Kings Find Their Spark, Even as Injuries and Officiating Frustrations Mount
After a rough stretch of basketball, the Sacramento Kings finally gave their fans something to cheer about this past week - and they did it in style. Capping things off with a dramatic overtime win over the Houston Rockets, the Kings reminded everyone that while the franchise may still be finding its footing, the passion in Sacramento is as strong as ever. It was a much-needed jolt of energy heading into the holidays, and for a fan base that’s weathered more than its fair share of basketball heartbreak, it felt like a long-overdue reward.
A Fan Base That Deserves More
The atmosphere inside Golden 1 Center during that Houston game said it all. This is a team that’s struggled mightily at times this season, but you wouldn’t have known it from the crowd.
The building was electric. Every big shot down the stretch was met with a roar that echoed like a playoff game.
Sacramento fans haven’t had a lot to celebrate in recent years, but their loyalty hasn’t wavered. That kind of unwavering support deserves a team that can match it - and for one night, at least, the Kings delivered.
The LaVine Injury: A Blessing in Disguise?
Zach LaVine’s ankle sprain, suffered in the loss to Minnesota, was a tough blow on paper. But in practice, it’s opened the door for some intriguing adjustments from head coach Doug Christie.
With LaVine sidelined, the Kings have gone bigger - and it’s working. DeMar DeRozan has slid down to the two, Precious Achiuwa has joined the starting frontcourt alongside Keegan Murray and rookie Maxime Raynaud, and suddenly the Kings are playing with a little more balance.
It’s not a perfect solution - Sacramento still finds itself going small more often than it probably should - but the shift has brought a noticeable improvement in how the team operates on both ends. The Kings were competitive in all three games this week and probably should’ve walked away 2-1.
That’s not a coincidence. The roster construction has felt off all season, and LaVine’s absence has only highlighted that imbalance.
There’s a version of this team that makes more sense - and it might not include both LaVine and DeRozan on the floor at the same time.
Officiating Woes Reach a Boiling Point
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: NBA officiating. It’s been a league-wide issue for a while now, but this past week felt especially egregious for Sacramento.
The Kings’ loss to Portland ended on a baffling foul call that saw Deni Avdija initiate contact with Russell Westbrook and somehow draw the whistle. A few nights later, another questionable three-point foul nearly cost the Kings a win against Houston - this time with Jabari Smith Jr. kicking out his leg and baiting the call.
Doug Christie had already burned both of his challenges on obvious misses earlier in the game, which left the Kings helpless to contest the final call. It’s the kind of officiating inconsistency that drives coaches, players, and fans alike up the wall.
And while the league’s Last Two Minute Reports are supposed to bring transparency, they’ve done little to change outcomes or restore faith in the process. The NBA has a growing problem with foul-baiting and manipulation, and it’s time for a serious look at how to fix it.
DeRozan’s Late-Game Heroics
If anyone needed a reminder of what DeMar DeRozan can still do in crunch time, his performance against the Trail Blazers delivered it in full. With under a minute left in regulation, DeRozan had just 11 points.
He finished with 33 - most of them coming in a blistering overtime stretch that showcased his veteran savvy and clutch shot-making. It was a performance that deserved a win, and if not for the aforementioned officiating drama, it probably would’ve been one.
DeRozan has handled his time in Sacramento with professionalism, even as the fit hasn’t always been ideal. But if the Kings are looking to move him before the deadline, this past week was a pretty strong advertisement. There are plenty of playoff-bound teams that could use a closer like DeRozan, and games like that one are a reminder of why.
Sabonis Setback, Raynaud Steps Up
The Kings were already navigating life without Domantas Sabonis, and now it looks like that absence will stretch even longer. Initially expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a meniscus tear, Sabonis is now projected to be out another 4-5 weeks following a re-evaluation.
Given the nature of the injury - and the Kings’ current position - there’s no reason to rush him back. It’s a long season, and Sacramento needs to think long-term with its All-Star big.
In the meantime, the door is open for the young frontcourt to keep proving themselves. Maxime Raynaud, in particular, continues to impress.
Since stepping into a starting role, the rookie is averaging 11.6 points and 9.9 rebounds in just over 30 minutes a night - strong numbers for a first-year big man still adjusting to the NBA grind. He’s showing the kind of poise and production that could land him on an All-Rookie team by season’s end.
With Drew Eubanks also sidelined, Dylan Cardwell is getting his shot too, and he’s quickly become a fan favorite. His energy, hustle, and willingness to do the dirty work have stood out. Whether he carves out a long-term role remains to be seen, but he’s making the most of his opportunity - and that’s exactly what this stretch of the season is about for Sacramento.
Bottom Line: This week wasn’t perfect for the Kings - far from it. But between a thrilling win, promising young talent stepping up, and some overdue lineup experimentation, there’s finally a bit of optimism to hold onto.
Sacramento’s still got work to do, and the roster clearly needs some rebalancing. But for the first time in a while, it feels like the team is moving in the right direction - and that’s something worth celebrating.