Rockets Fall Short In Controversial Loss To Kings, Jalen Green Scores 41 Points
HOUSTON — Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas wanted to see better effort on the defensive end. The Rockets received the message Wednesday night, but a controversial ending resulted in a 130-128 loss to the Sacramento Kings inside the Toyota Center.
Eric Gordon was called for a 3-point shooting foul on De'Aaron Fox at the buzzer. The foul led to Fox drilling all three free throws to seal the game for the Kings.
Jalen Green got things going early with a one-hand alley-oop assisted by Alperen Sengun at the 9:44 mark of the first quarter.
It was Green's first basket. And by the end of the period, the Rockets held a 37-30 lead over the Kings. Green scored 16 points in the First quarter. He finished with a game-high 41 points on 14-of-22 shooting, 6-of-9 from behind the arc.
Sengun finished with his 27th career double-double with 18 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.
Green wasn't alone in helping the Rockets establish momentum early. K.J. Martin scored 15 points during the first half. And due to the production of Green and Martin, the Rockets held a 62-58 halftime lead.
The Kings began to find their offensive rhythm despite Houston sustaining its play during the third quarter. Sacramento scored 41 points during the period, which led to the Kings holding a 99-97 lead entering the fourth quarter.
Houston regained its defensive composure to start the final quarter. The adjustments they made led to the Rockets holding a 112-107 lead with 7 minutes and 48 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Sacramento went on a 7-0 run to take a 114-112 lead. But with 2 minutes and 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Rockets and Kings were tied at 121.
Fox led the way for the Kings with 31 points and 11 assists. Domantas Sabonis recorded 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Malik Monk added 17 points off the bench.
The night before the trade deadline:
With the NBA trade deadline set for tomorrow, Silas said his focus remained on the game despite having a few players receiving interest from other teams.
Eric Gordon, who the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns have expressed interest in acquiring, said his focus remained on helping the Rockets "get a win" against the Kings.
Season series comes to an end vs. the Kings:
With the loss, the Rockets closed their four-game regular-season series against the Kings. Sacramento won the series 4-0.
Up Next:
The Rockets have three games left before the All-Star break in Utah. They will begin a five-game road trip Friday night against the Miami Heat. The Rockets will travel north to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Their final game before the All-Star break is Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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