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What started as a normal courtside moment quickly turned into a scary scene during Friday night’s matchup between the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers. Kings guard Dennis Schroder accidentally elbowed a female fan while tracking a pass near halftime, creating immediate concern in the arena.
The incident happened with less than two seconds left before the break, according to game broadcasts. Cleveland’s Dean Wade launched a full-court inbound pass, and Schroder reacted by sprinting into the play to intercept it as Evan Mobley battled for position. Schroder tipped the ball away, but the momentum carried him off balance and his elbow struck a courtside fan in the head (via game footage).
Dennis Schroder instantly crouched down and held the fan’s head, seemingly trying to comfort her. The woman continued holding her head as play resumed, drawing worry from spectators. Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell also walked over to check on the fan’s condition, showing support after the unexpected hit.
The game itself had been competitive up to that point, featuring several scoring swings and strong offensive stretches from both sides. Schroder also looked sharp on the floor, making the accident even more frustrating considering how well he was playing.
While Dennis Schroder delivered one of his best outings of the season, Sacramento’s overall issues made it another disappointing night. Just a week ago, the Kings appeared to be trending up. They had won four straight, beating the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks during the streak (per team results). That momentum faded fast.
In Cleveland, the Kings went toe-to-toe early. The first quarter ended tied, and Sacramento carried a three-point lead into halftime. But the Cavs roared back after the break, crushing the Kings 34-22 in the third quarter to flip the game in their favor.
Despite solid bench production, Sacramento could not recover from that swing and fell 123-118. DeMar DeRozan struggled alongside the other starters, leaving the second unit to pick up the slack. Domantas Sabonis came off the bench and led the Kings with 24 points, marking his strongest performance since returning from injury. Schroder added 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Malik Monk also chipped in valuable minutes.
The loss was Sacramento’s 34th of the season, keeping them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. They sit 14th in the West, just one win ahead of the New Orleans Pelicans (per league standings). The schedule does not lighten up either, as the Kings face the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks next, both of which present major challenges for a team trying to stop a skid.
The accident involving Schroder added an emotional layer to an already tough night for Sacramento. While the fan appeared alert after the collision, the moment served as a reminder of how fast NBA action can spill beyond the court in unexpected and dangerous ways.
FAQ:
What happened during the Kings vs Cavaliers game involving Dennis Schroder?
During the Sacramento Kings vs Cleveland Cavaliers game, Dennis Schroder accidentally elbowed a female fan while attempting to intercept a full-court pass, causing immediate concern courtside.
When did the accident occur?
The incident happened just under two seconds before halftime during a full-court inbound play.
How did the fan react to the collision?
The fan held her head after being hit and appeared in pain, while Dennis Schroder and Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell checked on her immediately.
How did Dennis Schroder perform in the game?
Dennis Schroder had one of his best games of the season, recording 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists despite the accident.
How did the Kings perform overall in the game?
The Kings lost 123-118 to the Cavaliers. Sacramento’s bench contributed well, but most starters struggled, except for Domantas Sabonis and Schroder.
How is Sacramento doing this season?
The Kings are currently 14th in the Western Conference with 34 losses, just above the New Orleans Pelicans, and are trying to recover from a rough stretch of games.
Who led the Kings in scoring during this game?
Domantas Sabonis led the team with 24 points, marking his best performance since returning from injury.
What’s next for the Sacramento Kings?
The Kings face challenging upcoming games against the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks as they try to improve their record.
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