When you talk about NBA rivalries, the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks might not always come up first. But if you look closely at their history, you’ll discover a rivalry filled with intense playoff matchups, bold trades, passionate fans, and seasons that shifted momentum. The Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks timeline tells the story of two Western Conference teams that have crossed paths in dramatic ways since the early 1980s.
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The rivalry saw its peak during the early 2000s with playoff clashes that turned into NBA classics. More recently, as both teams rebuild and reload, the Kings and Mavericks continue to deliver must-watch games. From the fierce Mike Bibby vs Dirk Nowitzki days to the modern battles involving De’Aaron Fox and Luka Dončić, this timeline captures the heart of a heated NBA journey. Now, let’s dive deeper into this iconic basketball rivalry.
| Detail | Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|
| Total Games Played | 204 (as of April 2025) |
| Series Record (Reg. + PO) | Mavericks lead regular season 103–83; Kings lead playoffs 11–6 |
All-Time Head-to-Head Record: Who Leads the Series?
The Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks head-to-head record gives us a great look at how the rivalry has shifted over the years. As of April 2025, the two teams have faced off in a total of 204 games. In regular season matchups, the Dallas Mavericks hold the advantage, leading 103 wins to the Kings’ 83. However, when it comes to playoff meetings, the Kings have been more dominant, with 11 wins to the Mavericks’ 6, especially during the early 2000s.
| Category | Sacramento Kings | Dallas Mavericks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Games Played | 204 | 204 | Includes regular season and playoffs |
| Regular Season Wins | 83 | 103 | Mavericks lead regular season record |
| Playoff Wins | 11 | 6 | Kings lead in playoff games |
| Playoff Series Wins | 2 | 1 | Kings won in 2002 & 2004, Mavs won in 2003 |
| Longest Win Streak | 8 (1992–1994) | 10 (2009–2012) | Mavericks’ streak is longest overall |
| Most Recent Game | Loss | Win | Mavs won 120–106 on April 16, 2025 |
| Last Playoff Meeting | 2004 (Kings 4–1) | 2004 (Lost 1–4) | Kings’ last series win |
| Total Championships | 0 | 1 (2011) | Mavs won NBA title in 2011 |
This mix of results shows just how balanced the rivalry has been, depending on the era. While the Mavericks had stretches of dominance, particularly in the late 2000s, the Kings made their mark during important playoff moments. These records are not just numbers—they reflect key coaching strategies, franchise evolution, and the impact of superstars who shaped the trajectory of both teams across decades.
Early Encounters: 1980s to 1990s
The first official game between the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks took place in 1980. During this time, both teams were still finding their identities in the NBA. The Kings were transitioning after relocating to Sacramento from Kansas City in 1985, while the Mavericks were an expansion team that joined the league in 1980. Their early battles didn’t attract much national attention, but they laid the groundwork for a future rivalry.
In the 1990s, the intensity started to build. Although neither team was consistently dominant during this decade, each matchup was competitive. The Mavericks developed through stars like Jamal Mashburn and Jason Kidd, while the Kings were constructing their own core. These games had less to do with playoff implications and more about pride, development, and planting the seeds for the fierce matchups to come in the next era.
Playoff Clashes: Early 2000s Showdowns
This period marks the peak of the Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks timeline. The teams met three times in the NBA Playoffs: in 2002, 2003, and 2004. In 2002, the Kings defeated the Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals, thanks to the stellar play of Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, and Peja Stojaković. Their high-paced offense and teamwork outshined the Mavericks, who were still finding their playoff rhythm.
The 2003 rematch flipped the script. Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas to a dramatic Game 7 victory, cementing his reputation as a clutch playoff performer. Then, in 2004, the Kings bounced back and eliminated the Mavericks in the first round. These three consecutive years of postseason warfare added real heat to the rivalry, with each team trading blows and delivering unforgettable games. Fans still remember the buzzer-beaters, ejections, and emotional postgame interviews from this intense era.
Recent Developments: 2020s Resurgence
Fast forward to the 2020s, and both teams have seen major changes. The 2022–23 season was historic for Sacramento, as the Kings broke a 16-year playoff drought, led by GM Monte McNair and head coach Mike Brown. Their fast, unselfish style of play earned them respect across the league. On the other hand, Dallas made headlines by pairing Luka Dončić with Kyrie Irving before eventually acquiring Anthony Davis in a blockbuster 2025 trade with the Lakers.
During the 2024–25 NBA season, the Kings swept the Mavericks 3–0 in the regular season. However, the real drama came on April 16, 2025, in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. In a high-stakes game, the Mavericks defeated the Kings 120–106, eliminating them from playoff contention. Anthony Davis led the way with 27 points, silencing the Sacramento crowd. Following the loss, GM McNair stepped down, and the Kings began another phase of restructuring.
Statistical Comparison: Team Performance Over the Years
To fully appreciate the Kings-Mavericks timeline, we have to look at the stats. Here’s a breakdown of how the teams compare in key areas across their rivalry:
| Stat Category | Sacramento Kings (Avg.) | Dallas Mavericks (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game (2020s) | 116.2 | 113.8 |
| Defensive Rating | 113.9 | 112.5 |
| Playoff Appearances | 11 (since 2000) | 17 (since 2000) |
| Championships | 0 | 1 (2011) |
| Top Scorer All-Time | Oscar Robertson (franchise) | Dirk Nowitzki |
While Dallas has the edge in consistency and playoff appearances, Sacramento has often been more explosive offensively, especially during the 2020s. These stats offer perspective on how both teams have evolved—offense-heavy eras, defensive rebuilds, and star-driven strategies have all played their part.
Fan Perspectives and Cultural Impact
The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks might not have the oldest rivalry, but for their fans, it’s deeply personal. Kings fans are known for their passionate loyalty—packing the Golden 1 Center and lighting the famous “Beam” after every win. Mavericks fans, meanwhile, have rallied behind legends like Dirk and Luka, creating a strong, devoted following.
Social media has made the rivalry even more interactive. After the 2025 play-in loss, Mavericks fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with clips of Anthony Davis taunting Kings fans, sparking online debates and memes. On Reddit and NBA forums, fans have dissected every controversial call and buzzer-beater. The rivalry now lives not just on the court, but in the digital world, keeping it alive year-round regardless of standings.
Conclusion: The Legacy and Future of the Kings-Mavericks Rivalry
The Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks timeline is more than just a history of games—it’s a journey through basketball eras. From early struggles and playoff classics to modern trades and fan wars, this rivalry has grown into a true storyline of the NBA. Each chapter adds emotion, making it a favorite among diehard fans of both teams.
Looking ahead, the next generation of stars will likely continue this tradition. With players like Keegan Murray, Zach LaVine, and Luka Dončić, plus emerging talent from the draft, there’s a strong chance we’ll see more iconic moments soon. Whether it’s a heated regular-season battle or another high-stakes playoff clash, the Kings vs Mavericks rivalry isn’t fading anytime soon.
5 Short FAQs
Q1: Who leads the Kings vs Mavericks rivalry?
Dallas Mavericks lead in regular season wins, but Kings lead in playoff wins.
Q2: When did the Kings and Mavericks first play?
Their first NBA matchup was in 1980.
Q3: What was their most famous playoff series?
The 2003 seven-game series was the most intense and widely watched.
Q4: Who are the top players in the rivalry’s history?
Dirk Nowitzki (Mavs), Chris Webber, and Mike Bibby (Kings) top the list.
Q5: What happened in the 2025 play-in game?
Dallas beat Sacramento 120–106 to knock them out of the playoffs.
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