Sacramento Kings Light the Beam for the 8th Time This Season with Gritty 113-107 Win Over Dallas Mavericks

The Sacramento Kings celebrated a hard-fought victory on December 27, 2025, defeating the Dallas Mavericks 113-107 at Golden 1 Center and lighting the iconic beam for the eighth time this season. In a game that showcased defensive tenacity, timely shooting, and a milestone performance from veteran leader Russell Westbrook, the Kings snapped a tough stretch and provided fans with a much-needed moment of joy amid an otherwise challenging 2025-26 campaign.

Westbrook Surpasses Magic on All-Time Assists List

Russell Westbrook delivered a signature performance, finishing with 21 points and key assists that pushed him past Magic Johnson for 7th place on the NBA’s all-time assists leaderboard. The 37-year-old point guard orchestrated Sacramento’s attack with poise, helping the team rack up 32 assists against just 11 turnovers. His playmaking was especially crucial in the third quarter, where the Kings exploded for a 17-2 run fueled by multiple three-pointers and transitioned seamlessly into a double-digit lead.

Westbrook was joined in the backcourt by Keon Ellis, who made his first start of the season and erupted for 21 points on 5-of-8 three-point shooting, adding 3 steals and 2 blocks. Rookie big man Maxime Raynaud chipped in 19 points in the paint, while Dennis Schröder contributed 10 points and steady minutes. Off the bench, Nique Clifford provided hustle with 8 points and 9 rebounds in limited action, and Malik Monk—amid swirling trade rumors—added defensive spark in just 9 minutes.

Kings Overcome Injuries, Capitalize on Mavericks’ Mistakes

Sacramento entered the contest severely shorthanded, missing stars Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Drew Eubanks due to various injuries. Despite the absences, the Kings forced 21 turnovers from Dallas and converted them into 28 points—a decisive margin in a close game. They shot an impressive 44.7% from three-point range (17-of-38), with clutch makes from Westbrook, Ellis, Monk, and Schröder keeping the Mavericks at bay.

Dallas, now 12-21 on the season, continued to feel the absence of Anthony Davis (right groin soreness) and Kyrie Irving (out). Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, erupting for 15 points in the third quarter alone to fuel a brief comeback attempt. P.J. Washington added 17 points and 4 blocks, but Dallas struggled with early shooting (36.2% in the first half) and ball security.

The Mavericks trimmed the deficit to three points in the third and got as close as 111-107 late in the fourth, but Sacramento responded with timely stops and free throws from DeMar DeRozan to seal the win.

Lighting the Beam: A Symbol of Resilience

Following the final buzzer, Kings players including Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell took part in the beloved postgame tradition, triggering the purple laser beam that shoots skyward from Golden 1 Center after every Sacramento home victory. The eighth beam-lighting of the season offered a rare bright spot for a team sitting at 8-23 and fighting through a brutal injury wave under head coach Doug Christie.

The victory marked Sacramento’s third win in their last 13 games and extended their recent edge over Dallas, winning four straight meetings between the clubs. It underscored the importance of ball movement, defensive effort, and contributions from unexpected sources—even with a depleted roster.

What’s Next

The Kings now turn their attention to a quick road matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 28, looking to build momentum. Dallas heads to Portland to face the Trail Blazers, continuing to evaluate young talent like Flagg while navigating ongoing speculation surrounding Anthony Davis and potential trade activity ahead of the February deadline.