Dallas Mavericks Secure 120-106 Victory Over Sacramento Kings in NBA Play-In Tournament
Game Context
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament pitted the No. 9 Sacramento Kings (40-42 regular season record) against the No. 10 Dallas Mavericks (39-43) in a do-or-die matchup. The winner would earn a chance to compete for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, while the loser would be eliminated. The Kings entered as 5.5-point favorites, with a money line of -221, and had won all three regular-season matchups against Dallas. However, the Mavericks, despite missing key players, flipped the script in this critical game (CBS Sports).
Game Summary
The game was competitive in the first quarter, with the Kings leading 29-27. However, the Mavericks took control in the second quarter, outscoring Sacramento 44-19, largely thanks to Klay Thompson’s 16-point outburst. This 25-point swing gave Dallas a commanding lead they maintained through the second half. The third quarter saw the Kings narrow the gap slightly (33-28), but Dallas sealed the game in the fourth (21-25), finishing with a 14-point victory.
The Mavericks shot an impressive 49.4% from the field and 50.0% from three-point range, making 14 of 28 three-pointers. They also excelled at the free-throw line, converting 24 of 26 attempts (92.3%). The Kings shot 46.1% from the field and 39.4% from three, but their 11-of-15 free-throw performance (73.3%) and 18 turnovers hindered their comeback efforts (NBA.com).
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
|
Quarter |
Mavericks |
Kings |
|---|---|---|
|
1st |
27 | 29 |
|
2nd |
44 | 19 |
|
3rd |
28 | 33 |
|
4th |
21 | 25 |
|
Total |
120 | 106 |
(FOX Sports)
Importent Players
Dallas Mavericks
-
Anthony Davis: Led the team with 27 points (9-23 FG, 50.0% 3P), 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks in 34:46 minutes. His defensive presence and scoring were critical (FOX Sports).
-
Klay Thompson: Scored 23 points (72.7% FG, 71.4% 3P), including 16 in the second quarter, with 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 33:11 minutes. His hot shooting turned the game in Dallas’ favor (ESPN).
-
P.J. Washington Jr.: Contributed 17 points (5-15 FG), 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in 36:54 minutes, providing versatility on both ends (NBA.com).
-
Dereck Lively II: Added 17 points (62.5% FG, 75.0% 3P) and 5 assists in 17:39 minutes off the bench, showcasing efficiency (NBA.com).
-
Daniel Gafford: Recorded 11 points (75.0% FG), 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 20:30 minutes, anchoring the paint (NBA.com).
Sacramento Kings
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DeMar DeRozan: Led all scorers with 33 points (13-28 FG, 40.0% 3P), 7 rebounds, and 2 assists in 42:59 minutes, but couldn’t overcome Dallas’ lead (FOX Sports).
-
Zach LaVine: Scored 20 points (42.1% FG, 40.0% 3P) with 9 assists and 3 rebounds in 44:06 minutes, but had 5 turnovers (NBA.com).
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Domantas Sabonis: Posted a double-double with 11 points (38.5% FG) and 13 rebounds, plus 5 assists, but struggled with 5 turnovers in 37:00 minutes (FOX Sports).
-
Keegan Murray: Added 9 points (33.3% FG), 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 36:02 minutes, but was limited offensively (NBA.com).
-
Davion Mitchell: Contributed 5 points (60.0% FG) and 4 rebounds in 21:51 minutes, providing a spark off the bench (NBA.com).
Team Statistics
|
Statistic |
Mavericks |
Kings |
|---|---|---|
|
Field Goals Made |
41 | 41 |
|
Field Goals Attempted |
83 | 89 |
|
Field Goal % |
49.4% | 46.1% |
|
3-Pointers Made |
14 | 13 |
|
3-Pointers Attempted |
28 | 33 |
|
3-Point % |
50.0% | 39.4% |
|
Free Throws Made |
24 | 11 |
|
Free Throws Attempted |
26 | 15 |
|
Free Throw % |
92.3% | 73.3% |
|
Offensive Rebounds |
10 | 15 |
|
Defensive Rebounds |
31 | 29 |
|
Total Rebounds |
41 | 44 |
|
Assists |
29 | 23 |
|
Steals |
9 | 6 |
|
Blocks |
8 | 4 |
|
Turnovers |
9 | 18 |
|
Personal Fouls |
15 | 19 |
|
Points |
120 | 106 |
(NBA.com)
Injury Report
The Mavericks were without Kyrie Irving (torn ACL) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist surgery). Anthony Davis played despite being listed as probable with a left adductor strain. Brandon Williams was questionable with an oblique strain but did not appear in the box score. For the Kings, Malik Monk (calf strain) and Jake LaRavia (thumb fracture) were sidelined, impacting their depth (Times of India).
Notable Moments
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Second Quarter Surge: Dallas’ 44-point second quarter, led by Klay Thompson’s 16 points, was the game’s turning point. The Mavericks’ 50.0% three-point shooting in the game kept Sacramento at bay (ESPN).
-
Defensive Highlights: Daniel Gafford’s block on DeMar DeRozan and Dante Exum’s steal leading to a Naji Marshall dunk were pivotal in maintaining Dallas’ momentum (ESPN).
-
Kings’ Struggles: Sacramento’s 18 turnovers, including 5 each from Sabonis and LaVine, disrupted their rhythm and fueled Dallas’ transition game (NBA.com).
Implications and Reactions
The Mavericks’ victory keeps their playoff hopes alive, setting up a matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 18, 2025, at 9:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN (ESPN). This win is particularly significant for Dallas, who overcame a regular-season sweep by the Kings and the absence of Kyrie Irving to deliver a statement performance.
For the Kings, the loss marks the end of their 2024-25 season. The defeat prompted significant organizational changes, with General Manager Monte McNair and the Kings mutually parting ways post-game, signaling a potential rebuild (ESPN).
The game, broadcast nationally on ESPN and available for streaming on FuboTV, drew significant attention due to its high stakes and star performances (AZ Central).
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks now face a formidable challenge against the Grizzlies, where Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson will need to replicate their performances. The Kings, meanwhile, will enter the offseason with questions about their roster and leadership, particularly after losing key depth players to injury and the departure of their GM.
This game underscored the Mavericks’ resilience and the Kings’ vulnerabilities, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Western Conference Play-In Tournament.
