Huge comeback! DeRozan scores 27, Schröder hits near game-winner, Durant narrowly misses triple-double, Kings edge Rockets in overtime

On December 22nd, Beijing time, during the NBA regular season, the Kings played at home against the Rockets. The first quarter remained close, but the Rockets gained momentum in the second quarter. However, in the final period, the Kings rallied strongly to bring back the excitement. After four intense quarters, the teams were tied at 112, forcing overtime. Ultimately, Schröder’s clutch shot sealed a 125-124 win for the Kings over the Rockets.

Statistical summary:

Rockets: Durant with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists; Sengun scored 28 points; Smith put up 18 points; Amen Thompson had 18 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists; Shepard added 15 points; Eason contributed 16 points.

Kings: DeRozan scored 27 points with 9 assists; Murray had 26 points; Westbrook posted 21 points and 13 rebounds; Reid grabbed 12 points and 14 rebounds; Schröder finished with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Game progression:

At the start of the first quarter, the Kings launched a strong attack, opening with a 9-2 run. Sengun managed to score two points to stop the bleeding. The Kings then added another 5 points to extend their lead, but the Rockets woke up and responded with an 11-2 run, narrowing the gap to just one point. DeRozan made two free throws to stabilize the situation. The Rockets kept pressing and scored consecutively, tying the game at 21. The remainder of the quarter saw a tight back-and-forth battle. By the end of the first quarter, the Rockets led the Kings 31-30 by one point.

In the second quarter, Smith hit a three-pointer and Amen scored on a layup, pushing the Rockets to a 9-2 start and an 8-point lead. Schröder’s layup stopped the run for the Kings. The two teams then traded points in a tug-of-war, with the Rockets maintaining a steady 7-point lead. Midway through the quarter, the Rockets went on a 6-2 run to cut the deficit to one point, but Shepard’s crucial three-pointer stretched the lead again. The Kings fought hard but couldn’t close the gap. On the final possession of the quarter, Shepard drew a foul on a three-point shot and made all free throws, sending the Rockets into halftime with a 68-57 lead, a double-digit advantage.

The third quarter began with Durant making one of two free throws, extending the lead. Both teams shot well, and the score climbed back and forth. Midway, Amen’s three-pointer pushed the lead to 13 points. The Kings finally found their rhythm and answered with a 9-2 run, reducing the gap to 8 points. Sengun’s hook shot nullified much of the Kings' effort. The rest of the quarter was a continued back-and-forth, with no major changes in the margin. After three quarters, the Rockets were still ahead 91-82, holding a 9-point lead over the Kings.

In the decisive fourth quarter, the Rockets surged again with a 6-2 start, increasing their lead. However, Shepard’s repeated mistakes allowed the Kings to go on a 12-0 run, cutting the lead to just 2 points and reigniting the suspense. Both sides battled closely, with the Rockets maintaining a slim lead. Sengun completed a critical and-one play, widening the gap. The Kings then scored 4 straight points, narrowing the margin to 1. The Rockets responded with a 4-0 run to keep control. In the last minute, Sengun grabbed key rebounds, but Durant turned the ball over, gifting DeRozan two points. Westbrook hit a three-pointer, and with 20 seconds left, the game was tied again. Durant missed a potential game-winning shot, and after four quarters, the score was tied 112, sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, Schröder’s layup gave the Kings the lead, but the Rockets quickly countered with a 5-2 run to regain the advantage. DeRozan drew a foul and made both free throws, putting the Kings ahead once more. Schröder scored again on a layup, but Smith’s three-pointer tied the game again. In the final minute, the teams exchanged points. Jabari drew a foul on a three-point attempt with 10 seconds left and made 2 of 3 free throws. On the Kings’ last possession, Schröder nailed a three-pointer for a near game-winning shot, giving the Kings the lead. Durant missed a final chance to win it, and the Kings narrowly defeated the Rockets 125-124.

Starting lineups for both teams:

Rockets: Durant, Smith, Sengun, Okogie, Amen Thompson

Kings: Murray, Achiuwa, Reid, DeRozan, Westbrook