Imagine reaching a milestone that only 22 other players in NBA history have achieved. That's exactly what DeMar DeRozan did on Sunday night, scoring 22 points to surpass the 26,000-point mark in his career. But here's where it gets even more impressive: this feat came as he led the Sacramento Kings to a 111-98 victory over the Houston Rockets, marking the team's first win of the year. And this is the part most people miss—DeRozan hit this milestone in the second quarter, proving that his impact on the game is as consistent as it is remarkable.
The Kings, despite their 9-30 record, showed glimpses of the potential they’ve been striving to unlock. Zach LaVine contributed 18 points, while Russell Westbrook delivered a well-rounded performance with 15 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Malik Monk, who scored 15 points, played a pivotal role in the fourth quarter, hitting back-to-back 3-pointers that helped seal the deal. Precious Achiuwa’s layup further solidified the Kings’ lead, making it 102-92.
Controversially, the game wasn’t without its absences—Kings guard Dennis Schroder sat out the first of a three-game suspension for a confrontation with Lakers star Luka Doncic on December 28. This raises the question: How much of an impact does Schroder’s absence have on the team’s performance, and could his return be the missing piece for the Kings’ turnaround?
For the Rockets, Amen Thompson was a standout with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Kevin Durant added 23 points and Alperen Sengun chipped in with 19 points and nine rebounds. Despite Thompson’s explosive third quarter, where he scored 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, the Rockets couldn’t maintain momentum, losing their fourth game in five to drop to 22-14. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With Durant and Thompson leading the charge, are the Rockets underperforming, or is the Western Conference simply that competitive?
Through three quarters, neither team held a lead larger than five points, making it a tightly contested battle. The Kings’ ability to pull away in the fourth quarter highlights their resilience, but it also leaves fans wondering: Can they sustain this level of play moving forward?
Looking ahead, the Rockets travel to Chicago on Tuesday night, while the Kings host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. What do you think? Can the Kings build on this win, or will they struggle to find consistency? And for the Rockets, is their recent slump a temporary hiccup or a sign of deeper issues? Let us know in the comments!
