Kings Look to Regain Momentum Against Warriors After Tough Losses

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Kings are looking to bounce back from two disappointing losses as they prepare to face the Golden State Warriors on March 12, 2025. After a heartbreaking defeat against the Clippers and a substantial loss to the Knicks, the Kings are hoping to reestablish their footing in the postseason race.

In the first game back from the All-Star break, Sacramento lost a taut contest to the Clippers, highlighted by a last-second buzzer-beater from Kawhi Leonard. Kings guard Zach LaVine led the team with 30 points, although he struggled with his outside shot, making only 1-of-7 attempts from beyond the arc. The team ended the game shooting 26.5% from three-point range.

The loss to the Knicks was even more challenging for Sacramento, as they were unable to recover after a slow start in a 29-point defeat. Both games showcased the team’s inconsistency, especially in crucial moments.

LaVine, who has been pivotal since joining the Kings, emphasized the importance of maintaining a solid defensive identity as the season progresses. “We just have to be the harder playing team every night. I think that’s going to be the main thing for us going forward,” LaVine said. “Defensively, we’ve been really good…pretty much since the All-Star break. But just being the harder playing team. I think defense will help us get easier shots offensively.”

Since the All-Star break, Sacramento’s defensive rating stands at 113.1, a notable improvement from their season average of 114.1. The Kings have shown promise, winning five of seven games in between the two losses, with a standout defensive rating of 106.9 during that stretch.

Looking ahead to tonight’s matchup, the Kings will face a Warriors team that previously overwhelmed them. Both teams are currently grappling with injuries, with Sacramento missing key player Domantas Sabonis, while the Knicks will not have Jalen Brunson.

As the Kings aim to develop their team dynamics, they’ll look to LaVine to lead the offense. Despite recent shooting struggles, LaVine has showcased his ability to finish around the basket, particularly in close games.

On the other side, Josh Hart of the Knicks, who previously had a triple-double against the Kings, poses a significant threat. In their last matchup, Hart’s performance was instrumental in New York overcoming Sacramento by a substantial margin. It will be crucial for the Kings to contain Hart and ensure better rebounding on both ends of the court.

The upcoming game carries weight as Sacramento seeks to solidify their playoff position. With only 18 games remaining, every win will impact their postseason aspirations. The Kings hope their recent hard work will translate into a much-needed victory as they face the Warriors.