SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a thrilling match on Tuesday night, Domantas Sabonis led the Sacramento Kings with 27 points as they overcame the Houston Rockets with a final score of 120-111. The Kings’ impressive performance not only secured their first victory in four games of the NBA Cup but also thwarted the Rockets’ efforts to claim the top seed in the quarterfinals.
Sacramento exhibited exceptional shooting, hitting 15 consecutive shots from the field, which allowed them to transform an eight-point deficit late in the second quarter into a comfortable 12-point advantage midway through the third quarter. Alongside Sabonis, De’Aaron Fox contributed 22 points, while Malik Monk scored 17 points and facilitated a career-high 12 assists. DeMar DeRozan added another 16 points to the scoreline.
Despite entering the game with high hopes after winning their first three NBA Cup contests, the Rockets were unable to secure their position at the top of the Western Conference. Following this loss to the Kings, Houston will now prepare to host the Golden State Warriors in the upcoming quarterfinals. Jalen Green led the Rockets with an impressive 28 points, and Alperen Sengun supported with 24 points of his own.
Analysis of the game revealed that Houston had been riding a wave of success, having won three consecutive games and ten out of their last twelve before their performance against Sacramento faltered. The frustration from the loss culminated in coach Ime Udoka, as well as player Sengun, being ejected in the final moments of the game.
On the other hand, the Kings broke free from their shooting slump, successfully executing 14 out of 30 three-point attempts after struggling with a dismal 33.2 percent shooting rate from beyond the arc in prior matches. This was a much-needed turnaround after six consecutive games of inadequate shooting.
An intense moment in the game occurred following a hard foul by Fox on Jabari Smith Jr., which ignited tensions between the two teams. This resulted in three technical fouls being called, with Monk receiving one for the Kings, while Smith and Dillon Brooks were penalized for the Rockets.
One of the defining statistics of the game showcased the Kings’ remarkable shooting, as they went nearly nine minutes of gameplay without missing a shot from the field. During this period, Sabonis and Fox each contributed with four successful shots, while DeRozan and teammate Keegan Murray added three each, and Monk chipped in one.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, while the Kings will be on the road to challenge the Memphis Grizzlies.