In a dramatic double-overtime thriller, DeMar DeRozan scored nine of Sacramento’s 11 points in the second extra period to lead the Kings past the Miami Heat 123-118 on Monday night. The victory extended Sacramento’s winning streak to a season-high five games under interim coach Doug Christie.
DeRozan finished the game with 30 points, shooting 12-of-26 from the field. He was instrumental in both overtime periods, hitting key step-back jumpers and a clutch 3-pointer to seal the win. His late-game heroics overshadowed strong performances from Domantas Sabonis, who contributed 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists, and Malik Monk, who added 23 points.
Sacramento (18-19) managed to hold off the Heat (17-17) despite missing starting point guard De’Aaron Fox, who is sidelined due to injury. The Kings’ depth shone through, with Keon Ellis posting 17 points and Keegan Murray adding 14 points and 12 rebounds.
For the Heat, Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered a standout triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Tyler Herro led Miami with 26 points, though his costly 8-second violation in the final moments of the fourth quarter proved pivotal. Terry Rozier chipped in with 18 points, while Haywood Highsmith added 14.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the score tied at 102 at the end of regulation and 112 after the first overtime. In the first overtime, Jaquez missed two crucial free throws with just three seconds left, which allowed the Kings to score and force a second overtime.
DeRozan took charge in the second overtime, proving to be the difference-maker as Sacramento capitalized on Miami’s late-game mistakes. His ability to score in isolation situations, combined with Sacramento’s defensive efforts, kept the Heat at bay.
The Heat were without Jimmy Butler, who remains sidelined as he continues serving a seven-game suspension.
The Kings, meanwhile, have shown resilience under Christie’s interim leadership. Their five-game winning streak has lifted them to a respectable 18-19 record, as they continue to battle through a season filled with injuries and lineup changes.
