In a thrilling double-overtime showdown, DeMar DeRozan showcased his veteran poise by scoring nine of Sacramento’s 11 points in the second overtime to lift the Kings (18-19) 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, who has revitalized the team’s energy and performance.
DeRozan, acquired in a midseason trade, was the undisputed star of the night. He finished with 30 points on 12-of-26 shooting, including clutch plays in the game’s decisive moments. Domantas Sabonis added a dominant triple-double with 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists, anchoring the Kings’ attack in the absence of injured point guard De’Aaron Fox. Malik Monk chipped in 23 points, Keon Ellis had 17, and Keegan Murray contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Heat (17-17), playing without their star forward Jimmy Butler, leaned on a balanced effort. Tyler Herro led Miami with 26 points, but a costly 8-second violation late in regulation loomed large. Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, but missed free throws in key moments hurt Miami’s chances. Terry Rozier added 18 points, and Haywood Highsmith contributed 14 points off the bench.
The game was tied at 102 at the end of regulation and 112 after the first overtime, with both teams missing opportunities to seal the win. In the second overtime, DeRozan took over, draining a 3-pointer and three step-back jumpers to stun Miami. The Heat, winless in three road overtime games this season, struggled to match Sacramento’s intensity down the stretch.
A critical turning point came late in the first overtime. With the Heat leading by one, Jaquez missed two free throws with just three seconds left, allowing the Kings to score on the ensuing possession and force a second overtime.
Under Christie, Sacramento is playing with renewed heart and effort, a marked improvement from the final two weeks of former coach Mike Brown’s tenure. The team has rallied around Christie’s leadership, showing resilience and clutch performances, even without Fox in the lineup.
Coach Erik Spoelstra’s squad looked sharp for most of regulation but faltered in crunch time. Without Butler, Miami has struggled to close games, now sitting at 4-7 without their star this season. The Heat’s inability to capitalize on key opportunities—highlighted by Herro’s late turnover and Jaquez’s missed free throws—proved costly.
DeRozan scored nine of Sacramento’s 11 points in the second overtime, showcasing his late-game heroics. Miami is 0-3 in road overtime games this season and 4-7 without Jimmy Butler.
Travel to San Francisco to face the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday in the second game of a back-to-back. Begin a four-game road trip against the Boston Celtics on Friday, seeking to extend their winning streak.
The Kings’ victory solidifies their growing momentum and highlights DeRozan’s leadership in pivotal moments. Meanwhile, the Heat face questions about their execution in tight games as they prepare for another tough matchup against the Warriors.
