The Sacramento Kings’ franchise-record 15th straight loss didn’t just sting — it reopened every old wound this organization has spent decades trying to heal.
Sactown Sports’ Matt George put it plainly while reflecting on what the defeat represents in the broader scope of Kings history.
“The greatest show on court was just a flash — a moment — in the long, painful, dreadful history of the Kings, both in and outside of Sacramento,” George said following Thursday’s record-setting 15th consecutive loss–a 37-point drubbing at the hands of the Orlando Magic at Golden 1 Center.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: (R-L) DeMar DeRozan #10 and Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Sacramento Kings sit on the bench at the end of the game in their loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA play-in tournament game at Golden 1 Center on April 16, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
What began as a mid-season slide has spiraled into a franchise record losing streak, one that comes just a few years removed from the Beam Team revival that briefly lifted the organization out of its darkness.
Instead of progress, the Sacramento Kings find themselves back in a familiar place–the bottom.
Sacramento hasn’t won a game since January 16th, owning the NBA’s worst record at 12-45 with 25 games remaining in the regular season.
The NBA Draft Lottery is anything but kind to the team with the worst record (the past three lottery results have dropped the worst record to the fifth spot), but the Sacramento Kings aren’t showing any signs of changing their ways.
This version of the Beam Team is on pace to finish 17-65, which would tie the worst single-season record in the Sacramento era (1985-present).
The irony is unavoidable. After snapping a 17-year playoff drought and restoring pride to the fanbase, the Kings have somehow fallen into a stretch that feels even worse than the seasons that preceded that breakthrough.
“They finally do it with the Beam Team just a few years ago,” George said, “and now it’s worse than it’s ever been before. That is shockingly strange, painful, and disgusting to say.
“Regardless of when you hopped on this train and whether or not you’ve been able to hop off,” George added, “the Sacramento Kings history is ugly.”
And after 15 straight losses, that ugliness feels unavoidable. For a franchise that has endured relocations, rebuilds, and endless resets, George summed it up in the harshest terms possible: “Tonight truly is the closest to rock bottom that this franchise has ever been.”
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When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
The Sacramento Kings will begin a five-game road trip on Saturday afternoon against old friend De’Aaron Fox and the San Antonio Spurs.
Fox led all scorers with 28 points and 11 assists (two turnovers) during the Spurs’ win over the Kings back on November 16th.
Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 3:30 PM PT on Game Night before a 5:00 pm PT tip-off from downtown San Antonio.
Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season
Saturday, February 21st @ San Antonio Spurs – 5:00 PM PT
Monday, February 23rd @ Memphis Grizzlies – 5:00 PM PT
Wednesday, February 25th @ Houston Rockets – 5:00 PM PT
Thursday, February 26th @ Dallas Mavericks – 5:30 PM PT
Sunday, March 1st @ Los Angeles Lakers – 6:30 PM PT
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