Dennis Schroder’s last-second three-pointer in overtime delivered a dramatic 125-124 victory for the Sacramento Kings over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, snapping a five-game losing streak in a heart-stopping contest at Golden 1 Center. The win, which came after the Kings rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit, was sealed by Schroder’s clutch shot with 2.2 seconds left, capping a thrilling comeback that energized the home crowd.
The game unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, with the Rockets establishing an early lead behind sharp three-point shooting, hitting 10 of 18 attempts in the first half to take a 68-57 advantage into halftime. Houston’s Alperen Sengun led the charge with 28 points, while Kevin Durant added 24 points and 10 rebounds, but the Kings’ defense tightened in the second half to stage a rally. Sacramento’s Keegan Murray scored 26 points, providing consistent offense, and DeMar DeRozan contributed 27 points and nine assists to keep the team within striking distance.
In the fourth quarter, the Kings mounted a 16-9 run to cut the deficit to two points, setting the stage for late heroics. With less than a minute remaining in regulation and facing a five-point hole, Russell Westbrook nailed a game-tying corner three-pointer off a Schroder assist, forcing overtime and igniting the arena. Westbrook, who finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds despite shooting struggles, emphasized the team’s resilience in postgame comments, stating, “We needed that.”
Overtime featured multiple lead changes, with Schroder taking center stage by scoring nine points in the extra period. After Jabari Smith Jr.’s free throws gave Houston a 124-122 edge with ten seconds left, DeRozan drove into the lane and dished to Schroder, who was wide open in the left corner for the game-winning triple. Schroder’s all-around performance included 24 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists off the bench, highlighting his value as a key reserve for the struggling Kings.
The victory marked Sacramento’s first home win since November 24th, improving their record to 7-22 and providing a momentary reprieve from a difficult season. For the Rockets, who fell to 17-9, the loss snapped a positive streak, though Sengun and Durant’s performances underscored their offensive prowess. The game was a testament to the Kings’ perseverance, with head coach Doug Christie noting the team’s improved effort and competitiveness in crucial moments.
Schroder’s heroics not only ended the losing skid but also showcased the impact of Sacramento’s offseason additions, with both he and Westbrook playing pivotal roles in the clutch. The win, while not altering the team’s long-term prospects significantly, offered fans a glimpse of potential and a reason for optimism amid a challenging campaign. It also highlighted the Kings’ ability to perform under pressure, with Schroder’s game-winner serving as a defining moment in an otherwise bleak season.
Looking ahead, the Kings will aim to build on this momentum as they continue a holiday homestand, hosting the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. The Rockets, meanwhile, will travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers, seeking to bounce back from the narrow defeat. The game’s dramatic finish underscores the unpredictable nature of the NBA and the thrill of overtime basketball, leaving both teams with key takeaways as the season progresses.
