Full Breakdown
DeMar DeRozan Reaches Milestone in Kings' Victory Over Rockets
1/12/2026, 11:37:10 AM
Key Game Highlights
On Sunday night, the Sacramento Kings secured their first victory of the season by defeating the Houston Rockets 111-98. DeMar DeRozan played a pivotal role in this win, scoring 22 points and becoming the 23rd player in NBA history to surpass 26,000 career points. He achieved this milestone during the second quarter of the game. The Kings improved their record to 9-30, while the Rockets fell to 22-14 after losing four of their last five games.
Performance Breakdown
The game was closely contested, with neither team leading by more than five points through the first three quarters. The Kings held a narrow 78-76 advantage entering the final period. In the third quarter, Amen Thompson of the Rockets excelled, contributing 18 of his 31 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun also made significant contributions for Houston, scoring 23 and 19 points, respectively.
In the fourth quarter, the Kings pulled ahead decisively, with Malik Monk hitting back-to-back three-pointers, followed by a layup from Precious Achiuwa, extending the lead to 102-92. Other notable performances included Zach LaVine, who added 18 points, and Russell Westbrook, who recorded a double-double with 15 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds.
Context of the Game
The Kings played without guard Dennis Schroder, who was serving the first game of a three-game suspension due to a confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic on December 28. This absence was felt, but the Kings managed to rally and secure the win against the Rockets.
Upcoming Matches
Following this game, the Kings are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, while the Rockets will travel to Chicago for their next matchup on Tuesday.
Official Statements & Responses
The Kings' victory was a much-needed boost for a struggling team, and DeRozan's milestone was celebrated as a significant achievement in his career. The team aims to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, the Kings' overall record raises concerns about their performance this season. Critics point to the team's struggles and the need for improvement, especially in light of Schroder's suspension and the challenges faced in previous games.
