Dennis Schroder delivered a clutch performance to lift the Sacramento Kings over the Houston Rockets 125-124 in overtime on Sunday at Golden 1 Center. “We never gave up. I mean, we stayed together through the ups and downs and I think we did a great job just pushing the pace, sharing the basketball together,” Schroder said, reflecting on the comeback after trailing by 14 points.
The Kings bench star finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, hitting the game-winning corner three with 2.2 seconds left. “Just being aggressive… when they giving me the shot, just shoot it. Be confident,” Schroder said on his decisive play, praising DeMar DeRozan for trusting him with the ball down the stretch.
Sacramento’s late rally was fueled by key contributions from DeRozan and Russell Westbrook, who combined for 48 points and 22 rebounds. Schroder noted the importance of team execution in overtime: “Everybody was open, shoot the basketball, and I think that’s the reason why we got the win.”
The Kings snapped a five-game losing streak, a run Schroder described as mentally taxing. “We needed a win bad… Houston is a great ball club, but we did a great job scrambling on the defensive side of the ball and playing with pace. I think we deserve this one,” he said.
Schroder also DeRozan’s effort in key moments. “Debo made a great play down the stretch, making that pass, having the trust in his teammates,” he said, emphasizing that Sacramento’s bench-to-starter chemistry was critical in closing out the game.
Houston struggled despite standout performances from Alperen Sengun (28 points, six rebounds) and Kevin Durant (24 points, 10 rebounds). Jabari Smith Jr. scored 18 points, but his streak of four consecutive double-doubles ended. Schroder’s shot came just eight seconds after Smith gave the Rockets a 124-122 lead with free throws.
The Kings improved to 7-22, while Houston fell to 17-9. Sacramento hosts the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, with Schroder’s former team, adding extra narrative intrigue, while the Rockets travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
