G5 finals, 0 seconds to play.
The Golden 1 Center is in fusion. Kings' fans are so excited that the decibel record has been reached.
"It's Herrera! Herrera for the block! »
"No fault! Overtime! The game goes into overtime! »
The situation for both teams is very simple. The Kings are only one step away from the championship, and Hector, with the block on Tatum, sent both teams into overtime. The situation is as simple for the Celtics: they lost a game, and the finals are also lost.
Hector's block on Tatum came from space. Tatum drizzled and performed a driving floater, but Hector jumped high and threw Tatum's floater under the stunned eyes of his teammates. Blocking a floater is very complicated, but in the NBA Finals, to avoid overtime.
A floater is a difficult shot to block. It has become one of the favorite shots of all NBA stars. Hector's floater is almost unstoppable, and he uses it often. Trae Young's is a reference in the league.
The floater has been considered the "mid-range of modern times" since Tony Parker brought it back into fashion. It is a natural counter to the drop during pick and roll because it is difficult to block.
If it were a G7, it would be vying for the title of "The Block," but it is in the history of the most clutch actions in the history of the Sacramento Kings.
Hector's block peaked at 131.7 dbA, making it the loudest crowd roar at an indoor sporting event that was achieved by the Kansas Jayhawks in 2017. The Golden 1 Center is a recent venue with a short history.
But time has made us forget that the Sacramento crowd is among the most incredible in the NBA. The fervor is scarier than during the Chris Webber years in the old Sleep Train Arena. The roar made it hard to transmit tactical instructions.
"It's over!" Tatum looks upset. Hector's block was too incredible. If the action has to be repeated ten times, Hector does not reblock once. Adrenaline is a powerful drug.
"Jason, control your emotions." Although Mazzulla is disappointed to play extra time, he has adjusted and needs to adapt his players. He took out the tactical chart and drew.
"At the beginning of overtime, Jason and Jaylen put pressure on Hector. He has 5 fouls. Try to get him to eject. We will win! »
Pat Ewing is serene: "Hector, your block has been amazing! I was scared when I saw Tatum drive to the basket, but luckily, Hector was there. Now we have the momentum, and we come out champion tonight! We will be the final winner! »
***
The overtime begins with a layup by Williams. The Celtics lead 110-108, but the Kings aren't worried.
De'Aaron Fox gets the ball rolling and plays a pick-and-roll with Hector. Even tired, the combination is too powerful, and he makes a layup and gets the crowd. He added 3 points for Sacramento and put them back in front.
But a shot by Jaylen Brown put Boston back in front.
But that's when Hector decided to kill all of the Celtics' hopes.
After a successful free throw from him, Jaylen Brown made the pass to Porzingis, who is still alive. Hector has defended him since the beginning of the match, but Isaac takes care of him. As he took off towards the basket, he got the ball stolen.
If it were earlier in the game, Hector would not have succeeded because if Porzingis had a minimum of lucidity, he would have changed the layup's hand. Every detail counts in an NBA game, and every mistake is punished immediately.
"Herrera for the three!" The Kings now lead 112-115. But the coup de grace will come a little later.
"Herrera shoot, no it's a fake!"
"Beep!" The whistle has blown! With 6 seconds left in the game, the Kings were still 3 points ahead. It was enough for the Kings to miss that possession, and the Celtics had a chance to tie. But Hector is an intelligent guy. Drawing a crowd is what he does best.
The problem is that the one who draws the crowd is Jason Tatum, who performs his sixth stride and is ejected. And Hector gets two free throws that he won't miss.
Every Kings player is the happiest person in the world! On June 16, 2026, all Kings players will remember this day!
"The Sacramento Kings won the 77th championship in NBA history! Their second after that of 1951! »