DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings and Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets compete for a loose ball in the first half at Golden 1 Center on January 11, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Mandatory Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday night as they attempted to snap a seven-game losing streak against the Houston Rockets. After getting off to what was tied for their worst start in the Sacramento era prior to Sunday at 8-30, the Kings managed to defeat the Rockets 111-98.

In the first quarter of action, scoring was at a premium for both teams as they started slowly on the offensive end of the floor. The Kings were outscored by the Rockets 23-22 in the quarter, as Kevin Durant led the way for Houston with seven points in the first. Zach LaVine got the Kings going early, as his shot was falling in the opening frame, where he scored eight of the Kings’ 22 points.

In the second quarter, the Kings battled back and managed to outscore the Rockets 29-25 in the period. DeMar DeRozan was cooking in the second quarter for the Kings, as he scored 11 points in the frame to give Sacramento a 51-48 halftime lead. DeRozan led the Kings in first-half scoring with 13 points, while no other Kings players reached double figures at the break. Meanwhile, the Rockets got double-digit performances from Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Kevin Durant, who all scored in double figures in the first half. The first half was a good battle from the Kings, and it showed something Doug Christie has been looking for during the losing streak: effort.

In the third quarter, the Kings managed to keep the game close and maintain a razor-thin lead over the Rockets. Houston outscored Sacramento 28-27 in the period, but the Kings still went into the final quarter leading 78-76.

In the fourth quarter, it was the Dylan Cardwell show, as he almost single-handedly kept the Kings’ energy up in the early part of the quarter. The Rockets and Kings traded baskets, but it was Cardwell who ignited Sacramento and helped the team pull away. Cardwell amassed seven rebounds and two points in the quarter, helping the Kings outscore the Rockets 33-22 in the final 12 minutes. The Kings defeated the Rockets 111-98, marking their second victory of the season over Houston and snapping their seven-game losing streak.

Amen Thompson led all scorers with 31 points for the Rockets. On the Kings’ side, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine led the way with 22 and 18 points, respectively. As a note, DeRozan also became just the 23rd member of the 26,000-points club with a made basket in the first half.

Malik Monk, who had been receiving a number of DNPs as of late and had fallen out of Doug Christie’s rotation, made a big impact for the Kings on Sunday night. Monk scored 15 points while adding four rebounds and three assists.

After the game, DeRozan spoke about the impact Monk had and the professionalism he has shown.

“It’s just a testament to the player that he is, the talent that he is, just to stay ready.”

Up next, the Kings stay home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday in the second night of a back-to-back. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Whether you’re pre-gaming with the Kings or celebrating an A’s win, Cyprus Grille at the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena is your downtown go-to.

⚡Craft cocktails? Check.
🔥Game-day bites? Oh yeah.
🏟️Steps from Golden 1 Center? You bet.

Open daily, Cyprus Grille is serving up local flavor with a front-row seat to the action. Stop by before or after the game—or make it your new downtown hangout.

Cyprus Grille—where fans fuel up.

📍Located inside the Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown – Arena @ 300 J Street

Happy Hour – 4pm-6pm

Show your ticket for additional discounts when dining in.