KEY POINTS
- Rookie guard Reed Sheppard scored a career-high 28 points, including seven three-pointers, in his first start at home.
- Center Alperen Sengun recorded his third triple-double of the season with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
- The 31-point margin marks Houston’s most lopsided victory of the year as they improve to 36-21.
The Houston Rockets delivered their most convincing performance of the season on Wednesday night at the Toyota Center. Houston routed the Sacramento Kings 128-97 in a game that was decided well before the final buzzer. The victory allows the Rockets to move to 36-21 on the year and ties the season series at 2-2. It also secures back-to-back wins for a team looking to solidify its playoff positioning.
Rookie Reed Sheppard stole the spotlight in his first start in front of the Houston home crowd. The young guard connected on seven three-pointers, setting a new personal best in his professional career. He finished the evening with 28 points, showing the perimeter accuracy that made him a top draft pick. His early scoring burst helped Houston establish a double-digit lead in the first quarter.
Alperen Sengun provided the engine for the Rockets’ offense with a masterful all-around performance. The center notched his 11th career triple-double by tallying 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. He controlled the paint on both ends of the floor while facilitating for his teammates with precision passing. His efficiency was particularly notable, as he shot 9-of-13 from the field during his 32 minutes of play.
The Rockets’ offense operated at peak efficiency throughout the first half of the contest. They outscored the Kings 44-28 in the second quarter alone to take a 77-50 lead into the break. The team shot over 54% from the field and capitalized on Sacramento’s defensive lapses. Kevin Durant contributed a steady 21 points before sitting out the entire fourth quarter due to the large lead.
Sacramento struggled to keep pace despite a scorching start from veteran Russell Westbrook. He scored 17 of his 22 points in the first quarter to keep the Kings within reach early on. However, the rest of the Sacramento roster struggled to find their rhythm against Houston’s third-ranked defense. DeMar DeRozan added 15 points, moving past Paul Pierce for 20th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Houston’s defensive discipline proved to be a decisive factor in the lopsided result. They are now 26-4 this season when holding opponents to fewer than 110 points. The Rockets dominated the rebounding battle and limited the Kings’ second-chance opportunities. This win marks a significant turnaround from their two previous losses to Sacramento earlier this winter.
The Rockets lead peaked at 36 points during the final frame as bench players closed out the game. This blowout allows the starters to remain fresh for their upcoming schedule in a competitive Western Conference. The team’s ability to combine elite defense with high-volume perimeter shooting was on full display. Fans left the arena encouraged by the chemistry between the veteran stars and the emerging young talent.
Houston will look to extend their winning streak as they continue their current homestand. The Kings remain at the bottom of the league standings as they attempt to find consistency after a record-long losing streak. This match serves as a reminder of the Rockets’ potential when their core players are healthy and productive. The franchise remains one of the most improved teams in the league this year.
