In a game that had just about everything-comebacks, clutch shots, and a little bit of history-the Sacramento Kings finally gave their fans something to cheer about. Snapping a five-game skid, the Kings pulled off a dramatic 125-124 overtime win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday, and it was Russell Westbrook who lit the spark that brought Sacramento back to life.
Let’s start with the moment that sent Golden 1 Center into a frenzy. Down late in the fourth, the Kings needed a bucket to survive-and Westbrook delivered.
With the clock winding down, the veteran guard buried a cold-blooded three to tie the game and force overtime. It was a shot that felt like vintage Russ: fearless, emotional, and perfectly timed.
But it wasn’t just the shot that made Westbrook’s night special. In 29 minutes, he flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
He also knocked down five threes-something that’s never been a major part of his game-and in doing so, he etched his name into the record books as the oldest guard in NBA history to post at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five threes in a single game. At this stage in his career, Westbrook isn’t just contributing-he’s still creating moments that matter.
While Westbrook’s heroics got them to overtime, it was Dennis Schroder who took the wheel in the extra frame. Schroder was surgical when it counted most, finishing with 24 points and 10 assists, controlling the tempo and making the right reads possession after possession. It was the kind of veteran performance the Kings have been missing during their recent slide, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
DeMar DeRozan also brought his trademark midrange mastery and savvy playmaking to the table. He poured in 27 points on an efficient 9-of-17 shooting, and added nine assists, four boards, and a pair of steals. DeRozan’s ability to create offense in tight situations gave Sacramento a steadying presence throughout the night.
Keegan Murray chipped in with 26 points and four rebounds, continuing to show why the Kings are so high on his two-way potential. His scoring punch helped keep Sacramento within striking distance before the late-game fireworks.
On the other side, Houston didn’t go quietly. Kevin Durant, the Rockets’ marquee offseason addition, put up a solid line with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. He looked comfortable orchestrating the offense and kept the pressure on Sacramento all game long.
Alperen Sengun was the engine for the Rockets’ attack. The big man led all scorers with 28 points and added six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. His inside-out game continues to evolve, and he was a matchup problem for the Kings all night.
Houston also got strong contributions from their young core. Amen Thompson nearly posted a triple-double with 18 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Jabari Smith Jr. matched his scoring with 18 of his own, while Tari Eason added 16 and Reed Sheppard chipped in 15.
Despite the Rockets’ depth and firepower, it was Sacramento’s grit-and some timely shot-making-that made the difference. For a team that’s been desperately searching for a spark, this game might just be the turning point.
The Kings now sit at 7-22, and while that record still leaves plenty of ground to make up, this win was about more than just numbers. It was about belief. It was about a veteran stepping up when it mattered most, and a team finding a way to win when the odds were stacked against them.
Next up, the Kings will face the Detroit Pistons, while the Rockets look to bounce back against the Los Angeles Clippers. But for now, Sacramento can savor a night where everything finally clicked-and where Russell Westbrook reminded us all that he’s still got plenty left in the tank.