DeMar DeRozan was the catalyst the Sacramento Kings badly needed to grab a win against a Houston Rockets team coming in hot on the back of a five-game win streak.
Sacramento badly needed the W to keep their postseason hopes alive after firing Mike Brown as head coach. They had to beat a terrific duo in Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun if they were to have any shot at clawing their way into an automatic postseason berth.
Given the odds, it was understandable that not many were expecting the Kings to walk away with the W against a team in great form. However, DeRozan led a spirited team effort that helped Sacramento run away with a terrific win.
Kings squeeze past the Rockets thanks to DeMar DeRozan’s impressive shooting night
The 127-132 final score showed that there wasn’t much separating the two squads for much of the game, but Sacramento’s 35-27 outburst in the second quarter proved to be the deciding factor that gave the hosts the ultimate advantage at the Golden 1 Center.
DeRozan was the most effective scorer for the hosts. The 35-year-old finished the night with 33 points on 52% shooting, five boards, and four assists. Malik Monk was the next most effective player for the Kings with 26 points, three rebounds, nine dimes, and one steal.
Doug Christie talked about the team’s overall performance and how they’re rallying to make the Golden 1 Center a difficult place to play in.
Per Sacramento Bee’s Jason Anderson:
“Arco Arena had it’s own (character),” Christie said. “There’s wood and metal and concrete, and you start bouncing all that together and it makes strange sounds. This building is beginning to define itself. Part of my message to them is nobody comes in your house messing with your stuff. You must — must — protect your house.
The season may still be long, but Sacramento getting the W against a strong team should instill confidence in a squad that badly needs it. Fans hope the team can use this massive dub as a springboard into a run of victories and secure an unlikely sixth place in the West.
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