The Sacramento Kings rode a red-hot shooting streak and Domantas Sabonis’ stellar performance to secure a 120-111 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.
With the win, Sacramento not only snapped their three-game NBA Cup losing streak but also derailed Houston’s chance to claim the top seed in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.
A Record-Breaking Run
The Kings delivered an offensive clinic, making an astonishing 15 consecutive field goals during a pivotal stretch. This spree flipped an eight-point deficit late in the second quarter into a commanding 12-point lead midway through the third. Sabonis led the charge with 27 points, while De’Aaron Fox chipped in 22. Malik Monk contributed a double-double, tallying 17 points and a career-high 12 assists.
Rockets Miss Their Chance
Houston entered the game with momentum, having won their first three NBA Cup games and 10 of their last 12 overall. A victory against Sacramento would have secured the top seed in the Western Conference for the quarterfinals. Instead, the Rockets now prepare to host the Golden State Warriors after falling short in their bid for perfection. Jalen Green paced Houston with 28 points, and Alperen Sengun added 24 in a valiant effort.
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Kings Rediscover Their Touch
For a team that has struggled from beyond the arc—ranking sixth-worst in the league at 33.2%—Sacramento’s sharp shooting was a revelation. The Kings shot 14-for-30 from three-point range against Houston, rediscovering the rhythm that had eluded them in previous games. This offensive resurgence was crucial in sealing the win.
A Heated Moment Sparks Kings’ Run
Tensions flared just before Sacramento’s shooting streak began, following a hard foul by Fox on Jabari Smith Jr. The incident escalated, resulting in technical fouls for Smith, Dillon Brooks, and Monk. The Kings, however, seemed to channel the intensity, unleashing their game-defining scoring burst immediately after.
Rockets Lose Their Cool
Frustration boiled over for Houston late in the fourth quarter, culminating in the ejections of head coach Ime Udoka and Alperen Sengun. The emotional outbursts underscored the Rockets’ disappointment in missing a golden opportunity to cement their NBA Cup dominance.
Sabonis Leads Balanced Kings Attack
Sabonis’ all-around performance stood out, with the center contributing not just scoring but also steady leadership during critical moments. Fox’s offensive versatility, Monk’s playmaking, and contributions from DeMar DeRozan (16 points) and Keegan Murray further highlighted Sacramento’s balanced approach.
Houston’s Key Performers
Despite the loss, Green showcased his scoring prowess, leading all players with 28 points. Sengun continued his impressive form, combining physicality and finesse to finish with 24 points. However, their efforts couldn’t overcome the Rockets’ overall struggles, particularly during Sacramento’s shooting onslaught.
Key Stats That Defined the Game
The Kings’ near-flawless nine-minute stretch without a single missed field goal was the game’s defining moment. Sabonis and Fox each nailed four shots during this period, while DeRozan, Murray, and Monk contributed with clutch scoring to extend the lead.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Rockets will aim to bounce back on Thursday when they host the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the Kings look to build on this momentum as they head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies.
Sacramento’s win sends a clear message that they are more than capable of competing at a high level when firing on all cylinders. As the NBA Cup progresses, both teams will seek to refine their play and deliver in the games that matter most.
