SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a thrilling game that kept fans in suspense, DeMar DeRozan inspired the Sacramento Kings to a tense 123-118 victory over the Miami Heat after two overtimes on Monday night. The triumph marked the Kings’ record fifth straight victory this season under interim coach Doug Christie.
DeRozan was decisive, scoring nine of Sacramento’s eleven points in the second overtime, finishing the game with an impressive total of 30 points on 12 of 26 shots. Alongside him, Domantas Sabonis also showed the extent of his game with a triple-double performance – 21 points, 18 rebounds and 11 assists, guiding the Kings to their second straight victory in the absence of injured star point guard De’Aaron Fox.
Malik Monk added to the offensive frenzy with 23 points, while Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray contributed 17 and 14 points respectively, the latter also grabbing 12 rebounds to support the Kings’ efforts.
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On the visitors’ side, it was Jaime Jaquez Jr. who shone for Miami, achieving a triple-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Tyler Herro did his best to keep the Heat in contention, scoring 26 points, but a crucial 8-second violation late in the fourth quarter proved to be a turning point for Miami.
The match was hard-fought, with both teams tied at 102 at the end of regulation time and then at 112 after the first overtime. At the start of the second overtime, DeRozan took charge. His three-pointer and three successive putbacks left the Heat distraught, highlighting Miami’s struggles in overtime games this season, having yet to win in their three away attempts.
Coach Erik Spoelstra’s group performed well through the first four quarters but faltered under the pressure of extra play, while the Kings showed marked improvement in spirit and tenacity under Christie, contrasting starkly with their struggles during the last two weeks under former coach Mike Brown.
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In a crucial moment of the first overtime, Jaquez missed two key free throws with three seconds remaining. The mistake allowed the Kings to score a late basket and push the game into a second overtime. The Heat, now 4-7 without their talisman, Jimmy Butler, will look to get their act together as they prepare to face the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Kings will begin a head-scratching four-game road trip, beginning against the Boston Celtics this Friday. Excitement continues in the NBA as both teams aim to improve their standings in a competitive league.
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