In the first matchup of a two-game set in Sacramento, the Houston Rockets grabbed an early lead but couldn’t retake the lead after a huge second quarter swing against the Kings.
With Alperen Sengun back in the rotation for the first time in two weeks, the Rockets won the first quarter 40-31, but were outscored 34-20 in the second to go into halftime trailing by five.
The Rockets cut the deficit to just two midway through the third, but a Marvin Bagley III tip and a Terence Davis three quickly restored the gap for the Kings, who would go on to win 126-114.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with 26 points and eight rebounds, and all five Rockets starters scored in double figures. Sengun scored nine points in 14 minutes off the bench, including a saucy hook over Alex Len.
Here are the highlights and reaction from Friday’s game:
