The Sacramento Kings pulled off a gritty 117-112 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, November 25, 2025, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California — a game that felt less like a win-and-move-on matchup and more like a statement. DeMar DeRozan, the 35-year-old veteran guard, delivered a masterclass in clutch basketball, dropping 33 points, four assists, and three steals to lead the Kings past a surging Timberwolves squad. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t fast. But it was effective — and exactly what Sacramento needed after a brutal 12-game stretch that left them at 4-12. This win? It was a lifeline.
DeRozan Carries the Load — Again
Here’s the thing: DeRozan doesn’t need 30+ shots to dominate. He just needs space, time, and a defender who thinks he can stop him. On Monday, he did both. His mid-range game was surgical: 12-of-21 from the field, including five straight baskets in the fourth quarter when Minnesota tried to claw back. He didn’t dunk once. Didn’t launch a three. Just worked the defense, drew fouls, and made them pay. His final free throw with 18 seconds left sealed it — a quiet, cold-blooded exclamation point.
Keegan Murray, the 23-year-old forward, gave the Kings exactly what they’ve been missing: versatility. The 26-point, 15-rebound double-double was his third of the season, and it came against a Timberwolves front line that entered the game ranked top-five in defensive rebounding. He wasn’t just scoring — he was holding his ground against Rudy Gobert, who finished with 18 points and 11 boards but was visibly frustrated by Murray’s mobility.
Anthony Edwards’ Heroics Weren’t Enough
Meanwhile, Anthony Edwards put on a show. Forty-three points. Seven rebounds. Three threes. A career-high 17 free throw attempts. He was everything the Timberwolves needed — and then some. He hit step-backs over three defenders. He drove through traffic. He even blocked a DeRozan floater in the third quarter that had the crowd gasping. But when it mattered most, Edwards got isolated too often. The Timberwolves’ offense stalled in the final minutes because they leaned too hard on him. And Sacramento’s defense, led by Dennis Schröder’s relentless pressure, forced three critical turnovers in the last 4:30.
It’s worth noting: Edwards’ 43 points were the most scored against the Kings this season. And still, they won. That’s a sign of growth.
Confusion Over Date and Venue — A Sign of Bigger Issues
The game was originally slated for November 24, 2025, according to the Timberwolves’ official preview and Fubo TV’s early listing. But it was pushed to the 25th — likely due to scheduling conflicts or broadcast logistics. Even more confusing? Fubo’s initial listing claimed the game would be played at the Target Center in Minneapolis. It wasn’t. It was in Sacramento. That error, repeated across multiple sports sites, suggests a breakdown in how league schedules are being updated in real time — a problem that’s becoming more common as streaming platforms scramble to keep pace with the NBA’s dense calendar.
And then there’s the Emirates NBA Cup. The Timberwolves, now 10-7, were already in the thick of the tournament’s group stage. This loss dropped them to third in their group, putting pressure on their next game: a Wednesday night showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. ESPN will broadcast it live at 6:30 PM CT. For Minnesota, this isn’t just about winning — it’s about staying in playoff contention.
What This Means for Both Teams
The Kings? They’re still below .500 at 5-13. But this win snapped a five-game losing streak. More importantly, it proved they can win without their star center, Domantas Sabonis, who sat out with a lingering ankle issue. DeRozan, Murray, and Zach LaVine (who added 21 points) showed they can carry the load. The team’s bench, led by Drew Eubanks and Keon Ellis, played with more energy than they have all season.
For the Timberwolves, the loss exposes a troubling trend: they win when Edwards explodes, but they don’t win when he’s doubled. Their offense is too reliant on one player. Coach Chris Finch has to find a way to get Karl-Anthony Towns more involved — he had just 12 points on 5-of-14 shooting. And with a tough stretch ahead — including games against Denver and Phoenix — they can’t afford to keep playing with fire.
What’s Next?
The Kings host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, November 28, with Sabonis expected to return. If they can win two of their next three, they might finally climb out of the Western Conference basement. For the Timberwolves, Wednesday’s game against Oklahoma City is a must-win. Lose, and they’ll be on the outside looking in for the NBA Cup playoffs. Win, and they’ll regain momentum — but only if Edwards gets help.
One last note: the NBA’s highlight video, uploaded at 0:15:34 UTC on November 25, showed DeRozan’s final jumper — the one that sealed it — with no fanfare. Just silence. Then the scoreboard. Then the crowd erupting. That’s the beauty of this team right now. They don’t need the noise. They just need the basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Kings-Timberwolves game played on November 25 instead of November 24?
The game was rescheduled from November 24 to November 25, 2025, likely due to broadcast logistics or arena availability. While some platforms like Fubo TV initially listed the wrong date and venue (Target Center instead of Golden 1 Center), the NBA confirmed the correct date and location through its official schedule. Time zone differences between Sacramento (PST) and Minneapolis (CST) may have also played a role in the confusion.
How did DeMar DeRozan’s performance compare to his season average?
DeRozan’s 33-point game was his highest scoring output of the 2025-26 season, surpassing his 28.1-point average. He also matched his season-high in steals (3) and came within one assist of his average of 6.0. His efficiency — 12-of-21 shooting and 9-of-10 from the free-throw line — was his best of the year, showing he’s still elite in mid-range isolation play despite his age.
What’s the significance of the Emirates NBA Cup for the Timberwolves?
The Emirates NBA Cup is a group-stage tournament within the regular season that determines playoff seeding and rewards teams with extra games and financial incentives. Minnesota’s loss to Sacramento dropped them to 10-7 overall and 2-2 in group play, putting them in danger of missing the knockout round. Their next game against the Thunder on November 26 is essentially a must-win to stay alive.
Why did Fubo TV list the game at Target Center?
Fubo’s listing was an outdated or misconfigured data error. The Target Center is the Timberwolves’ home arena, so the system likely defaulted to that location for all Minnesota road games. This reflects a broader issue with third-party streaming platforms not syncing in real time with the NBA’s official schedule database — a problem that’s led to similar errors in other leagues this season.
How did Keegan Murray’s performance impact the game?
Murray’s 26 points and 15 rebounds were critical because he neutralized Minnesota’s size advantage. His ability to stretch the floor with three-pointers (3-of-5) and defend Gobert one-on-one opened driving lanes for DeRozan and Schröder. It was his most complete game of the season and a sign he’s evolving into a true two-way star — not just a volume scorer.
Is Sacramento’s win a sign they’re turning their season around?
One win doesn’t fix a 5-13 record, but this victory showed signs of cohesion. Without Sabonis, the Kings won with defense, ball movement, and veteran poise. DeRozan’s leadership and Murray’s emergence suggest they’re building something deeper than just relying on stars. If they can win two of their next three games, they’ll be in the playoff conversation — even if it’s a long shot.
