Fox's Firepower Silences Minnesota
Sacramento just put on a clinic. A 4-1 demolition of the Minnesota Timberwolves in a high-stakes shooting competition isn't just a win; it's a statement. March 2026 will be remembered as the month De'Aaron Fox decided to remind everyone why he’s one of the league’s most electrifying talents, sinking a ridiculous 8 of 10 from beyond the arc in the decisive fourth round.
The Kings came out firing, taking the first two rounds with a combined score of 42-35. Malik Monk was particularly hot in the opening frame, hitting six straight shots from the right wing, setting an early tone. Minnesota looked a step slow, struggling to find their rhythm, especially Anthony Edwards who missed his first four attempts from the top of the key.
Thing is, the Wolves showed some life. Karl-Anthony Towns dug deep in the third round, knocking down seven of eight shots, including a perfect five-for-five from the elbow, narrowing the gap to 2-1. That was the moment Minnesota looked like they might actually turn it around. They had momentum, the crowd was buzzing, and the Kings seemed to tighten up just a bit.
Minnesota's Cold Streak: A Larger Problem?
But that's where the comeback stalled. The Kings' coach, Mike Brown, made a smart move, calling a quick timeout after Towns' dominant third-round performance. He substituted in veteran sharpshooter Kevin Huerter for Davion Mitchell, a subtle shift that brought an immediate calming presence and more consistent shooting to the floor. Huerter promptly drained his first three shots in the fourth round, taking the pressure off Fox.
Real talk, Minnesota’s tactical approach felt a bit… predictable. They leaned heavily on Edwards and Towns, but when the shots weren't falling for Edwards – he finished with a dismal 35% accuracy from three-point range – they didn't have a clear Plan B. Head coach Chris Finch kept the same rotation, hoping his stars would shoot their way out of it, and it just didn't happen. Naz Reid, usually a spark off the bench, only hit one of his seven attempts in the second round, a telling sign of their collective struggles.
De'Aaron Fox, without question, was the man of the match. His composure under pressure was something to behold. When the score was tied 1-1 in the fourth round, needing to hit his last shot to clinch it, Fox calmly stepped up and swished a deep three from the left corner. That's superstar stuff right there.
What This Means Going Forward
For the Kings, this 4-1 thrashing over a Western Conference rival is huge for morale and playoff positioning. They moved to 41-29 on the season, solidifying their spot as a genuine threat. It shows they can perform under pressure and that their offensive firepower, particularly from deep, is legitimate. Their next fixture against the Mavericks will be a true test of whether this shooting performance can translate into another win against a top-tier opponent.
Here's the thing: for the Timberwolves, this loss is more than just a bad shooting night. It exposes a potential weakness in their reliance on individual brilliance over collective execution, especially when the shots aren't falling. They dropped to 45-25, still strong, but this kind of performance against a direct competitor raises questions about their championship mettle. They face the Pelicans next, a team known for their stifling defense, which could compound their shooting woes if they don't find answers quickly.
My hot take? If the Timberwolves don't figure out how to generate more consistent offense beyond Edwards and Towns, they're going to be a first-round exit. Their inability to adapt tonight was glaring.
Upcoming Challenges
The Kings, riding high, head to Dallas to face Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, who are coming off a tight win against the Rockets. That game on Friday night will be a clash of offensive titans and a chance for Sacramento to prove this wasn't a fluke. Expect another high-scoring affair, with Domantas Sabonis needing to be sharp on the boards.
Minnesota, on the other hand, travels to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans. That's a tough matchup for a team that just went cold from the field. Zion Williamson's interior presence could further frustrate a Wolves team looking to regain its shooting touch. Finch needs to find a way to get his role players involved early to take some pressure off Edwards and Towns.
Bold Prediction: The Kings carry this momentum into Dallas, with De'Aaron Fox dropping another 30-point game, leading them to a surprising road victory against the Mavericks.