### Kings' Dramatic Overtime Victory: Dennis Schroder's Last-Second Heroics End Losing Streak The Sacramento Kings secured a thrilling 125-124 overtime victory against the Houston Rockets on December 22, 2025. Dennis Schroder emerged as the hero of the night, sinking a 3-pointer with just 2.2 seconds left in overtime. This win not only marked a significant turnaround for the Kings, who had been on a five-game losing streak, but also showcased a remarkable comeback after trailing by five points in the final moments of regulation. Key contributions came from DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook, and Keegan Murray, while the Rockets struggled to maintain their lead, once again faltering in the closing minutes of the game [https://apnews.com/article/kings-rockets-score-ceff6d09d76169bedc9529ac602422f4, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/houston-rockets-again-cant-hold-060142745.html]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Moments and Performances 1. **Game Overview**: - The Kings faced a challenging game, initially trailing but managing to rally back in the fourth quarter. - Schroder's clutch 3-pointer sealed the victory in overtime, demonstrating his pivotal role off the bench. 2. **Player Performances**: - **Dennis Schroder**: 24 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists; crucial in the final moments [https://abc30.com/post/schroeder-hits-late-3-ot-kings-stun-rockets-125-124/18305851]. - **DeMar DeRozan**: 27 points, 9 assists; led the scoring for the Kings [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kings-dennis-schroder-stuns-rockets-055824878.html]. - **Russell Westbrook**: 21 points, 13 rebounds; provided strong support [https://news.az/news/schroders-ot-3-lifts-kings-past-rockets-125-124]. - **Keegan Murray**: 26 points; contributed significantly to the Kings' offense [https://www.thesportsanimal.com/2025/12/22/nba-roundup-dennis-schroders-late-ot-trey-lifts-kings-past-rockets]. 3. **Rockets' Struggles**: - Despite leading by double digits in the fourth quarter, the Rockets failed to secure the win, highlighting their ongoing issues with closing out games [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/houston-rockets-again-cant-hold-060142745.html]. - **Alperen Sengun**: 28 points, 6 rebounds; was a standout performer for the Rockets [https://www.thesportsleader.com/2025/12/21/dennis-schroder-hits-game-winner-as-kings-come-back-to-beat-rockets-in-ot]. ### Statistical Highlights and Game Impact - **Final Score**: Kings 125, Rockets 124 - **Overtime Performance**: Schroder's last-second shot was the defining moment, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. - **Team Statistics**: - Kings' comeback from a five-point deficit in the final two minutes of regulation. - Rockets' inability to maintain their lead, reflecting a pattern of late-game collapses. ### Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Kings The Kings' victory over the Rockets not only ended their five-game losing streak but also highlighted the resilience and depth of their roster. **Dennis Schroder's performance was instrumental**, proving that he can be a game-changer when it matters most. The game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of basketball, where leads can evaporate quickly, and every possession counts. Moving forward, the Kings will look to build on this momentum, while the Rockets must address their late-game execution issues to avoid similar outcomes in future matches [https://inews.zoombangla.com/dennis-schroders-buzzer-beater-lifts-kings-to-thrilling-overtime-win-over-rockets, https://www.sportworldnews.org/nba/news/26968/kings-stun-rockets-in-overtime-thriller].