Key Takeaways:
- Deni Avdija sealed a 134-133 victory for Portland, scoring two free throws with 1.5 seconds remaining in overtime
- DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points for Sacramento, forcing overtime with a late three-pointer and leading a 17-2 run in the final minutes of regulation
- Both teams will face each other again on Saturday night in Sacramento to continue their home-and-home set
Thrilling Overtime Showdown in Portland
The Portland Trail Blazers edged the Sacramento Kings 134-133 in a dramatic overtime fixture on Thursday night, opening a home-and-home series in style at the Moda Center. Deni Avdija played a pivotal role for the hosts, calmly converting two decisive free throws with just 1.5 seconds on the clock to secure the win.
BLAZERS WIN!!
BLAZERS WIN!! pic.twitter.com/LrZqOylzpv— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 19, 2025
Late-Game Drama and Heroics
The final minutes of regulation saw a remarkable turnaround, as DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento in a fierce rally. DeRozan buried a three-pointer with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter, capping a 17-2 run across the last two minutes and twenty-eight seconds and pushing the contest into overtime. In the extra period, DeRozan hit a jumper to put the Kings ahead 133-132 with four seconds to play. However, as Portland raced up the floor without a timeout, Avdija was fouled by Russell Westbrook and made both ensuing free throws to restore a slender advantage for the Blazers.
Star Performances and Statistical Highlights
Deni Avdija finished the night with a career-best 35 points, shooting 12-for-19 from the field and 10-for-12 at the line, adding five assists and five turnovers in an all-action performance. Shaedon Sharpe posted 26 points for Portland, converting four of his six attempts from three-point range. Jerami Grant chipped in with 20 points, Donovan Clingan contributed 19, and Toumani Camara added 17 for the Blazers.
DeMar DeRozan’s heroics saw him tally 33 points for Sacramento, including 22 across the fourth quarter and overtime. He shot 10-for-16 overall, made three out of four from beyond the arc, and was perfect from the free-throw stripe with 10-of-10. Maxime Raynaud delivered a career-high 29 points for the Kings, while Russell Westbrook recorded a double-double of 20 points and 10 assists on 8-of-11 shooting.
Looking Ahead
Both sides will renew their battle on Saturday night in Sacramento, rounding out a tightly contested series that has already produced one of the most thrilling finishes of the campaign.
