Schroder’s Heroics Lift Kings Over Rockets in Thrilling OT Victory
It wasn’t pretty, and for long stretches, it looked like the Sacramento Kings were destined to extend their misery to a sixth consecutive loss. But in a league defined by make-or-miss moments, Dennis Schroder delivered the one that mattered most.
Schroder drained a corner 3-pointer with just 2.2 seconds remaining in overtime, rescuing Sacramento with a 125-124 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night at the Golden 1 Center. The shot capped a wild, back-and-forth affair that saw the Kings rally from a late deficit in regulation and survive a chaotic overtime session to finally snap their five-game losing skid.
Kings Find a Way in Overtime
The tension in the building was palpable as the clock ticked down in the extra period. After trading baskets and leads, Houston appeared to have the upper hand when Jabari Smith Jr. sank two free throws to put the Rockets up 124-122 with just seconds on the clock.
Sacramento had one last chance. DeMar DeRozan, who had been orchestrating the offense all night, drove hard into the lane, collapsing the Houston defense. With cool precision, he kicked the ball out to a wide-open Schroder in the left corner. Schroder didn’t hesitate, rising and burying the go-ahead bucket.
The Rockets had a final prayer at the buzzer, but Kevin Durant’s jumper clanked off the rim, sending the Sacramento crowd into a frenzy and sealing a much-needed win for the home team.
DeRozan and Westbrook Fuel the Kings’ Rally
While Schroder played the hero, the Kings wouldn’t have been in a position to win without their veteran stars. DeMar DeRozan finished with a team-high 27 points and nine assists, serving as the steadying force when the offense bogged down.
Russell Westbrook was a force of nature, pouring in 21 points and ripping down 13 rebounds. His energy was infectious, particularly late in the fourth quarter. After Durant seemingly iced the game with free throws to give Houston a 112-107 lead with just over two minutes left in regulation, the Kings stormed back. DeRozan threw down a dunk, and Westbrook nailed a clutch corner three to tie the game, ultimately forcing the extra session.
Keegan Murray also broke out of his recent shooting slump, contributing 26 points to the winning effort, while Maxime Raynaud added a gritty double-double with 12 points and 14 boards.
Rockets Heartbreak Despite Big Nights from Sengun and Durant
For Houston, the loss stings. The Rockets controlled the tempo for large chunks of the game, particularly in the second quarter, where they outscored Sacramento 37-27.
Alperen Sengun was a problem for the Kings’ interior defense all night, racking up a game-high 28 points and six rebounds. Kevin Durant, despite the missed buzzer-beater, was his usual efficient self, tallying 24 points and 10 rebounds. The duo combined for more than half of Houston’s points in the second quarter, helping build a lead that touched double digits.
Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 18 points, though his streak of four consecutive double-doubles came to an end. The Rockets, who were coming off a split series against the Nuggets, fell to 17-9 on the season.
Snapping the Skid: What This Win Means for the Kings
This wasn’t just another regular-season game for Sacramento; it was a lifeline. The Kings have been in a freefall, losing 22 of their last 28 games and struggling mightily without star center Domantas Sabonis, who remains sidelined with a knee injury.
The victory improves the Kings to 7-22, and while the record is still ugly, the morale boost of a buzzer-beating win against a quality opponent like Houston cannot be overstated. With upcoming games against Detroit and a rematch with the Rockets in January, Sacramento will look to use this emotional victory as a turning point to salvage its season.
