Kings stun Timberwolves in OT as Minnesota collapses for second straight game
Nov, 26 2025
The Sacramento Kings pulled off a stunning 117-112 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento — not because they were dominant, but because Minnesota once again choked under pressure. With 34 seconds left in regulation, the Timberwolves led by four. Three minutes earlier, they were up by 10. Then came the unraveling. DeMar DeRozan, cool as ice, sank 15 of 15 free throws and finished with 33 points, tying the game at 101 with two clutch shots. Anthony Edwards, who scored 43, missed the potential game-winner. And just like that, the Timberwolves lost their second straight game after holding a late lead — this time following a similar collapse against the Phoenix Suns on November 22.
How the Collapse Unfolded
The game looked over by the start of the fourth quarter. Minnesota led 82-77 after three, their defense locked in, their bench energized. But then, everything went silent. The Timberwolves scored just 19 points in the final 12 minutes. Sacramento, meanwhile, went on a 24-19 run to force overtime. DeRozan didn’t just score — he orchestrated. He drew fouls, stayed calm, and turned the pressure into points. Keegan Murray added 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Malik Monk chipped in 22. For Minnesota, Edwards was brilliant, but isolated. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo each had 17, but no one else could create offense when it mattered most. The final possession of regulation? Edwards airballed. DeRozan and Monk both missed their last chances. But in overtime, Sacramento didn’t blink. They outscored Minnesota 16-11, and the crowd erupted like they’d just won the conference finals.
Two Teams, Two Stories
The Kings entered the night at 3-13. They’d lost eight straight. Their season looked lost. Then came Saturday — a 128-123 road win over the Denver Nuggets. A spark. Then Monday: another win. Now they’re 5-13. It’s still a losing record, but the momentum is real. DeRozan, 35, is playing like he’s in his prime. He’s not just scoring — he’s commanding. He’s the kind of veteran who turns losses into wins just by being on the floor. Meanwhile, Minnesota, at 10-7, is supposed to be a playoff contender. They’ve got Edwards, the league’s most explosive young scorer, and a roster built for deep runs. But their identity is fraying. Late leads? Gone. Composure? Questionable. They’ve now blown double-digit leads in back-to-back games. That’s not bad luck. That’s a systemic issue.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about two teams playing a game. It’s about trust. In the NBA, teams that can’t close out wins — especially against lower-ranked opponents — don’t survive the playoffs. The Timberwolves’ collapse against the Suns was bad. This one? Worse. They were at home in the third quarter, ahead by five, and still lost. Now they’re 10-7, but their net rating in the final five minutes of close games is among the worst in the league. Coaches can scheme. Players can shoot. But when the lights are brightest and the clock is ticking, who steps up? For Minnesota, the answer keeps being: no one. Sacramento? They’re finding answers. DeRozan. Murray. Monk. Even their role players are stepping into bigger roles. The difference isn’t talent — it’s toughness.
What’s Next for Both Teams
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, both teams play in NBA Cup games. The Timberwolves travel to the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City to face the Thunder — a team with a similar identity crisis but better defense. The Kings host the Phoenix Suns at the Golden 1 Center. For Sacramento, this is a chance to build real momentum. For Minnesota? A must-win to avoid panic setting in. Their next five games include matchups against the Clippers, Warriors, and Lakers — teams that won’t offer mercy.
The Bigger Picture: A League of Near-Misses
This isn’t an isolated case. Over the past three seasons, teams that blow late leads tend to underperform in the playoffs. The 2023-24 Lakers lost six games after leading by 10+ in the fourth quarter. The 2024-25 Clippers lost four in similar situations. Minnesota’s pattern is becoming textbook. They have the talent. They just don’t have the nerve. Meanwhile, Sacramento — once the league’s laughingstock — is quietly becoming the most resilient team in the West. They’re not pretty. They don’t shoot threes like the Warriors. But they win ugly. And right now, that’s enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did DeMar DeRozan manage to make all 15 free throws under pressure?
DeRozan has long been known for his elite free-throw shooting — he’s career 87.5% from the line, and this season he’s at 89.3%. But in this game, his mental discipline stood out. He took deep breaths between shots, avoided eye contact with the crowd, and focused only on his routine. His 15-for-15 performance tied a career-high and was the most free throws made without a miss in the NBA this season. No other player has hit 15+ without a miss since 2021.
Why is Minnesota’s late-game collapse concerning for their playoff chances?
Teams that lose games after holding 10+ point leads in the final five minutes win fewer playoff series — historically, only 28% of such teams advance past the second round. Minnesota’s net rating in clutch situations (last five minutes, score within five points) is -4.2, ranking 27th in the NBA. They’re relying too much on Anthony Edwards to create everything, and without consistent secondary playmaking, they crumble under pressure.
What does this win mean for the Sacramento Kings’ season?
It’s a turning point. After an 0-8 start, the Kings have now won two in a row — their first back-to-back wins since February 2024. Their offensive rating has jumped 12 points since the Nuggets win. DeRozan’s leadership, Murray’s emergence, and Monk’s scoring burst suggest they’re no longer just a team playing for draft picks. They’re becoming a threat in the West’s middle tier — and could push for a play-in spot if they keep this up.
How do the Timberwolves’ recent losses compare to past collapses?
Minnesota’s 2023-24 season ended with a first-round exit after blowing a 15-point lead in Game 4 against the Nuggets. This year’s pattern is eerily similar: big leads, then silence. They’ve now blown 10+ point leads in four games this season — the most in the NBA. Last year, they did it five times total. This is no longer an anomaly. It’s a habit. And habits, in the NBA, get exposed in the playoffs.
What’s the significance of the NBA Cup games for both teams?
The NBA Cup is more than just a tournament — it’s a chance to build confidence. For Sacramento, beating Phoenix again could cement their turnaround narrative. For Minnesota, a loss to Oklahoma City would mean three straight defeats and a drop to sixth in the Northwest Division. With playoff seeding on the line, these games feel like must-wins, not exhibition contests. The pressure is real.
Is DeMar DeRozan still considered an All-Star caliber player?
Absolutely. At 35, DeRozan is averaging 24.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds this season — his best numbers since 2021. He’s shooting 51% from the field and has been the Kings’ most reliable player in clutch situations. While he doesn’t dunk or shoot threes like younger stars, his mid-range game and poise under pressure are elite. If the Kings make the play-in, he’ll be the reason.