Key Takeaways:
- Julius Randle delivered 24 points and nine rebounds as Minnesota defeated Sacramento 117-103
- The Timberwolves have now won seven of their last eight matches and took the season series 3-1 against the Kings
- Sacramento suffered its 15th loss in 18 games, marking their worst win rate since the 2008-09 campaign
Match Overview
Julius Randle played a pivotal role in Minnesota’s 117-103 victory over the Sacramento Kings at home on Sunday, amassing 24 points and seizing nine rebounds. The Timberwolves were without their star Anthony Edwards for a second consecutive fixture, but still managed to secure the result.
Jaden McDaniels contributed 21 points and Naz Reid supplied a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, ensuring the Timberwolves moved to a 17-9 record. This result avenged their previous overtime defeat to Sacramento on 24 November, when Minnesota had let slip a 10-point advantage late in regulation and ultimately lost 117-112.
GOT THE DUB. 😤 pic.twitter.com/xXeVLDHMZ9
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 15, 2025
Player Contributions and Team News
Donte DiVincenzo delivered 18 points, six assists and four steals for Minnesota, while Bones Hyland matched that scoring output in his second consecutive start in place of Edwards, who continued his absence due to right foot soreness. The Timberwolves also missed point guard Mike Conley, sidelined by an Achilles issue. Rudy Gobert was a force on the boards with 12 rebounds in 20 minutes before departing in the third quarter due to what the team described as personal reasons.
For Sacramento, DeMar DeRozan, Dennis Schroder, and Precious Achiuwa each tallied 17 points. The Kings saw their record drop to 6-20, representing their poorest win percentage since finishing the 2008-09 season with a 17-65 mark. Schroder made his return from a hip injury, but Zach LaVine – Sacramento’s leading scorer – suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter and was unable to play further.
Statistical Analysis and Defensive Highlights
Minnesota have capitalised against struggling teams, now boasting a 14-1 record in such matchups, with their only loss coming in the earlier overtime reversal against Sacramento. The Timberwolves claimed the season series over the Kings 3-1, having played them four times in their opening 26 games, a rare scheduling sequence.
Keegan Murray stood out for the Kings defensively, registering a career-best five blocked shots as Sacramento’s active first-half defence kept the Timberwolves off balance. Nevertheless, two long scoring droughts severely hurt the Kings’ hopes: Minnesota compiled a 14-0 run stretching into the second quarter and later unleashed a 15-0 surge in the third period.
| Team | Top Scorer | Key Statistics | Final Score | Current Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Julius Randle (24 pts) | Naz Reid: 20 pts, 11 reb; Jaden McDaniels: 21 pts; Donte DiVincenzo: 18 pts, 6 ast, 4 stl | 117 | 17-9 |
| Sacramento Kings | DeMar DeRozan, Dennis Schroder, Precious Achiuwa (17 pts each) | Keegan Murray: 5 blk; Schroder returned from hip injury; Zach LaVine injured ankle in Q2 | 103 | 6-20 |
Next Fixtures
- Sacramento Kings will travel to face Portland on Thursday night
- Minnesota Timberwolves are set to host Memphis on Wednesday night
