Mar 19, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) scores a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The Sacramento Kings were without Domantas Sabonis (injury), Zach LaVine (personal reasons) and Jake LaRavis (illness) as they took on the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the remaining Kings stepped up and played with hustle, defense, and heart, and toppled the East’s top team, winning 123-119. The game started rough, with the Cavaliers establishing an early lead and looking like they could control the whole game. Despite playing better in the second quarter, the Kings still trailed at half, 56-47. The Kings came alive in the third quarter, at one point going on a 19-2 run, but the Cavs responded with a 12-2 run of their own right after. Still, the Kings won the third quarter 43-32. That’s right, after scoring 47 in the first half, the Kings scored 43 in the third quarter alone. Cleveland showed why they have the league’s second best record, continuing to push and force the Kings to earn the win.
A very iffy foul call against Devin Carter with 2:09 remaining sent Donovan Mitchell to the line for three free throws, and Mitchell made all three to bring the Cavs within 1. A DeRozan miss led to a big Trey Lyles putback. Mitchell drove for a layup to again cut the lead to 1. It was a thrilling back and forth, with both teams trading shots. DeRozan scored on a layup, Mitchell answered with a floater, DoRozan hit a pull-up middie. Finally Mitchell missed, and the Kings secured the ball. Malik Monk drilled a huge mid-range jumper to push the Kings lead to 5 with 35 seconds left, but the Cavs still weren’t done. Coming out of a timeout Mitchell hit a 3 that took mere seconds off the clock. Malik Monk drove into the Cavs defense, created contact and drew two free throws, making them both, giving the Kings 4 point lead with just 12.1 seconds left. The Kings defense swarmed, preventing a quick or easy look but also not fouling, and Ty Jerome missed a three to end the game. It was a thrilling final few minutes, capping off a fantastic team performance by Sacramento.
A few thoughts and observations from this one:
The Kings played great, disruptive defense in this game. The Kings had 23 points off turnovers in this one, and it should have been 25 except Markelle Fultz missed a wide open dunk after a steal. The Kings also held the Cavs to 38.2% from beyond the arc. Most teams are happy to shoot 38% from three in any game, but when most Kings opponents seem to shoot 55% from deep, I’ll take the 38%.
Devin Carter was everywhere in this game, and it was easily his best game as a King. He finished with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and steals. A truly awesome game for the rookie, and an encouraging sign of what he could become for the Kings.
#### **Monk and DeRozan, coming up big**
The Kings needed Monk and DeRozan to have good games for Sacramento to even have a chance against the Cavs, and both players stepped up. DeRozan led the Kings with 27 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound, and 1 steal. He went 2-of-5 from deep, and was 5-of-6 from the free throw line. Monk finished with 22 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block.
#### **A win as a TEAM**
This was the most the Kings have played like a cohesive team in weeks. 7 players scored in double digits. The Kings got big performances from Monk, DeRozan, Carter, Keegan Murray, Jonas Valanciunas, Keon Ellis, and Trey Lyles. It was beautiful to see the team collectively step up even when down a couple guys and play good, fun, exciting, TEAM basketball.
#### **Quick thoughts on the Cavaliers**
The Cavs were without Darius Garland, who was held out for rest as the Cavs were on the second game of a back to back. Still, the Cavs played a fantastic game, and also ended with 6 players scoring in double digits. Donovan Mitchell (26 points) and Evan Mobley (31 points) were huge in this one. This is Cleveland’s third loss in a row, but it also comes after a 16-game win streak. Cleveland is a really good team, and I really enjoy they way they play basketball. I’ll be rooting for the in the East playoffs this year. The Kings will face the Cavs again on April 6th, and it should be another tough matchup.
#### **Up Next**
No time to enjoy this Beam, the Kings are back in action tonight hosting the Chicago Bulls at 7:00 PM PT.