De’Aaron Fox led a dominant fourth-quarter rally as the Sacramento Kings edged the Denver Nuggets 128-123 on Thursday night at Golden 1 Center. The Kings’ star guard delivered clutch buckets down the stretch to overcome a strong Denver performance.
🔥 Quick Facts
Kings won 128-123 in a close matchup on December 11, 2025 in Sacramento
This was a revenge victory after Denver won 122-108 on November 11, 2025
De’Aaron Fox led the Kings’ fourth-quarter surge with crucial performances
The Nuggets tied for second in West Group C with a 2-2 record in tournament play
Fox Leads Fourth-Quarter Rally
De’Aaron Fox was the catalyst for Sacramento’s comeback, orchestrating a pivotal fourth-quarter offense that proved too much for Denver. The Kings’ star guard attacked downhill repeatedly, finding teammates and converting key possessions when it mattered most. His leadership ensured Sacramento stayed composed despite facing Nikola Jokic, one of the league’s most dominant players.
The Kings’ resilience in the final quarter separated the two teams. After trailing for stretches, Sacramento maintained defensive discipline while executing a cleaner offensive system to finish the game strong.
Jokic’s 29-Point Effort Not Enough for Nuggets
Nikola Jokic delivered a 29-point performance with exceptional playmaking to keep Denver competitive throughout the contest. The MVP-caliber center found open shooters and attacked mismatches, displaying the all-around excellence that defines his game. His 12 rebounds and 11 assists showcased why he remains one of basketball’s most versatile talents.
Despite Jokic’s elite numbers, Denver couldn’t overcome Sacramento’s fourth-quarter defense and execution. The Nuggets’ supporting cast couldn’t generate enough scoring to supplement their star center when it mattered most.
Game Breakdown and Shooting Performance
Stat Category
Sacramento Kings
Denver Nuggets
Final Score
128
123
Field Goal %
47.0%
51.0%
Three-Point %
39.7%
TBA
Rebounds Per Game
40.0
44.8
Assists Per Game
25.8
29.4
Season Context and Standings Impact
The Kings improved their record with this critical home victory against a Western Conference opponent. Sacramento has been competing hard in the NBA landscape, and scoring five points under the Nuggets in a tight contest demonstrated their ability to compete with elite teams. This win carries significance for the Kings’ playoff aspirations.
Denver, meanwhile, remains a formidable team despite the loss. The Nuggets tied for second place in West Group C with a 2-2 record in their tournament format, indicating they still control parts of their destiny in competition. The loss served as a reminder that execution down the stretch separates championship contenders from pretenders.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Sacramento Kings will look to build momentum from this pivotal victory, proving they belong in conversations about competitive Western Conference teams. Continuing to develop chemistry and defensive intensity will be keys. For Denver, adjustments on perimeter defense and bench production will determine their trajectory in upcoming games.
This close contest set a template for future meetings between these franchises this season. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance, but Sacramento’s poise in clutch moments gave them the edge. An exciting matchup emerged from this five-point thriller that fans should anticipate when these teams face off again.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.