Denver Nuggets Rally Past Sacramento Kings 116-110
The Denver Nuggets orchestrated a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Sacramento Kings 116-110 on March 5, 2025, at Ball Arena, Denver. The Nuggets were nine points behind the Kings going into the fourth quarter but fought back by scoring 32-17 against the Kings in the last 12 minutes to record an incredible victory. The win was Denver's third season victory over Sacramento and helped further consolidate their position in the Western Conference standings.
Game Summary
The game was a close-knit affair, with both sides trading baskets during the first half. The Nuggets had the narrow 58-56 halftime lead. The Kings took control during the third quarter, scoring 37-26 against Denver to be up 93-84 after three quarters. The Nuggets, spearheaded by their superstar males, orchestrated a wonderful fourth-quarter comeback by restricting Sacramento to 17 points while amassing 32 of their own to take the 116-110 win.
Key Player Performances
Denver Nuggets
- Russell Westbrook: The experienced point guard topped the Nuggets with 25 points, as he showed his usual intensity in the final minutes.
- Nikola Jokić: The MVP winner contributed another masterful performance, with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists.
- Jamal Murray: The Canadian sensation added 24 points and 8 assists, powering the offense with ease.
- Michael Porter Jr.: Short-handed as shooting did not go well, Porter Jr. had a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, playing on both sides.
Sacramento Kings
- DeMar DeRozan: Sacramento's leading scorer played an excellent game, scoring 35 points and shooting well from mid-range.
- Zach LaVine: Scored 20 points but wasn't able to perform well in the fourth quarter when the Nuggets tightened their defense.
- Jonas Valančiūnas: The big Lithuanian scored 19 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, dominating the paint for all but a few minutes of the game.
Turning Point: Nuggets' Fourth-Quarter Domination
The Kings appeared ready to close out a strong game with their nine-point lead after three quarters, but the Nuggets turned the tables on them with stout defense and timely shooting. Westbrook and Murray led the offense, while Jokić controlled the boards and created key plays. Denver's defense clamped down, making the Kings take tough shots and commit turnovers. Sacramento could not regain their flow, scoring only 17 points in the fourth quarter, which ultimately became their downfall.
Impact on Standings and Season Outlook
This win continues to propel the Nuggets toward securing their place among the top teams of the Western Conference. This is Denver's third win against Sacramento this season, which shows how they dominate a possible playoff opponent. The defeat put an end to the Kings' four-game winning streak, however, and revealed some of their weaknesses that they must iron out before the playoffs.
Latest Standings (as of March 6, 2025):
- Denver Nuggets: 42-19, second Western Conference seed.
- Sacramento Kings: 36-26, sixth in the West right now, and they must rebound fast.
Reactions from Coaches and Players
Following the game, Denver head coach Michael Malone complimented his team's determination, stating, "We never gave up, even when we were down. The guys believed in the process, played good defense, and got it done when it was most important." Nikola Jokić, who was one of the driving forces behind the comeback, added, "We knew we had to pick it up in the fourth quarter. Our defense created chances, and we capitalized."
Conversely, Kings coach Mike Brown said despairingly, "We controlled the game and we lost. I'd like to give credit to Denver; they played a wonderful fourth quarter, but we've got to close out games better."
Fan and Media Reactions
Nuggets social media following were wild about the exhilarating comeback victory. Praises were flying around for Westbrook's high-pressuring play and Jokić's controlling of all-round ball play. NBA pundits were pointing towards the Denver defense gear shifting in the last quarter as the game-altering moment.
For the Kings, fans were upset with the team's failure to hold onto their lead. Some criticized Sacramento for needing to have their act together in the fourth quarter if they are to be a playoff team.
What's Next?
- Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets' next test is the Los Angeles Clippers, hoping to ride this momentum and hold their position at the top two of the West.
- Sacramento Kings: The Kings will visit the Phoenix Suns to escape the horror of this demoralizing defeat.
Conclusion
The Denver Nuggets' fourth-quarter rally from a nine-point deficit says a lot about their championship dreams. With Westbrook, Jokić, and Murray at the helm, Denver demonstrated their depth and resiliency. The Kings, on the other hand, need to learn from this defeat and correct their late-game decision-making. Both teams will try to iron out the creases in their game as they head into the playoffs and solidify their place in the Western Conference.
This game was the perfect illustration of why the NBA is as exciting as ever—changes in momentum, clutch shooting, and thrilling finishes that keep everyone on the edge of their seats. Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, anticipate more pressure-packed games and playoff-level play from teams struggling for dominance.
