Quick Read
- Jabari Smith Jr. scored 18 points for the Rockets, ending his four-game double-double streak.
- Dennis Schroder’s last-second three-pointer gave the Kings a 125-124 overtime win.
- Houston led by 11 at halftime but Sacramento rallied, led by DeRozan, Westbrook, and Schroder.
Jabari Smith Jr. Delivers in Houston’s OT Battle With Sacramento
Sunday night in Sacramento, the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings delivered the kind of game that leaves fans breathless and players tested. Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets’ promising young forward, put up 18 points in a contest defined by its relentless pace and heart-stopping finish. But it was Dennis Schroder, coming off the bench for the Kings, who stole the spotlight with a clutch three-pointer with just 2.2 seconds left in overtime, sealing a 125-124 victory for Sacramento. TalkBasket.net and MRT chronicled the drama, noting how the game’s final moments rewrote the story of the night.
Smith’s Consistency and the End of a Streak
For Jabari Smith Jr., this game was more than just another solid outing. Entering the matchup, he was riding a wave of four consecutive double-doubles, a streak emblematic of his growing impact on Houston’s frontcourt. Against the Kings, Smith contributed 18 points, showcasing his offensive versatility and composure under pressure. Yet, the stat line revealed a bittersweet truth: his double-double streak had ended. Still, Smith’s presence was felt in every quarter, especially as Houston fought back from an early 10-point deficit in the first.
Smith’s free throws in the final seconds of overtime briefly gave the Rockets a 124-122 lead, a moment that seemed poised to be the defining play of the night. But basketball, like life, rarely sticks to the script. Eight seconds later, Sacramento’s Dennis Schroder found himself wide open in the corner and drilled a three-pointer that flipped the outcome, leaving Houston stunned and Sacramento jubilant.
Key Performances and the Flow of the Game
The contest itself was a showcase of star power and resilience. Houston’s Alperen Sengun led the team with 28 points and six rebounds, while Kevin Durant added 24 points and 10 rebounds, though he missed a potential game-winning jumper at the buzzer. Smith’s 18 points were supplemented by a team effort that saw the Rockets rally from an early deficit to a commanding 68-57 halftime lead, thanks in large part to Durant and Sengun’s second-quarter outburst.
Sacramento, meanwhile, was determined to halt a five-game losing streak. DeMar DeRozan paced the Kings with 27 points and nine assists, Russell Westbrook contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Keegan Murray chipped in 26 points. Off the bench, Schroder’s 24 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists were pivotal—not just for the box score, but for the emotional tenor of the game. His late three-pointer capped a dramatic comeback after Sacramento trailed by five in the final two minutes of regulation.
Defining Moments: Overtime Drama and What’s Next
The fourth quarter was a chess match, with Houston holding a slim lead after Durant’s free throws. DeRozan responded with a dunk, and Westbrook’s corner three tied the game, sending it to overtime. The extra period was marked by back-and-forth scoring, missed opportunities, and shifting momentum. Westbrook missed a go-ahead three with 30 seconds left, setting the stage for Smith’s clutch free throws and, moments later, Schroder’s dagger from the left corner.
The Rockets, now 17-9, will look to regroup as they face the Los Angeles Clippers in their next outing. The Kings, buoyed by their dramatic victory, improve to 7-22 and prepare to host the Detroit Pistons. For Jabari Smith Jr., the night was a reminder of both the personal milestones he’s chasing and the unpredictable nature of NBA basketball.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s performance against the Kings underscored his evolution as a key contributor for Houston. While the end of his double-double streak might sting, his clutch play in overtime proved his readiness for high-pressure moments. In the grand scheme, Smith’s journey is about more than stats—it’s about rising to the occasion, learning from heartbreak, and coming back stronger. As the Rockets push deeper into the season, Smith’s reliability and growth will be central to their ambitions.
Sources: NBA.com, MRT, TalkBasket.net