Portland stunned the Kings in OT after a controversial call with 1.5 ticks remaining
The Portland Trail Blazers escaped the Sacramento Kings in overtime, 134-133, at the Moda Center on Thursday, with Danny Avdia sink the game-winning free throws.
The Kings looked like they were on their way to victory afterward DeMar DeRozan drained the basket with 4.4 seconds remaining.
Russell Westbrook, however, was with a whistle for a kicking foul against Obadiah in the ensuing possession. The much improved attacker calmly sank both frees with 1.5 tickets remaining.
The Kings lost tonight in Portland because of this questionable offense. One after DeRozan’s jumper in overtime, Russell Westbrook was whistled at the buzzer to give Demi Avdia the two game-winning free throws. pic.twitter.com/5b1cf2ZVkg
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyslater) December 19, 2025
The Kings tried to challenge the controversial call, but to no avail. They also had a chance to steal the win, but Keon Ellis missed his jumper.
Avdia again led the Trail Blazers with a game-high 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting. He added five rebounds and five assists. Shaedon Sharpe also had a big game with 26 points on 11-of-22 shooting, four rebounds and four assists.
For the second game in a row, Portland showed its mettle in a tight affair. The team upset the Golden State Warriors, 136-131on Sunday to snap a three-game skid.
DeRozan’s 3-pointer sent the game into overtime at 115-115. In the last minute of the game, the score is 17-2. He finished with 33 points on 10-of-16 shooting, four rebounds and two steals. His valiant effort, however, was not enough to hold off the Trail Blazers.
Portland improved to 11-16, while Sacramento fell to 6-21.
Twenty-four-year-old Avdia has been a revelation in his second season in Rip City. He could earn a spot in the All-Star Game for the first time.
The Trail Blazers will try to make it three straight when they take on the Kings again on Saturday.
2025-12-19 06:30:00
