Thunder vs Kings Recap & Highlights 2025

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Sacramento Kings: Full Game Recap, Highlights & Where to Watch

This article breaks down everything you need to know about the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Sacramento Kings matchup — including where to watch, the timeline of the game, box score insights, and key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Joe, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine.

We’ll also answer fan questions like:

  • What happened during the game?
  • Who stood out?
  • How did OKC dominate?
  • What’s next for both teams?

Let’s dive right into the full story of this exciting NBA face-off.

Where to Watch Thunder vs Kings

Fans could catch the Thunder vs Kings game live on NBA TV, Bally Sports, and the NBA League Pass app.
The matchup took place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

Streaming options:

  • NBA App (official stream)
  • Hulu + Live TV
  • YouTube TV (with NBA add-on)
  • Sling TV (sports package)

For fans who missed it, the full game replay and highlights are available on NBA.com and YouTube’s NBA channel.

Game Overview & Timeline

The game was part of the NBA In-Season Tournament and didn’t disappoint. The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated from the second quarter onward, defeating the Sacramento Kings 132–101.

Here’s how the game unfolded, quarter by quarter 👇

1st Quarter — Balanced Start

Both teams came out aggressive, trading buckets early. The Kings’ ball movement was smooth, led by De’Aaron Fox, while OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) led with quick drives and mid-range shots.

  • Score after Q1: Kings 28 – Thunder 27

2nd Quarter — Thunder Take Over

The Thunder exploded offensively in the second quarter, outscoring the Kings 40–24.
SGA and Isaiah Joe led a fast-paced offense that stretched Sacramento’s defense thin. Chet Holmgren made his presence felt on both ends with shot blocks and rebounding.

  • Halftime Score: Thunder 67 – Kings 52

3rd Quarter — Thunder Extend the Lead

The Kings tried to rally behind Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, but OKC’s depth was too much.
Bench players like Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams kept up the pressure, hitting threes and forcing turnovers.

  • After Q3: Thunder 102 – Kings 80

4th Quarter — Sealing the Win

With the game nearly decided, Thunder’s reserves continued to dominate. Isaiah Joe hit clutch shots, while Cason Wallace and Chris Youngblood impressed with their energy.

  • Final Score: Thunder 132 – Kings 101

Key Box Score Numbers

Team1Q2Q3Q4QFinal
Thunder (OKC)27403530132
Kings (SAC)28242821101

Top Performers

Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate after dominating the Kings 132–101 at Golden 1 Center.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 29 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds
  • Chet Holmgren: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks
  • Isaiah Joe: 17 points (5 three-pointers)
  • Jalen Williams: 16 points, 6 assists

Sacramento Kings:

  • De’Aaron Fox: 21 points, 5 assists
  • Zach LaVine: 19 points, 4 rebounds
  • DeMar DeRozan: 16 points, 6 assists
  • Domantas Sabonis: 12 points, 11 rebounds

What Made the Difference

Thunder’s Energy and Defense

OKC’s defense was relentless. They forced 15 turnovers and held the Kings to just 43% shooting.
Chet Holmgren protected the rim like a wall, while SGA disrupted passing lanes and attacked in transition.

Three-Point Efficiency

The Thunder hit 17 of 35 threes (48%), while the Kings struggled, shooting only 9 of 31 (29%) from deep.

Bench Depth

OKC’s bench contributed 46 points, showcasing the team’s strong rotation and chemistry.

Coach Mark Daigneault (Thunder):
“Our goal was to stay aggressive on both ends. We moved the ball, trusted each other, and played our brand of basketball.”

Standout Players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC)

SGA continues to prove he’s an elite NBA guard. His ability to control pace, create shots, and lead his team makes him one of the most consistent performers in the league.

Isaiah Joe (OKC)

Joe’s sharpshooting was a game-changer. Every time the Kings tried to close the gap, he answered with a timely three-pointer.

Zach LaVine (SAC)

Despite the loss, LaVine showed flashes of brilliance — attacking the rim and keeping the Kings competitive early.

DeMar DeRozan (SAC)

DeRozan’s mid-range game was smooth, but his team couldn’t match OKC’s pace.

What’s Next?

  • Thunder’s Next Game: vs. Portland Trail Blazers
  • Kings’ Next Game: vs. Boston Celtics

Both teams are in the thick of early-season competition, and every win counts toward In-Season Tournament standings.

Upcoming Highlights:

  • Thunder aim to stay undefeated in group play.
  • Kings need to fix defensive gaps before facing top Eastern teams.

Game Summary (Quick Recap)

CategoryThunderKings
Final Score132101
Top ScorerSGA – 29 ptsFox – 21 pts
Rebounds4841
Three-Pointers17/35 (48%)9/31 (29%)
Turnovers815

Summary:
The Thunder’s teamwork, defense, and sharp shooting gave them total control. Sacramento showed effort but lacked the defensive intensity needed to slow down OKC’s offense.

FAQs

Q1: What was the final score of the Thunder vs Kings game?
Oklahoma City Thunder won 132–101.

Q2: Who was the top scorer of the game?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 29 points.

Q3: When and where did the game take place?
It was played on November 7, 2025, at Golden 1 Center, Sacramento.

Q4: Where can fans watch replays?
On the NBA App, NBA League Pass, and YouTube/NBA official channel.

Q5: Who plays next?
Thunder face the Trail Blazers, and Kings play the Celtics.

In Simple Words – Summary

The Oklahoma City Thunder outplayed the Sacramento Kings in every way — faster offense, smarter defense, and better shooting.
SGA was the star, and young talents like Isaiah Joe and Holmgren proved the team’s depth.

The Kings fought hard but couldn’t keep up with OKC’s speed and chemistry.

Final Verdict:
Oklahoma City is looking like a real contender in the West this season.

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