Rockets Avoid Fourth Quarter Collapse in Road Win Over Kings
Coach Ime Udoka noted during his pre-game media availability that the goal for the Houston Rockets during the final 19 games is to build upon their recent success. Sunday afternoon, the Rockets extended their road winning streak to three in a 112-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
Fred VanVleet led the Rockets inside the Golden 1 Center with 22 points and nine assists. He was one of seven players who scored in double-figures. Jalen Green added 19 points, while Alperen Şengün added 14 points and six rebounds.
With 39 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Şengün left the game in a wheelchair following an injury to his right leg.
Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (right) reaches for a pass to Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (left) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
It was a comeback victory for Houston, who trailed the Kings 54-41 at the 3:08 mark of the second quarter. They were able to find their momentum during the third. After trailing by 13 points, the Rockets outscored Sacramento 54-41 to take an 86-73 lead into the final period. They outscored the Kings 32-14 during the third quarter.
Jabari Smith Jr. played a significant role in Houston's victory. Although he only scored 10 points on 3 of 10 shooting, Smith added 11 rebounds and three steals in the win.
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 25 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. Malik Monk came off the bench and added 20 on 8 of 16 shooting in the loss.
DeAaron Fox, who missed the two-game series against the Rockets in Houston, scored 18 points on a subpar 7 of 21 shooting from the field, 2 of 9 from behind the arc.
The Kings embarked on a late push during the fourth quarter. After trailing by 16 points, Sacramento outscored Houston 13-2 mid-way through the quarter to cut its double-digit deficit to five (101-96) with three minutes left.
With the win, the Rockets closed their three-game regular season series with a 3-0 sweep over the Kings. The Rockets improved their record to 29-35. As the 11th seed in the Western Conference, Houston is five games back of the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final Play-In Tournament Spot.
