Golden 1 Center was electric, the stakes were sky-high, and the fans were ready to light the beam. But what unfolded Wednesday night in Sacramento was a shocking display of dominance by the Dallas Mavericks, who crushed the Sacramento Kings 120-106 to advance in the NBA Play-In Tournament 2025.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. Here’s how Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson, and the Mavericks dismantled the Kings — and what it means for both franchises moving forward.
🌟 1. Anthony Davis: A Superstar When It Mattered Most
When critics questioned whether Anthony Davis still had that playoff fire, he answered with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and a commanding presence on both ends. Davis not only dominated offensively, but anchored the paint, making life miserable for Domantas Sabonis.
Dallas fed off Davis’ energy from the jump. He attacked the rim relentlessly, hit mid-range jumpers with confidence, and served as the emotional leader for a team many had already written off.
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🔥 2. Klay Thompson’s Second Quarter Explosion
If Anthony Davis was the anchor, Klay Thompson was the flamethrower. After a forgettable play-in showing in 2024, Klay came alive with a 16-point second quarter, hitting all five of his shots — including four threes — in vintage Splash Brother fashion.
His breakout was not just personal redemption. It was the backbreaker for Sacramento. The Kings had no answers for Thompson’s rhythm shooting, and his performance helped the Mavs outscore the Kings 44-19 in the second quarter — the game’s turning point.
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💣 3. Sacramento’s Collapse: Missed Opportunities & Frustrations
On the opposite end, the Kings looked lost. For a second consecutive year, their season ended in the play-in round — and this one will sting for a while.
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Domantas Sabonis had a brutal first half: 5 points on 2-of-8 shooting and 4 turnovers.
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Keegan Murray faded into the background again with just 9 points.
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The bench contributed only 20 points to Dallas’ 39.
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Sacramento committed 10 turnovers in the second quarter alone.
This wasn’t just a bad night — it was an unraveling under pressure.
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🧮 4. Mavericks' Clinical Execution
Dallas played as if the season was on the line — because it was. Their 49.4% field goal percentage, 50% shooting from deep, and 92.3% free-throw success made it look like a playoff clinic. And it wasn’t just the starters:
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Brandon Williams added 17 points and 5 assists in 18 minutes.
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The team totaled 29 assists to only 10 turnovers.
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Their physical defense forced 10 total turnovers from Sabonis and Zach LaVine alone.
This game was about discipline, execution, and hunger — and the Mavericks had all three.
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🚨 5. Officiating & Free Throw Gap: A Hidden Advantage
The free-throw disparity also told a tale of aggression and composure. While some may argue about the whistles, the numbers don’t lie:
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Dallas shot 26 free throws, converting 24.
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Sacramento managed just 15 attempts all game.
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In the third quarter alone, Dallas shot 14 free throws — nearly matching the Kings' entire game total.
When one team lives at the line and the other doesn’t, the momentum gap becomes impossible to close.
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😞 6. Another Offseason of Questions for Sacramento
The loss wasn’t just a game — it was a reflection of a deeper identity crisis for the Kings. They were built to take the next step, but instead fell flat again.
And the fallout has already begun: GM Monte McNair is out, parting ways with the team after the game. Sacramento is now facing an uncertain offseason filled with tough questions:
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Is this core good enough?
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Can they trust Sabonis as a postseason leader?
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What happens with Malik Monk’s future?
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Who replaces McNair?
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🚀 Conclusion: Mavericks Rise, Kings Reset
The Dallas Mavericks now move on to face the Memphis Grizzlies, one win away from a full playoff berth. They’ll take momentum, chemistry, and confidence into that battle.
As for the Kings? Another season ends with silence in Sacramento, the beam unlit, and a fanbase wondering when the rise will finally happen.
💬 What’s Your Take?
Can the Mavericks make a deep playoff run? Are the Kings doomed to stay in NBA play-in purgatory? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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