Malik Monk and Domantas Sabonis Lead Dominant Kings Over Stephen Curry and Warriors, 129-99
In a thrilling and dominant display of basketball, the Sacramento Kings trounced the Golden State Warriors 129-99 on January 5th, 2025. Led by the dynamic duo of Malik Monk and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings turned what was expected to be a competitive matchup into a one-sided affair, further solidifying their rise in the Western Conference standings. The game, played at the Chase Center in San Francisco, saw the Kings overpower the Warriors from start to finish. Despite the best efforts of Stephen Curry, who remains one of the league’s most lethal players, the Warriors were no match for Sacramento’s all-around performance.
The Kings’ Surge: A Comprehensive Performance
Sacramento entered the game with a sense of confidence, coming off an impressive run in recent games. Monk and Sabonis, in particular, have been playing at an exceptionally high level, and they were poised to continue their strong play against a Warriors team that had been inconsistent of late.
Malik Monk: The Scoring Dynamo
Malik Monk, often known for his scoring flair and ability to light up the scoreboard, was at the forefront of Sacramento’s offensive attack. The 6’3″ guard finished the game with a season-high 38 points, delivering an array of dazzling plays that had the Warriors scrambling for answers. Monk shot a scorching 13-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc, showing the full range of his offensive game. His ability to knock down deep three-pointers and drive to the basket with ferocity gave Golden State’s defense fits all night long.
Monk’s performance was not just about scoring, though. His ability to make plays for others was evident as he also dished out 6 assists, showing his growth as a playmaker. He had a strong connection with his teammates, especially with Domantas Sabonis, who would later go on to dominate the interior and control the flow of the game.
In the first quarter, Monk set the tone by draining a pair of three-pointers early on. The Warriors tried switching defenders on him, from smaller guards like Curry to bigger wings, but Monk simply could not be contained. Whether it was his silky step-back threes or quick cuts to the basket, Monk was on fire, and Golden State had no defensive answers.
Domantas Sabonis: The Force in the Paint
While Monk dazzled with his scoring, Domantas Sabonis was a constant presence in the paint. The All-Star big man notched a double-double with 20 points and 16 rebounds, but his impact went far beyond the box score. Sabonis controlled the tempo of the game, playing a crucial role in orchestrating Sacramento’s offense and providing a much-needed presence on defense. His basketball IQ was on full display as he was constantly in the right place at the right time, whether pulling down crucial rebounds, setting hard screens, or finding his teammates for easy baskets.
Sabonis was particularly effective in the pick-and-roll, where his chemistry with Monk proved lethal. On numerous occasions, Sabonis set screens for Monk, allowing the guard to either get an open look at a three-pointer or use the extra space to drive to the hoop. Additionally, Sabonis’ passing skills were on full display, as he racked up 7 assists, making key plays from the high post and finding shooters on the perimeter.
In addition to his offensive contribution, Sabonis was a defensive force. He controlled the boards and provided excellent rim protection, blocking shots and altering others. His tenacity on both ends of the floor helped the Kings build a commanding lead.
The Role Players Step Up
While Monk and Sabonis stole the spotlight, the rest of the Kings played a vital role in the victory. De’Aaron Fox, the team’s star point guard, chipped in with 18 points and 9 assists, running the offense efficiently and showing his ability to attack the basket. Keegan Murray, the promising second-year forward, provided a solid 14 points, contributing to the team’s shooting and spacing on the floor.
Defensively, the Kings as a team were locked in. They disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm early and often, forcing turnovers and limiting Golden State’s offensive flow. The team’s defensive intensity was evident, as they forced 18 turnovers, with a significant portion of those coming in the first half. Sacramento’s length, athleticism, and focus on communication were key factors in shutting down Golden State’s normally explosive offense.
Golden State’s Struggles: Curry’s Efforts Fall Short
Despite Stephen Curry’s heroic efforts, the Warriors were unable to get anything going against the Kings’ stifling defense. Curry, as expected, was brilliant in stretches, finishing with a team-high 31 points, but he had little help from his supporting cast. Curry hit 7-of-15 from three-point range, but the Kings kept the pressure on him, forcing him into tough, contested shots. While Curry displayed his typical deep range and shot-making ability, he was visibly frustrated by the lack of consistent offense from his teammates.
Draymond Green, normally the Warriors’ defensive anchor and playmaker, had an uncharacteristically quiet game, finishing with just 5 points and 4 assists. The Kings’ defense made life difficult for Green, limiting his ability to facilitate and create plays for others. With Curry having to carry such a heavy load, Golden State’s offense became predictable, and Sacramento capitalized on that.
Klay Thompson, who has struggled with consistency in recent seasons, had a particularly off night, scoring only 9 points on 3-of-11 shooting. Thompson’s inability to find his rhythm was a significant blow to the Warriors, who rely on his perimeter shooting to spread the floor and create opportunities for their offense.
The rest of Golden State’s role players also struggled to make an impact. Players like Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, and Chris Paul were non-factors for much of the game, and the lack of contributions from the supporting cast further isolated Curry, leaving him without much assistance on the floor.
The Kings’ Defensive Prowess
While the Kings’ offense was a focal point of the game, it was their defense that truly helped put the game out of reach early. Sacramento forced the Warriors into difficult shots, collapsing on Curry every time he attempted to create off the dribble. They were especially effective at closing out on shooters like Thompson and Jordan Poole, making it hard for Golden State to establish any rhythm offensively.
Sabonis was a significant part of this defensive effort, serving as the last line of defense when Golden State tried to penetrate the paint. His size and timing were crucial in protecting the rim and deterring drives. Meanwhile, Fox and Monk used their speed and quickness to pester the Warriors’ perimeter players, making it difficult for Golden State to move the ball effectively.
Sacramento’s communication on defense was impeccable, constantly rotating to cover for each other and switching on screens to keep up with Golden State’s fast-paced offense. The Kings’ ability to execute their defensive schemes with precision made it difficult for the Warriors to generate quality shots throughout the game.
A Statement Victory for Sacramento
This 129-99 victory marks a significant statement for the Sacramento Kings. With the Western Conference playoff race heating up, this win over a championship-contending team like the Warriors sends a clear message that the Kings are a force to be reckoned with. Malik Monk’s high-scoring performance and Domantas Sabonis’ all-around brilliance showed that Sacramento has the depth and talent to compete with the league’s best.
For the Warriors, this loss is another reminder that their championship window, while still open, is not without its challenges. The team’s dependence on Curry to carry the load offensively without consistent contributions from the rest of the roster is starting to show, and they will need to find ways to get back on track quickly.
In the end, the Kings’ dominant victory was a testament to their well-rounded game and their ability to execute on both ends of the floor. With their confidence soaring, Sacramento will look to build on this impressive performance as they continue their pursuit of a deep playoff run.
