needed it in the third,” he said, highlighting the importance of stepping up at the right time.
While the Kings established their dominant presence, the Warriors—despite their early success—stagnated significantly. Their hot shooting from behind the arc dwindled. After making 14 of 26 three-point attempts during the first half, the Warriors fell cold, managing just 1 of 10 shooting from beyond the arc during the third quarter.
The momentum shifted palpably during this stretch. Tied heading to the fourth quarter, the game was up for grabs. The Warriors, still feeling the sting of losses and missing key players, including Draymond Green, could not find their rhythm. Green's absence due to injury was felt as the Warriors struggled to contain the Kings' resurgence.
Despite the Warriors coming out strong in the fourth quarter, hitting their first four three-point attempts, DeRozan and Sabonis continued to pour it on for Sacramento. With the game neck-and-neck, DeAaron Fox, who faced some challenges finding his shooting touch early on, managed to score key points to push the Kings over the edge.
With the clock winding down and the score tight at 113-111 with just over one minute left, the Kings rallied with an 8-0 run, capped by Fox's layup, putting them firmly back in control as the fans erupted with joy at the accomplishment.
Postgame, Sabonis acknowledged the team’s growth, stating, “We’ve seen ourselves become more aggressive, and when we lock-in defensively, it shows on the court.” His double-double not only propelled the Kings to victory but also underscored the importance of his and DeRozan's performances throughout the night.
The Kings made 30 of 32 free throws, capitalizing on opportunities at the line and eliminating the Warriors’ chances to regain the momentum. The victory propelled them to 7-0 at home, showcasing their strength at Golden 1 Center.
Looking forward, the Kings prepared to travel for six consecutive games, starting with their next match against the Denver Nuggets, highlighting the challenges of maintaining their form on the road. Coach Christie noted the difficulty of playing back-to-back games, pointing jokingly to the challenges presented by the Nuggets, stating, “I feel like it’s a setup in some typa way.”
The Kings' resilience and tactical adjustments highlight their potential as they strive for playoff contention. Their combination of strong leadership, pivotal performances from their star players, and the growing chemistry on the court has fans and analysts alike optimistic about the Kings' future.