The Sacramento Kings looked like they were in control early, but things unraveled fast in the second half as they dropped their third straight game, falling to the Toronto Raptors 122-109 at Golden 1 Center.
Malik Monk had Jamal Shead on the FLOOR before throwing it down in transition 🔥
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 22, 2026
pic.twitter.com/uFnWkKtcFx
This one stings a bit more when you consider how it started. Sacramento came out with energy, rhythm, and a nine-point halftime lead, up 61-52.
The ball was moving, shots were falling, and the Kings looked like they might be snapping out of their recent funk. But then came the second half - and with it, a familiar collapse.
The Raptors chipped away possession by possession, eventually flipping the script and handing the Kings their 33rd loss of the season.
Still, if there was a silver lining, it came in the form of Malik Monk. Midway through the second quarter, Monk delivered the kind of highlight that reminds you why he's such a compelling player.
After forcing a turnover, he took off in transition, nearly lost his balance on a behind-the-back dribble to shake off Jamal Shead, then recovered and soared in for a dunk that had the crowd on its feet. It was a flash of brilliance in an otherwise frustrating night for Sacramento.
Monk finished with 17 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting, adding four rebounds and three assists in just 25 minutes off the bench. After a stretch of DNPs, he's worked his way back into the rotation - and performances like this show why he’s still in the mix. He’s a spark plug, capable of changing the tempo of a game with his scoring and flair.
Russell Westbrook led the Kings with 23 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, and three steals in a balanced effort. Zach LaVine contributed 19 points and five assists, but Sacramento’s offense sputtered when it mattered most. The Raptors turned up the pressure, and the Kings just didn’t have a response.
At 12-33 on the season, including 9-16 at home, Sacramento is still searching for answers. The roster has talent, but the chemistry and consistency just haven’t been there. And with the trade deadline looming, the front office appears to be weighing its options.
Monk’s name continues to surface in trade talks, and it’s easy to see why. He’s the kind of player who can provide instant offense off the bench - a valuable piece for playoff-bound teams looking to bolster their second unit.
But he’s not the only King reportedly on the block. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Keon Ellis are also believed to be available as Sacramento explores ways to reshape a crowded backcourt.
For now, though, the Kings are left to regroup. Three straight losses, a tough home crowd, and a season that’s slipping away - this is where leadership and identity get tested. Whether that comes from within or via a shakeup in the coming weeks remains to be seen.