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Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis turns love of wine into business venture

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 1:38 GMT by kcra.com
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Sacramento Kings Celebrate Domantas Sabonis’ Stellar Performance and a Local Wine Connection

On a crisp evening in Sacramento, the Kings’ faithful flocked to Power & Light to witness a game that was as much a celebration of the franchise’s future as it was a showcase of Domantas Sabonis’ dominant play. The Kings took on the Los Angeles Lakers in a hard‑fought matchup that ended 112–107 in favor of Sacramento. Sabonis, the Lithuanian power forward, delivered a near‑double‑double night, tallying 30 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, while also drawing 16 minutes of bench play from rookie guard Jalen Duren.

A Game‑Winning Performance

The Kings opened the game with a sluggish first quarter, trailing 24–20. Sabonis responded in the second quarter, contributing a crucial 10‑point burst that swung momentum in Sacramento’s favor. His ability to score from both the paint and mid‑range made it difficult for the Lakers to keep a close hold on the game. Notably, Sabonis recorded a season‑high of 7 three‑point attempts, converting 3 of them for a surprisingly efficient 43% shooting from beyond the arc. This outside threat forced Lakers’ defense to spread, creating space for the Kings’ backcourt.

Late in the fourth quarter, Sabonis hit a critical 8‑point run, which helped the Kings close a 7‑point deficit. With the game tied at 107 in the final minute, Sabonis secured the win‑tightening block on LeBron James’ shot attempt, sealing the victory. “I knew we had to step up,” Sabonis told reporters after the game. “I was focused on protecting the rim and making those offensive opportunities for my teammates.”

Team Dynamics and Playoff Hopes

The win pushed the Kings to a 34–29 record, bringing them within two games of the 12th playoff seed. The victory also gave Sacramento a boost in morale, especially after a shaky stretch in late February that left fans anxious about the team’s trajectory. Kings’ head coach Mike Brown emphasized that the win was a “moment of truth,” highlighting that the team’s chemistry is essential for a playoff push. “We’ve got a good core,” Brown said. “Sabonis is the heart of that core.”

The Kings’ offensive scheme, centered around Sabonis’ playmaking from the low post, has been pivotal this season. With the addition of rookie big man Chris Chiozza and forward Jalen Duren, the team’s frontcourt depth has improved significantly. Sabonis’ ability to pass and create space for his teammates has become an integral part of the Kings’ offense.

A Local Wine Connection

In a charming twist, the article also delved into Sabonis’ personal interest in wine. In a separate segment, Kings’ public relations director Sarah Martinez shared that Sabonis, who grew up in Lithuania, has an affinity for Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Kings’ organization recently partnered with a local Napa Valley winery, "Bodega Bella," to host a “Wine & Basketball” event, which Sabonis attended with his teammates and a handful of Sacramento residents.

The event, which took place on March 28 at the Kings’ practice facility, offered guests a tasting experience featuring signature wines from Bodega Bella. Sabonis, who was quoted as saying, “I love the way wine can bring people together,” was on hand to share anecdotes about his travels in Europe where he discovered many of his favorite varietals. Fans who attended the event noted that Sabonis’ presence helped humanize the player, creating a stronger bond between the franchise and its community.

The Kings’ marketing team announced that future partnerships with local businesses, including wineries and craft breweries, will be explored to foster greater community engagement. “The Sacramento area has a thriving local wine scene,” Martinez said. “This partnership aligns with our goal of building deeper connections with our fans.”

Media and Follow‑Up Coverage

The game’s highlights and box scores were featured on the Sacramento Kings’ official website, with a special section dedicated to Sabonis’ performance. Meanwhile, NBA.com published a post‑game analysis article citing Sabonis’ 30‑point night as the highest for the Kings since 2019. The analysis also noted that the Kings’ defensive rating improved by 4 points after this game, which could prove critical in the coming stretch.

For fans eager to relive the game, the Kings’ YouTube channel posted a full recap with commentary from former player and analyst, Chris Webber. Webber praised Sabonis for his “consistency and leadership on the floor,” adding that “he’s the player the Kings need to stay in playoff contention.”

Looking Ahead

With a game to go before the All‑Star break, the Kings will next face the Phoenix Suns. Sabonis will look to carry the momentum forward, while the coaching staff hopes to refine the team's defensive schemes against the Suns’ pace‑and‑pace offense. Sacramento fans will likely keep a keen eye on the upcoming matchup, hoping that the Kings’ recent surge continues and that the team can secure a spot in the postseason.

The combination of Sabonis’ on‑court dominance and his off‑court charisma, as illustrated by his wine‑tasting appearance, illustrates the multi‑dimensional appeal of the Kings’ franchise. Whether it’s through the hardwood or the local community, the Kings are carving a narrative that resonates both within and beyond Sacramento’s borders.