Rockets Dethrone Kings in 122-97 Romp, Win Third Straight
Something in the Air. Clamping Down. Home, Sweet, Home.
The Rockets battered and beat down the Kings for a second straight game, en route to a 122-97 romp. Houston led by as many as 40 points, as they put on another impressive performance, improving to 3-3 on the season. It’s the first time the Rockets have been at .500 since October 22nd, 2021, when the team was 1-1. And for the first time in over three years, something feels different about the air in Houston. Gone are the days of blowout losses, and disappointing letdowns. This Rockets team won’t win every game, but they won’t let their fans down in the process. Ime Udoka has done a tremendous job early in the season, especially considering Houston’s 0-3 start that featured a couple of heartbreaking losses. Jalen Green led the way in scoring with 23 points for the Rockets on a night where most rotational players were out of the game by the fourth quarter. Keon Ellis led Sacramento with 15 points off the bench in game the Kings never made interesting. Houston was in complete control from the opening tip, and didn’t look back on Wednesday night, as they swept this early two-game set with Sacramento.
One of the most notable differences in the Rockets recent string of victories has been their improvement on defense. After giving up over 105 points in each of their first four games, Houston held Sacramento below 100 points in both contests. The squad’s increased effort on the glass was a major reason the defense improved, and they’ll look to continue staying aggressive, attacking the basket for rebounds on both ends of the court. Alperen Sengun continues to be the best player on the Rockets. Sengun dished out career-high 12 assists against the Kings on Monday night. The big man also contributed 17 points and 8 boards on an efficient night at the office. Houston’s upcoming three-game stretch to end this home-stand is a little more difficult than the Sacramento Kings team the Rockets just faced. The squad needs to be prepared to stay focused, and be determined to outlast their opponent’s intensity.
The Rockets have now won three straight games, all at home, and they’ll look to add to that win streak when they host the Lakers on Wednesday night. Houston has four games remaining on this lengthy seven-game home-stand. The Rockets have taken advantage so far, as the squad is 3-1 at home, compared to winless 0-2 on the road. The Lakers are winless on the road as well, and will be hungry for their first road win. L.A. is coming off a one-point loss in Miami on Monday night. If Houston continues to play together and follow their coach’s lead, they’ll have a great shot to keep a road win out of L.A.’s grasp. Nevertheless, the effort the Rockets showed in dismantling the Kings over two games should boost this team’s confidence. Houston’s ready to welcome anyone to Toyota Center. Besides the heartbreaking loss to the Warriors in their home opener, the Rockets have protected home-court, and they’ll look to continue that on Wednesday night.