Sacramento Kings vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Match Series Analysis: 2025 NBA Season

The Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers met twice during the 2025 NBA regular season, producing thrilling contests that featured high-volume scoring, dramatic comebacks, and standout individual efforts. This article provides an in-depth review of their encounters, highlighting player statistics, game recaps, and head-to-head insights, drawn from verified sources including ESPN, NBA.com, FOX Sports, and Fear the Sword. The games analyzed are from March 19, 2025, and April 6, 2025, as these represent the complete regular-season series. Below, we break down each matchup, including player performances, key sequences, and team context.

Game Highlights

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Matchup: Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats
• Games Covered:
  • Game 1: March 19, 2025
  • Game 2: April 6, 2025
• Series Result: Kings won the season series 2–0

Series Overview: Sacramento Kings vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 2025 NBA Season

The Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers faced off twice in the 2025 NBA regular season, with the Kings prevailing in both: March 19 (123-119) and April 6 (120-113). The series emphasized Sacramento’s resilience and three-point shooting surges against Cleveland’s frontcourt dominance and late-game pushes. Below is a summary of the results:

• Game 1 (March 19, 2025): Sacramento Kings 123, Cleveland Cavaliers 119
• Game 2 (April 6, 2025): Sacramento Kings 120, Cleveland Cavaliers 113

The Kings swept the series 2-0, harnessing clutch plays and improved shooting efficiency, while the Cavaliers showed fight but were hampered by turnovers and injuries.

Game 1: Sacramento Kings 123, Cleveland Cavaliers 119 (March 19, 2025)

Game Summary

The Sacramento Kings overcame a 13-point early deficit and a short-handed roster to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 123-119 on March 19, 2025, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. DeMar DeRozan’s 27 points and a pivotal 7-0 fourth-quarter run fueled the comeback, handing Cleveland its third straight loss. Evan Mobley’s 31 points, including 15 straight across the third and fourth quarters, kept the Cavs in contention, but Sacramento’s 45.7% three-point shooting and 93.8% free-throw accuracy sealed the victory.

Key Player Stats: Sacramento Kings

• DeMar DeRozan (F): 27 points, 10-for-19 FG (52.6%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 5-for-6 FT (83.3%), 0 offensive rebounds, 1 defensive rebound, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 3 personal fouls, 36 minutes, +1 +/-. DeRozan’s three-pointer tied the game in the fourth, setting up the decisive run.
• Keegan Murray (F): 13 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 0-for-0 FT, 0 offensive rebounds, 4 defensive rebounds, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 3 personal fouls, 37 minutes, +15 +/-. Murray’s three three-pointers sparked the third-quarter rally.
• Jonas Valančiūnas (C): 12 points, 5-for-11 FG (45.5%), 0-for-1 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 5 offensive rebounds, 8 defensive rebounds, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 4 personal fouls, 25 minutes, -17 +/-. Valančiūnas’ double-double provided essential paint presence in Sabonis’ absence.
• Keon Ellis (G): 13 points, 4-for-5 FG (80.0%), 3-for-4 3PT (75.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 2 offensive rebounds, 2 defensive rebounds, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 5 personal fouls, 30 minutes, +4 +/-. Ellis’ efficient shooting included key threes in the second half.
• Malik Monk (G): 22 points, 8-for-18 FG (44.4%), 4-for-7 3PT (57.1%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 3 offensive rebounds, 3 defensive rebounds, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 1 personal foul, 39 minutes, -6 +/-. Monk’s near triple-double featured playmaking in the clutch.
• Devin Carter (G): 16 points, 6-for-11 FG (54.5%), 2-for-6 3PT (33.3%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 1 offensive rebound, 4 defensive rebounds, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 2 personal fouls, 31 minutes, +7 +/-. Carter’s steal and dunk capped the 7-0 run for a 109-107 lead.
• Trey Lyles (F): 13 points, 5-for-9 FG (55.6%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 2-for-2 FT (100%), 2 offensive rebounds, 5 defensive rebounds, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 2 personal fouls, 30 minutes, +10 +/-. Lyles contributed versatile scoring and rebounding.
• Markelle Fultz (G, Reserve): 5 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 1-for-1 3PT (100%), 0-for-0 FT, 0 offensive rebounds, 0 defensive rebounds, 0 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 0 personal fouls, 7 minutes, +6 +/-. Fultz’s three-pointer added bench spark.
• Isaac Jones (F, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-1 FG (100%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 1 offensive rebound, 0 defensive rebounds, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 0 personal fouls, 4 minutes, 0 +/-. Jones’ lone field goal came late.

Inactives: Jae Crowder, Doug McDermott, Terry Taylor (Coach’s Decision); Domantas Sabonis (ankle), Zach LaVine (personal).

Team Stats: 50.5% FG (46/91), 45.7% 3PT (16/35), 93.8% FT (15/16), 41 rebounds (14 offensive), 28 assists, 9 steals, 1 block, 11 turnovers, 20 points in the paint, 15 points off turnovers, 12 fastbreak points, 14 second-chance points. Sacramento’s three-point barrage and free-throw perfection were pivotal in the rally.

Key Player Stats: Cleveland Cavaliers

• Dean Wade (F): 12 points, 4-for-8 FG (50.0%), 4-for-6 3PT (66.7%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 offensive rebound, 6 defensive rebounds, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 2 personal fouls, 23 minutes, +17 +/-. Wade’s four three-pointers built an early lead.
• Evan Mobley (F): 31 points, 13-for-18 FG (72.2%), 4-for-5 3PT (80.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 3 offensive rebounds, 7 defensive rebounds, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 2 personal fouls, 32 minutes, +3 +/-. Mobley’s 15 straight points tied the game at 112.
• Jarrett Allen (C): 10 points, 4-for-5 FG (80.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 2-for-4 FT (50.0%), 1 offensive rebound, 4 defensive rebounds, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 1 personal foul, 30 minutes, +3 +/-. Allen’s efficiency supported the frontcourt.
• Max Strus (G): 12 points, 5-for-10 FG (50.0%), 1-for-5 3PT (20.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 1 offensive rebound, 3 defensive rebounds, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 3 personal fouls, 30 minutes, -4 +/-. Strus aided the third-quarter push.
• Donovan Mitchell (G): 26 points, 8-for-17 FG (47.1%), 1-for-6 3PT (16.7%), 9-for-9 FT (100%), 0 offensive rebounds, 5 defensive rebounds, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers, 2 personal fouls, 33 minutes, -1 +/-. Mitchell’s perfect free throws kept Cleveland alive.
• De’Andre Hunter (F, Reserve): 8 points, 3-for-8 FG (37.5%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 0 offensive rebounds, 4 defensive rebounds, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 1 personal foul, 31 minutes, -12 +/-. Hunter’s threes contributed to the halftime edge.
• Ty Jerome (G, Reserve): 14 points, 7-for-15 FG (46.7%), 0-for-5 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 offensive rebound, 0 defensive rebounds, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 1 personal foul, 26 minutes, -10 +/-. Jerome set up Mobley’s streak.
• Sam Merrill (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-0 FG, 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 1 offensive rebound, 0 defensive rebounds, 1 rebound, 4 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 0 personal fouls, 12 minutes, -14 +/-. Merrill focused on distribution.
• Isaac Okoro (G, Reserve): 5 points, 2-for-3 FG (66.7%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 0 offensive rebounds, 0 defensive rebounds, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, 1 personal foul, 16 minutes, -6 +/-. Okoro’s block slowed a Kings surge.
• Craig Porter Jr. (G, Reserve): 1 point, 0-for-0 FG, 0-for-0 3PT, 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 0 offensive rebounds, 0 defensive rebounds, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 1 personal foul, 8 minutes, +4 +/-. Porter’s free throw came in a scramble.

Inactives: Javonte Green, Tristan Thompson, Jaylon Tyson (Coach’s Decision); Darius Garland (rest).

Team Stats: 54.8% FG (46/84), 38.2% 3PT (13/34), 77.8% FT (14/18), 37 rebounds (8 offensive), 24 assists, 7 steals, 1 block, 12 turnovers, 24 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 12 second-chance points. Cleveland’s efficient shooting was undermined by 12 turnovers leading to 15 Kings points.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (SAC 28, CLE 30): Cleveland built a 13-point lead early with Wade’s four three-pointers, but Sacramento missed 17 of their first 19 shots; DeRozan’s 8 points narrowed it to 30-28.
• Second Quarter (SAC 60, CLE 58): The Kings rallied with a 10-2 run led by Valančiūnas’ 6 points, but Mitchell’s free throws kept it tight at 60-58 halftime.
• Third Quarter (SAC 88, CLE 84): Mobley scored Cleveland’s final 7 points, including a three-pointer, but Monk’s 8 points and Murray’s threes held a 88-84 lead.
• Fourth Quarter (SAC 123, CLE 119): Sacramento’s 7-0 run midway through gave a 109-107 edge; DeRozan’s three tied it, Carter’s steal and dunk followed, but Mobley’s 8 straight tied at 112 before DeRozan’s back-to-back baskets and free throws clinched it.

Game 2: Sacramento Kings 120, Cleveland Cavaliers 113 (April 6, 2025)

Game Summary

The Sacramento Kings secured a play-in spot with a 120-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 6, 2025, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Zach LaVine’s 37 points, including 7 three-pointers and 11 in the fourth, powered a second-half surge where Sacramento went 10-for-16 from deep. DeMar DeRozan added 28 points and 7 assists, while Donovan Mitchell’s 19 points couldn’t overcome an ankle tweak; the Cavs’ three-game win streak ended, delaying their No. 1 Eastern seed clinch.

Key Player Stats: Sacramento Kings

• Trey Lyles (F): 7 points, 2-for-6 FG (33.3%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 2-for-4 FT (50.0%), 1 offensive rebound, 7 defensive rebounds, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 2 personal fouls, 40 minutes, +15 +/-. Lyles’ rebounding disrupted Cleveland’s rhythm.
• Domantas Sabonis (C): 27 points, 11-for-15 FG (73.3%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 4-for-4 FT (100%), 3 offensive rebounds, 6 defensive rebounds, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 7 turnovers, 3 personal fouls, 40 minutes, +2 +/-. Sabonis’ near triple-double built the second-half lead.
• DeMar DeRozan (F): 28 points, 10-for-18 FG (55.6%), 2-for-5 3PT (40.0%), 6-for-8 FT (75.0%), 0 offensive rebounds, 4 defensive rebounds, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 0 turnovers, 2 personal fouls, 40 minutes, +25 +/-. DeRozan’s 12 first-quarter points set the pace.
• Zach LaVine (G): 37 points, 15-for-21 FG (71.4%), 7-for-11 3PT (63.6%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 offensive rebound, 1 defensive rebound, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 turnovers, 3 personal fouls, 42 minutes, -4 +/-. LaVine’s 7 threes, all after halftime, fueled the comeback.
• Keon Ellis (G): 11 points, 4-for-7 FG (57.1%), 3-for-6 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 offensive rebound, 2 defensive rebounds, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks, 0 turnovers, 2 personal fouls, 40 minutes, +2 +/-. Ellis’ halfcourt heave at halftime trailed 57-56.
• Jonas Valanciunas (C, Reserve): 2 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 0-for-0 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 0 offensive rebounds, 2 defensive rebounds, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 0 personal fouls, 5 minutes, -3 +/-. Valančiūnas added brief interior depth.
• Isaac Jones (F, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-3 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 1 offensive rebound, 1 defensive rebound, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 0 personal fouls, 6 minutes, -5 +/-. Jones focused on boards.
• Malik Monk (G, Reserve): 8 points, 1-for-8 FG (12.5%), 0-for-3 3PT (0.0%), 6-for-6 FT (100%), 0 offensive rebounds, 7 defensive rebounds, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers, 2 personal fouls, 20 minutes, +3 +/-. Monk’s perfect free throws iced the game.
• Devin Carter (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-2 FG (0.0%), 0-for-1 3PT, 0-for-0 FT, 1 offensive rebound, 1 defensive rebound, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 0 personal fouls, 7 minutes, 0 +/-. Carter’s defense contained the bench.

Inactives: Jae Crowder, Doug McDermott, Markelle Fultz (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 53.7% FG (44/82), 42.4% 3PT (14/33), 81.8% FT (18/22), 39 rebounds (8 offensive), 25 assists, 10 steals, 3 blocks, 14 turnovers, 32 points in the paint, 18 points off turnovers, 14 fastbreak points, 10 second-chance points. The Kings’ second-half three-point explosion (10-for-16) was key.

Key Player Stats: Cleveland Cavaliers

• Evan Mobley (F): 16 points, 7-for-14 FG (50.0%), 0-for-4 3PT (0.0%), 2-for-5 FT (40.0%), 3 offensive rebounds, 6 defensive rebounds, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, 1 personal foul, 33 minutes, -4 +/-. Mobley’s double-double was limited by fouls.
• Jarrett Allen (C): 17 points, 7-for-9 FG (77.8%), 0-for-0 3PT, 3-for-4 FT (75.0%), 2 offensive rebounds, 3 defensive rebounds, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 4 turnovers, 4 personal fouls, 31 minutes, -7 +/-. Allen powered a 22-point third quarter.
• Darius Garland (G): 9 points, 4-for-13 FG (30.8%), 1-for-7 3PT (14.3%), 0-for-0 FT, 0 offensive rebounds, 3 defensive rebounds, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers, 0 personal fouls, 32 minutes, -9 +/-. Garland’s assists drove the offense.
• Donovan Mitchell (G): 19 points, 7-for-16 FG (43.8%), 1-for-6 3PT (16.7%), 4-for-7 FT (57.1%), 1 offensive rebound, 5 defensive rebounds, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers, 3 personal fouls, 33 minutes, -4 +/-. Mitchell tweaked his ankle but scored 10 in the fourth.
• Max Strus (G): 11 points, 4-for-6 FG (66.7%), 2-for-4 3PT (50.0%), 1-for-2 FT (50.0%), 3 offensive rebounds, 3 defensive rebounds, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 3 personal fouls, 29 minutes, +6 +/-. Strus’ near triple-double included 4 third-quarter assists.
• Dean Wade (F, Reserve): 3 points, 1-for-2 FG (50.0%), 1-for-2 3PT (50.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 0 offensive rebounds, 0 defensive rebounds, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 turnovers, 0 personal fouls, 3 minutes, +6 +/-. Wade’s three provided an early spark.
• De’Andre Hunter (F, Reserve): 11 points, 4-for-9 FG (44.4%), 3-for-7 3PT (42.9%), 0-for-0 FT, 0 offensive rebounds, 2 defensive rebounds, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 1 turnover, 2 personal fouls, 22 minutes, -28 +/-. Hunter’s three threes ignited the fourth.
• Isaac Okoro (G/F, Reserve): 7 points, 3-for-3 FG (100%), 1-for-1 3PT (100%), 0-for-0 FT, 2 offensive rebounds, 0 defensive rebounds, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 1 turnover, 1 personal foul, 18 minutes, +20 +/-. Okoro’s perfect shooting boosted the rally.
• Ty Jerome (G, Reserve): 20 points, 9-for-13 FG (69.2%), 1-for-4 3PT (25.0%), 1-for-1 FT (100%), 1 offensive rebound, 3 defensive rebounds, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 3 turnovers, 0 personal fouls, 23 minutes, -11 +/-. Jerome’s 20 second-half points led the charge.
• Sam Merrill (G, Reserve): 0 points, 0-for-3 FG (0.0%), 0-for-3 3PT (0.0%), 0-for-0 FT, 1 offensive rebound, 1 defensive rebound, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 0 turnovers, 3 personal fouls, 16 minutes, -4 +/-. Merrill’s block highlighted his minutes.

Inactives: Chuma Okeke, Jaylon Tyson, Tristan Thompson, Javonte Green, Craig Porter Jr. (Coach’s Decision).

Team Stats: 52.3% FG (46/88), 26.3% 3PT (10/38), 57.9% FT (11/19), 39 rebounds (13 offensive), 31 assists, 11 steals, 5 blocks, 16 turnovers, 28 points in the paint, 12 points off turnovers, 10 fastbreak points, 16 second-chance points. Cleveland’s assists produced 34 fourth-quarter points, but turnovers cost them.

Critical Moments

• First Quarter (SAC 31, CLE 27): LaVine’s two threes gave a 17-10 lead, but Mobley’s 6 points closed to 31-27.
• Second Quarter (SAC 57, CLE 56): Cleveland led 57-56 at half on a 15-6 run with Allen’s 6 points; Ellis’ halfcourt shot trailed by 1.
• Third Quarter (SAC 91, CLE 78): Sacramento scored 35 points with LaVine’s 4 threes and Sabonis’ 8 for a 13-point lead at 91-78; Mitchell tweaked his ankle early.
• Fourth Quarter (SAC 120, CLE 113): From 106-105, a 13-5 Kings run sealed it; Jerome’s 12 and Hunter’s threes cut to 114-109, but Monk’s free throws closed it out.

Head-to-Head Analysis

Since 2005, the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers have played 129 games, with the Kings holding a 67-62 edge. The Kings average 106.9 points per game (PPG) to the Cavaliers’ 106.0 PPG, with opponents averaging 106.0 and 106.9 PPG, respectively. In the five games before 2025, Sacramento won three, with a 55.0% against-the-spread (ATS) win percentage and 52.0% total points over percentage.

In 2025, the Kings swept the series 2-0, showcasing:

• Shooting Efficiency: Averaging 52.1% FG and 44.1% 3PT, exploding for 10 threes in Game 2’s second half.
• Clutch Execution: 7-0 run (Game 1) and 13-5 spurt (Game 2) in fourth quarters turned deficits into wins.
• Resilience: Overcame missing stars in Game 1 and a cold first half in Game 2.

The Cavaliers’ strengths included:

• Frontcourt Dominance: Mobley (31 points, Game 1) and Allen (17 points, Game 2) combined for 48 points and 14 rebounds.
• Rally Potential: 34 fourth-quarter points (Game 2) and Mobley’s 15 straight (Game 1) nearly erased leads.
• Assist Generation: 31 assists in Game 2 fueled balanced scoring.

Series Standouts

Sacramento Kings

• DeMar DeRozan: 27 points (Game 1) and 28 (Game 2), averaging 27.5 points and 5.5 assists, clutch with tying threes and setups.
• Zach LaVine: 37 points with 7 threes (Game 2), driving the second-half surge.
• Malik Monk: 22 points and 8 assists (Game 1), plus 8 points via free throws (Game 2), providing bench spark.

Cleveland Cavaliers

• Evan Mobley: 31 points and 10 rebounds (Game 1), with 15 straight points; averaged 23.5 points and 7.0 rebounds.
• Donovan Mitchell: 26 points (Game 1) and 19 (Game 2 despite injury), averaging 22.5 points with key free throws.
• Ty Jerome: 20 points off the bench (Game 2), leading the fourth-quarter rally.

Team Performance Context

Sacramento Kings (38-40, 9th Western Conference by April 6)

The Kings were battling for a play-in spot, bolstered by additions like DeRozan and LaVine, with strong offense (115.2 PPG) but vulnerable defense (117.8 allowed). The sweep aided momentum amid a middling season.

Cleveland Cavaliers (62-16, 1st Eastern Conference by April 6)

Cleveland chased the East’s top seed with elite defense (108.5 allowed) and balanced offense (112.4 PPG), but the skid entering Game 1 and Game 2 loss delayed clinching despite a prior three-game streak.

Injury and Roster Notes

• Sacramento Kings: Sabonis (ankle) and LaVine (personal) missed Game 1; full strength for Game 2.
• Cleveland Cavaliers: Garland rested in Game 1; Mitchell tweaked ankle in Game 2 but returned; Jerome returned from knee tendinitis in Game 2.

Conclusion

The Sacramento Kings swept the Cleveland Cavaliers 2-0 in their 2025 NBA regular-season series, with wins on March 19 (123-119) and April 6 (120-113). DeMar DeRozan’s scoring, Zach LaVine’s sharpshooting, and timely surges propelled Sacramento, while Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell delivered valiant efforts amid setbacks. The series underscored the Kings’ fight for playoffs and the Cavaliers’ seed chase. For more stats and recaps, visit ESPN, NBA.com, FOX Sports, or Fear the Sword.