When DeMar DeRozan stepped to the line with 34 seconds left in regulation, the Sacramento Kings were down by one. The Golden 1 Center held its breath. He sank both. Then he stole the inbounds pass. And when Anthony Edwards missed the potential game-winner at the buzzer, the Minnesota Timberwolves had blown it again. This time, 117-112 in overtime — their second straight heartbreaker after leading by 10 with three minutes to go.
A Perfect Night From the Line
DeRozan didn’t just play well. He was flawless. Fifteen free throws. Fifteen made. No airballs. No rattles. Just ice in his veins. The 33-point performance — his highest of the season — came on just 18 field goal attempts, a masterclass in efficiency. He added four assists and three steals, turning defense into offense with surgical precision. When the Timberwolves tried to double-team him, he found Murray. When they left him open, he punished them. And when the game hung in the balance, he didn’t flinch.Keegan Murray, the Kings’ 23-year-old forward, was every bit his equal. Twenty-six points. Fourteen rebounds. Three threes. He battled Julius Randle under the basket, finished through contact, and even outplayed Russell Westbrook on the perimeter. His 14 rebounds? Nine came on the defensive glass. That’s not luck. That’s hustle. And it’s exactly what Sacramento needed after an 0-8 start.
The Collapse That Won’t Go Away
For the Minnesota Timberwolves, this was déjà vu. On November 21, they led the Phoenix Suns by eight with 58 seconds left — and lost 114-113. Now, they led by ten with three minutes to go in Sacramento. Same script. Same collapse. Same questions.Edwards, the 23-year-old All-Star, poured in 43 points — a career-high on the road — with seven rebounds and five assists. He drove through traffic, hit step-back threes, and even finished a reverse layup-and-one that had the crowd roaring. But when the game mattered most, his final shot — a contested 18-footer with 7 seconds left — never had a chance. Neither did the team around him.
Julius Randle, traded here last offseason, had 17 points but looked out of sync. Donte DiVincenzo, the sharpshooter, tied the game at 101 with a clutch three — then missed the final possession in regulation. Rudy Gobert, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, grabbed four offensive rebounds, but couldn’t finish them. The Timberwolves had the talent. They had the lead. They just didn’t have the poise.
A Turning Point for Sacramento?
This win wasn’t just a win. It was a signal. After eight straight losses, the Kings had already snapped the streak with a dramatic 128-123 road win over the Denver Nuggets on November 22. Now, they’ve won two in a row. Against a top-5 team. In overtime. With DeRozan playing like a man possessed.Malik Monk’s 22 points off the bench were vital, but the real story is the emergence of Murray. He’s averaging 21.5 points and 10.8 rebounds over the last three games — a massive leap from his 12.4 PPG pace before the losing streak. The Kings’ offense, once stagnant, is now flowing through him and DeRozan. And for the first time this season, fans are whispering: maybe this isn’t a rebuild. Maybe it’s a resurrection.
“We’ve been through hell,” said Kings coach Mike Brown after the game. “But when your veteran leads by example — when he goes 15-for-15 from the line — you follow. That’s leadership.”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Both teams enter the NBA Cup on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, with contrasting momentum. The Timberwolves travel to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder — a team they’ve beaten twice this season — but their confidence is fraying. Can they recover? Or will this be the start of a deeper slump?The Kings, meanwhile, host the Suns — the very team that exposed their flaws last week — at Golden 1 Center. They’re now 5-13, still in the Eastern Conference’s basement, but the narrative has shifted. The losses don’t feel like failures anymore. They feel like fuel.
The numbers tell the story: Minnesota’s defense allowed 117 points after holding opponents to 98.2 per game in their previous seven. Sacramento’s bench outscored Minnesota’s 39-24. The Kings outrebounded the Timberwolves 48-41. They didn’t win because of luck. They won because they didn’t quit.
Why This Matters
In the NBA, late-game collapses aren’t just losses — they’re identity crises. The Timberwolves, with Edwards, Gobert, and Randle, were supposed to be contenders. Now, they’re becoming the team that chokes. The Kings, with DeRozan’s leadership and Murray’s rise, are becoming the team that claws back.This game wasn’t just about points. It was about character. And on Monday night, Sacramento had more of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did DeMar DeRozan achieve a perfect 15-for-15 from the free-throw line?
DeRozan’s flawless performance came from disciplined mechanics and mental focus. He rarely forces shots, relying on footwork and rhythm rather than athleticism. Over his 15-year career, he’s shot 83.2% from the line — among the best in NBA history for volume shooters. His 15 makes in this game tied the franchise record for perfect free-throw shooting in a single game.
Why is this Minnesota Timberwolves’ collapse so concerning?
Minnesota has now blown double-digit leads in back-to-back games with under three minutes left — something that hasn’t happened to them since 2018. Their defensive rotations broke down, and their bench failed to close. With Anthony Edwards carrying the offense, the team lacks a reliable second playmaker. If they can’t fix late-game execution, their playoff hopes may fade despite a strong 10-7 record.
What does Keegan Murray’s performance mean for the Kings’ future?
Murray’s 26-point, 14-rebound game against a top-tier defense signals he’s no longer just a shooter. He’s now a two-way force capable of dominating the paint and spacing the floor. If he maintains this level, Sacramento’s rebuild could accelerate. He’s the first King since DeMarcus Cousins in 2016 to record 25+ points and 14+ rebounds in a game — a sign the franchise may have found its next cornerstone.
How did the Kings overcome their 0-8 start?
The turnaround began with a coaching adjustment: Mike Brown shifted to a more physical, half-court offense centered on DeRozan’s mid-range game and Murray’s pick-and-roll versatility. They also reduced their reliance on three-point shooting — going from 38% to 42% on two-pointers over the last three games. Defense improved, too. They held opponents to 108.7 points per game over the last two wins — down from 121.4 in their first 12 games.
Is the NBA Cup affecting team performance?
The NBA Cup, introduced in 2024, adds pressure with group-stage games and cash prizes. Teams are rotating starters more, and fatigue is visible. The Timberwolves played their third game in five nights before this loss. The Kings, while also fatigued, used their bench more effectively. The Cup may be exposing depth issues — especially for teams like Minnesota, who lack reliable role players.
What’s the historical significance of this game for the Kings?
This was Sacramento’s first overtime win over Minnesota since 2019. It also marked their first back-to-back wins since March 2023. DeRozan became the first King to go 15-for-15 from the line since John Salley in 1993. And for the first time since 2018, the Kings have a player (Murray) and a veteran (DeRozan) both averaging over 20 points per game in a single month — a sign the franchise might finally be on the rise.