The Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks timeline is filled with thrilling games, heated playoff series, and emotional fan moments. These two franchises may not be historic rivals like Lakers vs Celtics, but their clashes—especially in the early 2000s—are unforgettable to NBA fans. With their playoff face-offs and bold trades in recent years, this rivalry continues to evolve and entertain basketball lovers across generations.
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Both teams have gone through major rebuilding phases and star player changes, but their matchups are always high-stakes and intense. Whether it’s the buzzer-beaters by Mike Bibby or Luka Dončić’s clutch performances, the Kings-Mavs rivalry is about passion, pride, and pure basketball energy. Let’s walk through the entire Kings vs Mavericks timeline to see what makes this battle so special.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record: Kings vs Mavericks
Historically, the Mavericks have the upper hand in total games. However, the Kings dominated during their early 2000s playoff runs. Here’s a breakdown:
| Category | Mavericks 🏀 | Kings 👑 |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Wins | 103 | 83 |
| Playoff Wins | 6 | 11 |
| Total Games Played | 204 | 204 |
| Longest Win Streak | 10 games | 8 games |
| First Matchup | 1980 | 1980 |
In regular season matchups, the Mavericks have maintained a solid lead. But in the playoffs, the Kings were able to shake things up. Especially during the 2002 and 2004 series, Sacramento made a strong statement by dominating the court with their fast-paced offense and gritty defense.
Both teams have seen eras of dominance. Dallas had its Luka-led stretch, while Sacramento had its Chris Webber golden years. These swings in power kept fans hooked and made their every meeting exciting and unpredictable.
Year-by-Year Timeline of Kings vs Mavericks Games
The Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks timeline becomes even more interesting when we look at how the rivalry evolved season by season. From their first matchup in the 1980s to dramatic playoff meetings in the 2000s, every game contributed to the energy between these two franchises. The intensity peaked during the early 2000s when both teams were playoff contenders and met in back-to-back postseason battles.
Let’s look at key matchups over the decades and how momentum shifted between the Kings and Mavericks over time.
| Season | Result Highlights | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 Playoffs | Kings 4–1 over Mavericks | Kings’ teamwork outclassed Dirk’s Mavs |
| 2003 Playoffs | Mavericks 4–3 over Kings | Game 7 thriller, Nowitzki heroics |
| 2004 Playoffs | Kings 4–1 over Mavericks | Peja and Bibby led fast-paced dominance |
| 2024 Season | Kings 3–0 sweep in regular season | DeRozan 42 points in OT win |
| 2025 Play-In | Mavericks 120–106 over Kings | Anthony Davis scored 27 points in win |
This timeline reflects shifts in dominance. Sacramento controlled the early 2000s with their ball movement and star core, while Dallas later took over through clutch plays and consistent scoring. Each matchup added tension, especially as playoff hopes were often on the line.
Notable Moments in the Kings-Mavericks Rivalry
Throughout their history, the Kings vs Mavericks rivalry has produced unforgettable moments that fans still talk about. These aren’t just ordinary games—these were emotional battles filled with playoff pressure, fierce competition, and legendary plays that helped define both franchises.
The 2002 Western Conference Semifinals was a statement series for Sacramento. Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, and Peja Stojaković dismantled Dallas’s defense in five games. But the very next year, in 2003, Dirk Nowitzki flipped the script. His leadership and scoring in Game 7 pushed Dallas to the next round.
Here’s a quick look at the most iconic Kings vs Mavericks moments:
| Year | Moment | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Kings defeat Mavericks in 5 games | Asserted Kings as top West contenders |
| 2003 | Mavericks win Game 7 in Semifinals | Dirk proved himself as a playoff leader |
| 2004 | Kings take revenge with another 4–1 series win | Kings’ last dominant playoff run |
| 2025 | AD leads Dallas over Kings in Play-In | Dallas eliminates Sacramento from playoffs |
These events aren’t just milestones—they’re emotional peaks in a rivalry that still resonates with long-time fans.
Recent Developments and Trades Impacting the Rivalry
In recent years, both teams have gone through major transformations that added new spice to their rivalry. The Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks timeline took a wild turn in 2025 with blockbuster trades that shocked NBA fans. These moves shifted power and redefined both teams’ identities.
In February 2025, the Kings traded De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs and brought in Zach LaVine. Fox had been the face of Sacramento for years, but the team wanted a change in offensive style. Just a day before, Dallas made an even bigger move by trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers for Anthony Davis. It stunned the NBA world, but it instantly gave the Mavs a defensive presence and a new superstar.
| Team | Star Traded Away | Star Acquired | Trade Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings | De’Aaron Fox | Zach LaVine | Feb 3, 2025 |
| Mavericks | Luka Dončić | Anthony Davis | Feb 2, 2025 |
These trades were bold and risky but showed how committed both franchises are to winning. It also injected new life into the rivalry, with LaVine and Davis now writing the next chapter of Kings vs Mavericks matchups.
Statistical Comparison: Kings vs Mavericks
When we compare both teams in terms of performance, stats tell a story of ups and downs. While the Mavericks have the better overall record, the Kings have won crucial playoff battles and kept games close.
Let’s compare both franchises across various key stats:
| Stat Category | Dallas Mavericks | Sacramento Kings |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time PPG vs Each Other | 104.2 | 102.7 |
| Avg. Wins Per Season (last 10 years) | 46.2 | 38.5 |
| Most Points in Single Game | 142 (2021) | 140 (2019) |
| Top Scorer (All-Time Matchups) | Dirk Nowitzki | Chris Webber |
The Mavericks tend to dominate in overall scoring and efficiency, especially in the regular season. But the Kings often match that intensity in the playoffs. These numbers reflect the styles of both teams—Dallas prefers a structured offensive setup, while Sacramento thrives in a more fast-paced, open-court system.
For fans who enjoy deep stat breakdowns, you might also want to check out our analysis of the la clippers vs okc thunder timeline, where we covered top performers, key plays, and full team stats from that exciting game.
Fan Perspectives and Cultural Impact
Fans on both sides have deep-rooted emotions about this rivalry. Kings fans remember the glory days of Bibby, Webber, and Divac, while Mavs fans hold onto the magic of Dirk and Luka. On Reddit, forums, and Twitter, these debates are still alive with highlight clips, memes, and strong opinions.
The 2025 Play-In game reignited the fire when Anthony Davis trolled Kings fans post-game. The video went viral, with fans on both sides clashing in the comments. It’s this passion that keeps the rivalry real—even when both teams aren’t title favorites.
Some cultural notes:
- Sacramento Fans: Known for loyalty despite long playoff droughts.
- Dallas Fans: Passionate and vocal, especially during playoff wins.
Fan chants, arena energy, and even post-game interviews have added drama and color to this rivalry, making it feel much bigger than a regular NBA matchup.
The Legacy of the Kings-Mavericks Rivalry
The Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks timeline is more than just stats and scores—it’s a tale of basketball culture, playoff heartbreak, bold trades, and passionate fanbases. From early 2000s playoff wars to today’s dramatic roster shakeups, this rivalry has evolved into one of the NBA’s underrated classics.
Looking ahead, with Anthony Davis and Zach LaVine in place, the stage is set for future clashes. And with both teams aiming for deep playoff runs, expect the drama to continue. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this is one rivalry worth following season after season.
| Topic | Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks |
|---|---|
| Total Games Played | 204 |
| Playoff Series | 3 (2002, 2003, 2004) |
| Most Recent Game | April 16, 2025 – Mavericks won |
| Star Players (2025) | Zach LaVine, Anthony Davis |
| Biggest Trade Twist | Luka Dončić for AD (Feb 2025) |
FAQs – Kings vs Mavericks Timeline
1. How many times have the Kings played the Mavericks?
They have played over 200 times in total, including regular season and playoffs combined.
2. Who has won more games between Kings and Mavericks?
The Dallas Mavericks have more overall wins, especially in regular seasons.
3. Did the Kings and Mavericks ever meet in the NBA Playoffs?
Yes, they met in the playoffs in 2002, 2003, and 2004.
4. Who are the top players in the Kings-Mavericks rivalry?
Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, Luka Dončić, and now Anthony Davis.
5. What happened in their last matchup?
On April 16, 2025, the Mavericks defeated the Kings in a Play-In Tournament game.
Final Analysis
The numbers from April 16, 2025, at American Airlines Center spoke loud and clear. Dallas outscored Sacramento with help from a dominant performance by Anthony Davis. Sacramento, missing its rhythm after trading De’Aaron Fox, struggled on both ends of the court. Davis didn’t need Luka Dončić to shine, scoring 27 points and grabbing 9 rebounds as the Mavericks cruised to a 14-point victory. The Kings, meanwhile, ended their season without a playoff berth, continuing a pattern of near-misses.
When momentum meets roster depth, the result is predictable. For Sacramento, this was another frustrating end. For Dallas, it was a statement that their retooled roster could still compete.
For complete coverage:
- NBA Game Recap – Kings vs Mavericks
- StatMuse: Kings vs Mavericks History
- Basketball Reference Box Score
The Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavericks timeline reminds us that rivalries aren’t just about wins and losses. They’re about eras, turning points, and players who change the course of a franchise. With fresh stars and renewed intensity, the next chapter of this rivalry is only getting started.
