The Houston Rockets faced the Sacramento Kings on the road, with Ethan returning to the lineup while Van Jordan and Smith were absent. The Kings' starting lineup featured DeRozan, Murray, Xiao Sa, Monk, and Fox, while the Rockets started Amen, Jalen Green, Dillon, Jeff Green, and Shen Jing.
In the first quarter, both teams struggled initially, with the Kings breaking the deadlock first. The Rockets responded with two three-pointers from Lao Jiefu and Jalen Green, but the Kings also scored through drives to the basket. The score remained close, with a 14-13 lead for the Kings going into a timeout. After the break, Jalen Green's layup forced another Kings timeout. Following this, the Kings hit two three-pointers to take a five-point lead, which Jalen Green countered with three free throws after drawing a foul. Murray then hit another three-pointer, followed by White Magic scoring and Amen making a layup. The first quarter ended with the Rockets trailing 25-26.
In the second quarter, during the rotation phase, the Rockets managed to take the lead with White Magic extending it with a three-pointer. However, Murray and Fox hit back-to-back threes to level the score, with Xiao Sa completing a 2+0 play. The Rockets missed several shots and were countered, leading to a 10-0 run by the Kings and a seven-point lead, prompting Coach Udoka to call a timeout. After the timeout, Shen Jing scored four points, but the Rockets' defense faltered, allowing Xiao Sa to make a 2+1 play. Jalen Green was subbed out due to his third foul, while Xiao Sa continued to score inside and out. The Rockets managed to score five points to stabilize the situation, but subsequent turnovers led to another timeout called by Udoka. Returning to the game, DeRozan took over, but Shen Jing's three-pointer and Amen's steal helped the Rockets stay in the game, ending the half with the Kings leading 61-52.
In the third quarter, the Rockets started strong with a 7-2 run to force a Kings timeout. However, the Kings quickly regained control and went on an offensive surge, extending their lead to over 15 points midway through the quarter. Towards the end of the third, Amen and Jalen Green led a comeback, reducing the deficit to 86-91 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the final quarter, Amen stepped up with six straight points to take the lead. The Kings called a timeout, after which DeRozan scored consistently to maintain their advantage. The Kings had a nine-point lead with over three minutes left, but the Rockets fought back with two threes from Dillon, cutting the lead to one point. Ethan made two free throws to regain the lead, but DeRozan responded with clutch shots. Jalen Green and Ethan kept the Rockets in the game with their three-pointers, but the referees began favoring the Kings, calling fouls on Dillon that led to successful free throws for the Kings. Despite the Rockets not calling a timeout, Green hit another three-pointer to keep hopes alive. However, the referees called a shooting foul on Dillon during a Kings free throw, effectively securing the win for the Kings. In the final play, Jalen Green's attempt at a game-tying three-pointer missed, resulting in a disappointing loss for the Rockets.
Ultimately, the Rockets lost 127-132 on the road, missing out on a sixth consecutive victory. Let's take a look at the individual performances of the players!
Unscrupulous Black Whistle, 5 vs. 8 Referees Send Kings to Victory
Today, the Rockets did not lose because they played poorly; in fact, they played well and staged a remarkable comeback in the fourth quarter. However, in the closing moments, three biased referees blew fouls against Dillon, directly ensuring the Kings' victory in a clear 5 vs. 8 situation. It can be said that the Rockets lost due to the referees' calls.
Jalen Green Outshines Fox, Standing Tall in Defeat
Despite the loss, Jalen Green outplayed Fox today, standing tall in defeat with honor.
He scored 10 points in the first quarter but had to rest in the second due to early foul trouble.
In the third quarter, he scored 9 points to lead the team's chase, and in the fourth, he hit two threes and a layup to keep the Rockets alive, although his game-tying three-pointer at the end did not go in.
In the entire game, Jalen Green played 33 and a half minutes, shooting 10 of 20 from the field, 4 of 8 from three-point range, and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line, finishing with 28 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block.
Amen's All-Around Performance Falls Short with 20+10+5
Besides Green, Amen also had an all-around performance today. He scored six points in the fourth quarter to take the lead, but his two late-game turnovers were crucial.
In the whole game, Amen played 41 minutes, shooting 8 of 12 from the field, 4 of 4 from the free-throw line, scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, dishing out 5 assists, making 2 steals, and blocking 1 shot.
DeRozan's Mid-Range Dominance with 16 Points in the Fourth Quarter
DeRozan carried the team's offense in the fourth quarter, facing the Rockets' defenders with unstoppable back-to-the-basket moves, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter alone.
In the entire game, DeRozan played 38 minutes, shooting 12 of 23 from the field, 2 of 4 from three-point range, and 7 of 7 from the free-throw line, finishing with 33 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists.