Kings Lose Heartbreaker to Blazers After Controversial Late Foul Call
In a game that had just about everything-overtime drama, big-time performances, and a finish that left fans and coaches shaking their heads-the Sacramento Kings fell 134-133 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night. And while the box score tells the story of a one-point loss, it’s the final moments that everyone will be talking about.
With just 1.5 seconds left in overtime and the Kings clinging to a one-point lead, Portland’s Deni Avdija drove hard to the rim and drew a foul on Russell Westbrook. The whistle blew, the crowd gasped, and the Kings bench erupted-not in celebration, but in disbelief.
Doug Christie, filling in as head coach, didn’t hide his frustration postgame. “For game?
Anything I say, I’m going to get fined up here, so. I got a lot to say, so I probably shouldn’t say nothing,” Christie said, clearly biting his tongue.
The play was reviewed, and while the contact was minimal, the officials upheld the call. Avdija calmly knocked down both free throws, sealing a wild win for the Blazers and sending the Kings to their 21st loss of the season.
The Call That Changed Everything
Let’s break it down: Avdija, who was already having a career night, attacked the basket with seconds remaining. Westbrook, defending tight, raised his right arm-and that’s where the officials saw enough to call a foul.
On replay, there was contact, but it was the kind of play that often goes uncalled in crunch time. Not this time.
The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report, released the next day, backed the decision. According to the league, “Westbrook raises his right arm up into Avdija’s arm and initiates contact that affects his shot attempt.” The report also confirmed the foul occurred before the game clock expired.
It’s the kind of call that sparks heated debates, especially when it comes at such a pivotal moment. And while the league standing by the ruling may bring some closure, it won’t ease the sting for Sacramento.
DeRozan’s Heroics Go for Naught
Before the chaos, DeMar DeRozan looked every bit the clutch veteran the Kings hoped for when they brought him in. He poured in 33 points, including 14 in overtime, and gave Sacramento its only lead of the extra period with a smooth turnaround jumper with 4.4 seconds left. It should’ve been the game-winner.
Instead, it was a footnote.
Avdija’s Breakout Night
Credit where it’s due: Deni Avdija was sensational. He dropped 35 points, including those two ice-cold free throws under pressure. The 24-year-old forward was aggressive, efficient, and unshaken by the moment-a performance that could mark a turning point in his development.
And he wasn’t alone. Shaedon Sharpe added 26 points, Jerami Grant chipped in with 20 points and nine boards, and rookie big man Donovan Clingan impressed with 19 points and eight rebounds. Toumani Camara also delivered a well-rounded performance before fouling out, finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Kings Collapse Late in Regulation
What makes this loss sting even more is how the Kings got to overtime in the first place. They led by 15 points with under two minutes left in regulation-then watched it evaporate. Portland’s comeback was nothing short of stunning, as the Kings struggled to execute down the stretch and couldn’t get the key stops when it mattered most.
It’s the kind of collapse that teams can’t afford, especially one already sitting near the bottom of the standings at 6-21.
Big Picture for Sacramento
There’s no sugarcoating where the Kings are right now. They’ve lost 21 of their first 27 games, and while there are signs of life-DeRozan’s leadership, flashes from young players-the results simply aren’t there.
Ironically, some might argue that a loss helps the team in the long run, especially with lottery implications in play. But that doesn’t change how hard this one was to watch unfold. For a team trying to build something, these are the kinds of games that test your resilience.
Next up, Sacramento will look to regroup and find something to build on. Because while the standings say one thing, the fight they showed-right up until the final whistle-says they’re not done yet.