Peja Stojakovic Buzzer Beater vs Rockets (2002)
The Serbian sniper's clutch triple sealed a 111–109 Kings victory at the buzzer.
On January 2, 2002, Peja Stojaković hit a buzzer-beater against the Houston Rockets at the ARCO Arena, creating one of the sharpest moments in Sacramento Kings history. This shot during the franchise's early-2000s golden era highlighted the lethal range that defined Stojaković's game and pushed him into global stardom. It shows just how cold-blooded the Kings could be under pressure throughout those playoff-chasing years.
- Date
- January 2, 2002
- Final Score
- Kings 111, Rockets 109
Lore & Background
The shot itself became legendary not just for its difficulty, but for the calm demeanor Stojaković displayed in executing it. With the game tied and seconds ticking away, he received the inbound pass, navigated through defensive pressure, and launched a deep three-pointer that swished through the net as time expired. This moment cemented his legacy as 'The Serbian Sniper' and provided one of the most enduring highlights in the history of Sacramento basketball.
In Their Own Story
The arena hummed with a nervous energy, the silence between dribbles heavy enough to feel. With two seconds left on the clock, the Kings were deadlocked at 95. The ball found Stojaković near the top of the key, his chest heaving slightly after a grueling defensive stand. He didn't hesitate; he rose, extended his arm with practiced grace, and released the ball as the buzzer screamed. For a heartbeat, the world held its breath before the net snapped upward, sending a roar through Sacramento that would echo for decades.
Reader's Guide
This game took place during the 2001-02 regular season, a period where the Kings were fighting for playoff positioning in a competitive Western Conference. The Rockets, led by their own star power, pushed the Kings to the absolute limit, resulting in a tightly contested battle that remained scoreless down the stretch. As the final seconds dwindled, Sacramento's offense stalled until a well-timed pass found Peja Stojaković beyond the arc. Despite heavy defensive coverage from Houston, he executed a perfect fadeaway shot. The ball sailed through the air as the clock hit zero, landing perfectly in the net to secure a 96-95 victory. This moment remains etched in Kings history because it highlighted the team's offensive brilliance and Stojaković's clutch gene. It was a defining showcase of why fans flocked to ARCO Arena during that era: for high-quality basketball where individual moments of genius could decide the outcome.
Did You Know?
- Peja Stojaković made this shot from beyond the three-point line, showcasing his elite range.
- The victory helped solidify the Kings' standing as a top team in the Western Conference that season.
- This buzzer-beater is frequently cited among the greatest regular-season shots in NBA history.
- Stojaković was known for his 'one-motion' shooting form, which made this release look effortless.