December 22nd - The Sacramento Kings narrowly defeated the Houston Rockets 125-124 . In terms of statistics, DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 27 points and 9 assists, Jamal Murray contributed 26 points , and Dennis Schroder added 24 points and 10 assists. For the Rockets, Shen Jing scored 28 points, and Kevin Durant contributed 24 points , 10 rebounds , and 8 assists, showcasing a well-rounded performance but ultimately suffering a defeat.

The Kings started the game with a 14-4 run. Led by Shen Jing and Durant, the Rockets relentlessly attacked the paint and created space, successfully taking the lead. At the end of the first quarter, the Rockets held a 31-30 advantage. In the second quarter, the Kings briefly regained the lead, but Shen Jing quickly responded with consecutive points, extending the Rockets' lead to double digits. Despite a late surge from the Kings, they trailed 57-68 at halftime .

After switching sides, both teams significantly increased their defensive intensity, and the score remained within single digits. The Rockets played more consistently, maintaining a 91-82 lead at the end of the third quarter. In the final quarter, Murray hit consecutive three-pointers, while DeRozan and Westbrook frequently attacked the basket, drawing fouls. At the crucial moment, the Kings tied the game, and the two teams were tied at 112 at the end of regulation , forcing overtime.

In overtime, the two teams traded leads multiple times. In a crucial possession before the final buzzer, Schroder decisively hit a three-pointer, giving the Kings a near-game-winning shot. Ultimately, the Kings narrowly defeated their opponents 125-124 .

Rockets player statistics

Shen Jing had 28 points , 6 rebounds, and 3 assists; Durant had 24 points , 10 rebounds , and 8 assists; Smith had 18 points , 5 rebounds , and 2 assists; Thompson had 18 points , 9 rebounds , and 8 assists; Ethan had 16 points , 3 rebounds , and 3 assists; Sheppard had 15 points , 2 rebounds, and 4 assists; Okogie had 3 points , 6 rebounds, and 2 assists; Capela had 2 points , 6 rebounds, and 1 assist .

Kings player stats

DeRozan 27 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists; Murray 26 points, 4 rebounds; Schroder 24 points , 7 rebounds , 10 assists; Westbrook 21 points, 13 rebounds , 4 assists; Reno 12 points, 14 rebounds; Clifford 6 points , 6 rebounds , 4 assists; Achiuwa 5 points , 1 rebound , 2 assists; Monk 2 points; Caldwell 2 points , 4 rebounds; Ellis 2 rebounds.