Kings Survive Late-Game Chaos and Controversial Calls to Edge Rockets in OT Thriller
The Sacramento Kings didn’t just beat one of the Western Conference’s hottest teams on Sunday night - they did it while battling through a flurry of late-game officiating miscues that nearly swung the outcome.
In a 125-124 overtime win over the Houston Rockets at Golden 1 Center, the Kings found themselves not only trading punches with a rising contender but also dealing with a string of missed calls that, according to the NBA’s official Last Two Minute Report, heavily tilted in Houston’s favor.
Let’s break it down.
NBA Admits Five Missed Calls - Four Benefited Houston
On Monday, the league acknowledged five incorrect calls in the final two minutes of regulation and overtime. Four of those went Houston’s way - and each one came at a critical moment.
One of the most impactful came with just 10.5 seconds left in overtime. Kings guard Russell Westbrook was called for a foul on Jabari Smith Jr.'s 3-point attempt - a decision that gave Houston a golden opportunity to take the lead. Smith knocked down two of the three free throws, putting the Rockets up 124-122.
That call loomed large, and it could’ve been the dagger - if not for Dennis Schroder’s clutch response. With just 3.1 seconds on the clock, Schroder buried a game-winning triple to flip the script and send the Kings home with a dramatic victory.
A Game of Inches and Missed Whistles
The report also cited a missed eight-second violation on Kevin Durant - yes, now a Rocket - with 1:57 left in regulation. That’s a turnover that should’ve given Sacramento a crucial possession in a tight game, but it never came.
Then, with 1:32 remaining, Keegan Murray got away with a foul that went uncalled. Just under a minute later, Durant traveled - again, no whistle.
These weren’t marginal plays buried in the flow of the game. These were pivotal moments in a one-possession battle, and the Kings had to weather every single one.
In overtime, the officiating woes continued. With 1:13 left, Rockets center Alperen Sengun should’ve been hit with a three-second violation. Instead, Houston capitalized on the no-call, and Jabari Smith Jr. drained a game-tying three just seconds later.
Add it all up, and Sacramento had every reason to feel frustrated. But instead of folding, they found a way to win.
Resilience Over Controversy
Credit the Kings for keeping their composure. Games like this test a team’s focus and resolve, especially when the whistle isn’t going your way. Sacramento didn’t get caught up in the chaos - they responded with poise, made the plays they needed to, and leaned on Schroder’s late-game heroics to seal the deal.
It’s the kind of win that can galvanize a team. Not just because of the opponent - Houston’s been playing strong basketball - but because of the adversity that came with it. The Kings showed they can take a punch, stay locked in, and still deliver the knockout blow.
They’ll take the win, and they’ve earned every bit of it.