Domantas Sabonis’ last-second putback lifted the Sacramento Kings over the Miami Heat 111-110 on Monday night, capping off a comeback from a 15-point deficit. De’Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan combined for 54 points, leading the Kings to a thrilling road win that improved their record to 4-3.
The Kings trailed by five points with just over a minute left, but DeRozan’s four-point play sparked an 8-2 closing run. Fox scored 28 points, showcasing his offensive prowess, while DeRozan added 26 to provide Sacramento the scoring punch it needed in the absence of Kevin Huerter, who missed the game due to illness.
Sabonis’ game-winner came after he grabbed an offensive rebound off a Fox miss with only 0.7 seconds remaining. His clutch basket not only gave Sacramento the lead but also marked his impressive stat line of 16 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists.
For the Heat, Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro each scored 27 points, providing most of Miami’s offense. Butler surged in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points to bring the Heat close to victory, while Herro’s perimeter shooting (5-for-11 from three) kept Miami competitive throughout.
The Heat had one last chance to secure a win, but Terry Rozier’s 30-foot attempt at the buzzer bounced off the rim. Miami, which struggled with free throws late, made only 7 of 12 attempts from the foul line in the fourth quarter. This weakness proved costly as they fell to an even 3-3 record on the season.
Sacramento’s third-quarter surge turned the game around as they outscored the Heat 37-17 after halftime.
Without Huerter, the Kings adjusted their lineup, starting Keon Ellis, who contributed seven points and three steals. Malik Monk also stepped up, scoring 12 points off the bench to help fill the scoring gap. Sacramento’s defense limited Miami’s scoring options and forced crucial turnovers late in the game.
The Heat welcomed back Kevin Love to the bench after missing the first five games for personal reasons, though he did not play. Miami was also without Jaime Jaquez Jr. due to gastroenteritis, which limited their rotation options.
