Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings Match Player Stats

The houston rockets vs sacramento kings match player stats from January 12, 2026 tell a more interesting story than the final score alone. Sacramento defeated Houston 111-98 at Golden 1 Center, but the game was competitive for three quarters before the Kings created separation with a decisive fourth-quarter surge. The Rockets led the statistical battle in several areas, including offensive rebounding, blocks and second-chance opportunities, yet Sacramento produced the more efficient offensive performance when the game mattered most.

Amen Thompson was Houston’s standout performer, finishing with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting 11-for-17 from the field. Kevin Durant added 23 points and 6 assists, while Alperen Sengun recorded 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. On Sacramento’s side, DeMar DeRozan led all Kings scorers with 22 points, while Russell Westbrook delivered 15 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds. Malik Monk also made a major impact from the bench with 15 points and a team-best +22 plus/minus.

The final 13-point margin therefore does not fully describe how closely matched the teams were through the opening three periods. Houston entered the game with a 22-14 record, compared with Sacramento’s 9-30 mark, making the result one of the more notable statistical surprises of the matchup. Sacramento’s victory also ended a seven-game losing streak.

Houston Rockets vs Sacramento Kings Match Player Stats

The final score was Sacramento Kings 111, Houston Rockets 98.

Category	Houston Rockets	Sacramento Kings
Final Score	98	111
Field Goals	36-84	44-91
Field Goal %	43%	48%
3-Pointers	7-30	8-23
3-Point %	23%	35%
Free Throws	19-29	15-20
Free Throw %	66%	75%
Rebounds	44	45
Assists	23	25
Turnovers	11	9
Steals	4	4
Blocks	5	1
Offensive Rebounds	19	18
Defensive Rebounds	25	27
Personal Fouls	16	22

The numbers reveal an important point: Sacramento did not win because Houston was completely outplayed in every category. Instead, the Kings combined better shooting efficiency with cleaner ball security and a stronger fourth quarter.

The NBA’s official game record confirms the 111-98 result, the 23-25-28-22 scoring sequence for Houston and the 22-29-27-33 sequence for Sacramento.

Game Summary and Turning Points

The first quarter was almost perfectly balanced. Houston scored 23 points while Sacramento scored 22. Neither side established meaningful control.

Houston then produced 25 points in the second period, but Sacramento responded with 29. That gave the Kings a 51-48 halftime advantage.

The third quarter followed a similar pattern. Houston scored 28 points, while Sacramento answered with 27. Houston therefore entered the fourth quarter trailing by only two points, 78-76.

That is the key context behind this matchup.

The game was not decided over the first 36 minutes. It was decided during the final 12.

Sacramento scored 33 fourth-quarter points while Houston managed only 22. The Kings ultimately won that period by 11 points and converted a close game into a 13-point victory. The official NBA game summary notes that Sacramento’s advantage was only 78-76 after three quarters and that the Kings used late three-pointers and a 19-8 closing run to pull away.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Quarter	Houston	Sacramento	Difference
1st	23	22	Houston +1
2nd	25	29	Sacramento +4
3rd	28	27	Houston +1
4th	22	33	Sacramento +11
Final	98	111	Sacramento +13

This distribution matters because it shows that Sacramento’s victory was primarily about late-game execution rather than early dominance.

Amen Thompson Delivered Houston’s Best Performance

Amen Thompson was unquestionably the statistical centerpiece for Houston.

He finished with:

• 31 points
• 13 rebounds
• 6 assists
• 11-for-17 shooting
• 9-for-12 free throws
• 6 offensive rebounds
• 7 defensive rebounds
• 5 turnovers
• +13 plus/minus

His 31 points made him the game’s leading scorer.

More importantly, Thompson did not rely entirely on outside shooting. He attempted only one three-pointer and made none. His offensive production came primarily from attacking the basket, finishing inside and getting to the free-throw line.

His 11-for-17 field-goal performance translates to approximately 64.7% shooting from the field, which was dramatically better than Houston’s overall 43% mark.

Also, his rebounding was equally significant.

Thompson collected 13 rebounds, including 6 offensive rebounds. Those extra possessions helped Houston finish with 19 offensive rebounds as a team, one more than Sacramento.

The issue was that individual excellence did not translate into enough collective offensive efficiency.

Thompson also committed five turnovers. That is a meaningful number for a player carrying such a large offensive workload. His overall line was outstanding, but the turnovers show how much responsibility he was handling.

The official box score lists Thompson as Houston’s highest scorer and rebounder while also recording six assists.

Kevin Durant Provided Efficient Scoring

Kevin Durant finished with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists.

His shooting line was particularly strong:

• 9-for-18 from the field
• 4-for-9 from three-point range
• 1-for-1 at the free-throw line
• 50% overall shooting
• 44.4% from three

Durant’s four three-pointers were especially important because Houston as a team struggled from long range.

The Rockets went only 7-for-30 from three, a 23% conversion rate. Durant alone accounted for four of those seven makes.

That means Houston’s remaining players combined to make only three three-pointers.

This is one of the clearest statistical explanations for the loss.

When a team shoots 23% from three, it becomes difficult to turn strong rebounding and efficient individual performances into enough total points. Houston generated 19 offensive rebounds, but those extra possessions could not fully compensate for the lack of perimeter efficiency.

Durant also had six assists and only one turnover, making his overall offensive profile efficient and controlled.

Alperen Sengun Added Interior Production

Alperen Sengun recorded 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.

He shot 8-for-20 from the field and made one of five attempts from three-point range. His free-throw line was less efficient, as he converted only two of six attempts.

Still, Sengun contributed in several areas beyond scoring.

He had:

• 9 rebounds
• 4 assists
• 2 steals
• 1 block
• 1 turnover

That combination demonstrates his role as a frontcourt creator rather than simply a traditional scoring center.

Sengun’s nine rebounds were second among Houston starters behind Thompson’s 13. His four assists also helped Houston maintain some offensive flow.

However, his 8-for-20 shooting meant that he needed 20 field-goal attempts to produce 19 points. That is a different efficiency profile from Thompson and Durant.

Jabari Smith Jr. Struggled to Find an Offensive Rhythm

Jabari Smith Jr. finished with 9 points and 7 rebounds.

He shot:

• 4-for-13 from the field
• 0-for-3 from three
• 1-for-3 from the free-throw line

His shooting efficiency was one of Houston’s weaker points.

Smith Jr. did contribute defensively, collecting one steal and one block. He also grabbed seven rebounds, including four offensive boards.

However, the offensive limitations were difficult to overcome.

Houston needed more reliable production from its supporting scorers, particularly because the Rockets were already receiving major contributions from Thompson and Durant.

Smith Jr.’s inability to convert from three-point range further reduced Houston’s spacing.

Aaron Holiday Had a Difficult Shooting Night

Aaron Holiday produced 3 points, 4 assists and 1 rebound.

His shooting line was 1-for-7 from the field and 1-for-7 from three-point range.

That 1-for-7 three-point performance is particularly significant.

Holiday was one of Houston’s perimeter options, but Sacramento did not have to pay a heavy price for leaving him with outside opportunities. The Rockets’ overall three-point percentage suffered as a result.

Holiday did contribute four assists and one steal, so his impact was not entirely negative. But from a scoring standpoint, this was a difficult night.

Houston’s Bench Had Limited Scoring Impact

The Rockets’ bench production was modest.

Dorian Finney-Smith scored 4 points.

Steven Adams added 3 points and 6 rebounds.

Josh Okogie did not score.

Reed Sheppard contributed 6 points, including one three-pointer.

Houston’s listed bench players therefore provided limited scoring relief compared with Sacramento’s reserves.

This became more important as the game moved into the fourth quarter.

A close game often depends on which team can generate useful possessions when its primary scorers are resting or being defended aggressively. Sacramento received a major boost from Malik Monk, while Houston did not get an equivalent scoring explosion from its second unit.

DeMar DeRozan Led Sacramento’s Scoring

DeMar DeRozan was Sacramento’s leading scorer with 22 points.

He shot 8-for-13 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

He also recorded:

• 2 rebounds
• 6 assists
• 0 turnovers
• +13 plus/minus

The combination of 22 points, six assists and zero turnovers is one of the cleanest individual statistical profiles from the game.

DeRozan’s scoring was also efficient. He did not need excessive shot volume to reach 22 points.

His six successful free throws helped Sacramento maintain scoring pressure without requiring additional field-goal attempts.

Reuters also reported that DeRozan passed 26,000 career points during the contest, joining a very small group of NBA players to reach that milestone.

Russell Westbrook Controlled Sacramento’s Playmaking

Russell Westbrook delivered one of the game’s most complete all-around performances.

His final line:

• 15 points
• 6 rebounds
• 10 assists
• 6-for-12 shooting
• 3-for-6 from three
• 1 steal
• 3 turnovers
• +7 plus/minus

The 10 assists were the most by any player in the game.

Westbrook’s three made three-pointers were also important because they represented nearly half of Sacramento’s total made threes.

Sacramento finished 8-for-23 from three, while Westbrook made 3-for-6.

That combination of playmaking and perimeter scoring gave Sacramento another offensive pathway when Houston focused attention on DeRozan and LaVine.

Zach LaVine Supplied Efficient Secondary Scoring

Zach LaVine scored 18 points on 5-for-11 shooting.

He also made 3-of-6 three-point attempts and 5-of-6 free throws.

His overall efficiency was valuable because Sacramento did not need him to dominate possession after possession.

LaVine’s three made threes also helped Sacramento create enough perimeter pressure to punish Houston’s defense.

His -1 plus/minus was unusual compared with several other Sacramento players, but plus/minus should not be interpreted in isolation. His offensive contribution remained important to the Kings’ overall spacing and scoring balance.

Malik Monk Changed the Game From the Bench

Malik Monk may have been Sacramento’s most important momentum player.

He finished with:

• 15 points
• 6-for-12 shooting
• 2-for-4 from three
• 1-for-1 free throws
• 4 rebounds
• 3 assists
• 0 turnovers
• +22 plus/minus

That +22 was the best plus/minus of any player in the game.

Monk’s impact became particularly visible late.

The NBA’s official recap notes that Monk made back-to-back three-pointers during the fourth-quarter surge. Those shots helped Sacramento expand its advantage after the game had remained within a possession or two for most of the night.

This is an excellent example of why box-score analysis should not focus only on the leading scorer.

Thompson scored 31.

DeRozan scored 22.

But Monk’s combination of scoring, shooting, playmaking and plus/minus helped Sacramento change the game’s direction.

Dylan Cardwell Made a Major Rebounding Impact

Dylan Cardwell finished with 9 points and 11 rebounds in 19 minutes.

Nine of his 11 rebounds came on the offensive glass.

That is an exceptional rate of offensive rebounding activity.

Cardwell did not need to score 20 points to influence the game. His ability to create extra possessions helped Sacramento maintain pressure against a Houston team that was itself excellent on the offensive glass.

His 11 rebounds made him Sacramento’s leading rebounder.

Reuters noted that Cardwell produced career highs of nine points and 11 rebounds in the game.

Precious Achiuwa Added Defensive Activity

Precious Achiuwa scored 10 points and collected 7 rebounds.

He also recorded three steals.

His shooting line was 4-for-7 from the field and 2-for-2 at the free-throw line.

The three steals were especially useful because they added defensive disruption without requiring Sacramento to rely solely on half-court defense.

Achiuwa also finished with a +8 plus/minus.

Maxime Raynaud Provided Efficient Interior Scoring

Maxime Raynaud scored 12 points on 6-for-10 shooting.

He added nine rebounds and one assist.

His six made field goals were achieved without taking a single three-point attempt.

That gave Sacramento another efficient interior scoring option.

His nine rebounds also helped the Kings match Houston’s physical presence on the glass.

Comparing the Team Shooting Profiles

One of the most important lessons from the game is the difference between volume and efficiency.

Houston attempted 84 field goals.

Sacramento attempted 91.

That is a seven-shot advantage for the Kings.

But the bigger difference was efficiency.

Houston made 36 shots.

Sacramento made 44.

The Kings therefore made eight more field goals overall.

From three-point range, Houston went 7-for-30.

Sacramento went 8-for-23.

Sacramento therefore made one more three-pointer while attempting seven fewer.

That is a significant efficiency advantage.

Houston’s 23% three-point shooting meant that many possessions ended without the expected scoring return. Sacramento’s 35% shooting from deep was not spectacular, but it was clearly better.

The free-throw difference was also meaningful.

Houston made 19 of 29 attempts.

Sacramento made 15 of 20.

Houston actually made four more free throws.

That shows why the game cannot be explained simply by free-throw production. Sacramento’s advantage came mainly from field-goal efficiency, three-point efficiency and late-game execution.

Rebounding Was Not the Problem for Houston

Houston collected 44 total rebounds.

Sacramento collected 45.

That is essentially even.

The Rockets also grabbed 19 offensive rebounds compared with Sacramento’s 18.

This is important because offensive rebounding is usually one of the easiest ways for a team to compensate for poor shooting.

Houston did exactly that.

The problem was that the Rockets could not convert enough of those extra opportunities into points.

The Kings also had 27 defensive rebounds, compared with Houston’s 25.

That helped Sacramento finish possessions when it mattered.

Ball Security Gave Sacramento Another Edge

Turnovers were another subtle advantage.

Houston committed 11 turnovers.

Sacramento committed only 9.

The difference is only two possessions, but in a 13-point game where the margin was extremely small after three quarters, every extra possession matters.

More importantly, several key Sacramento players were careful with the basketball.

DeRozan had zero turnovers.

Monk had zero.

Raynaud had one.

Achiuwa had one.

Westbrook had three, but his 10 assists more than compensated for much of that risk.

Houston’s Thompson had five turnovers, which was the highest total among the primary players.

That does not erase his outstanding performance, but it does show how difficult Houston’s offensive burden became late in the game.

The Fourth Quarter Was the Real Story

The most important statistical fact from this matchup may be the fourth-quarter scoring.

Sacramento: 33.

Houston: 22.

The Kings won the final period by 11 points.

Through three quarters, Sacramento led only 78-76.

That means the first 36 minutes produced a two-point difference.

The final 12 minutes produced an additional 11-point swing.

Sacramento’s late-game offense became more effective while Houston’s scoring efficiency deteriorated.

The official NBA account describes Sacramento’s closing run as 19-8.

That closing stretch is the clearest explanation for the final score.

What the Player Stats Say About Houston

Houston’s statistical profile suggests a team that generated enough opportunities but failed to maximize them.

The Rockets had:

• 19 offensive rebounds
• 23 assists
• 44 total rebounds
• 5 blocks
• 16 personal fouls

Those numbers indicate plenty of physical activity and defensive involvement.

The biggest weakness was perimeter efficiency.

A 7-for-30 three-point night puts enormous pressure on the interior offense. Even with Thompson attacking effectively and Durant shooting 50%, Houston could not consistently create efficient scoring across the lineup.

The supporting cast also needed to contribute more.

Thompson, Durant and Sengun combined for 73 points.

The rest of Houston’s active scorers produced only 25.

That imbalance made Sacramento’s defensive task easier as the game progressed.

What the Player Stats Say About Sacramento

Sacramento’s statistical profile was more balanced.

Six Kings players reached double figures according to the game report.

Their scoring distribution was:

• DeMar DeRozan: 22
• Zach LaVine: 18
• Russell Westbrook: 15
• Malik Monk: 15
• Maxime Raynaud: 12
• Precious Achiuwa: 10
• Dylan Cardwell: 9
• Nique Clifford: 8
• Drew Eubanks: 2

That distribution matters.

Sacramento did not need one player to carry the entire offensive load.

The Kings could score through DeRozan’s mid-range game, LaVine’s perimeter shooting, Westbrook’s creation, Monk’s bench scoring and interior players’ rebounding and finishing.

That variety became especially valuable in the fourth quarter.

Houston vs Sacramento Season Series

This matchup was the third meeting between the teams during the season, and Sacramento took the season series 2-1 based on the supplied game data.

The meetings were:

Meeting	Result
December 4	Sacramento 121, Houston 95
December 22	Houston 125, Sacramento 124 OT
January 12	Sacramento 111, Houston 98

The first meeting was Sacramento’s most decisive win.

The second was a dramatic overtime victory for Houston.

The third returned control to Sacramento.

The pattern is revealing because the teams had already shown that their games could develop in very different ways.

The next listed meeting was February 26, with Houston scheduled to face Sacramento again.

Why the Matchup Was Statistically Interesting

At first glance, a 22-14 team losing to a 9-30 team by 13 points looks like a major upset.

But the underlying numbers provide more context.

Houston was not overwhelmed in every statistical category.

The Rockets actually had:

• One more offensive rebound
• Three more blocks
• Four more made free throws
• Only two additional turnovers
• Nearly the same total rebounds

Sacramento won because it was more efficient where efficiency matters most.

The Kings shot 48% overall.

Houston shot 43%.

Sacramento shot 35% from three.

Houston shot 23%.

Sacramento also finished the game strongly, scoring 33 points in the fourth quarter.

That combination was enough to overcome Houston’s strong individual performances.

Advanced Takeaways From the Box Score

A deeper reading of the statistics reveals several useful conclusions.

Houston’s Second-Chance Advantage Was Not Enough

Nineteen offensive rebounds gave Houston plenty of extra opportunities.

But second chances only matter if they become points.

Sacramento’s defense prevented Houston from turning its rebounding edge into a decisive scoring advantage.

Sacramento Won the Efficiency Battle

The Kings made eight more field goals despite taking only seven more attempts.

That one-to-one relationship is a simple way to see the efficiency difference.

Sacramento created more successful shots without requiring dramatically more possessions.

Houston Was Too Dependent on Its Core

Thompson, Durant and Sengun combined for 73 of Houston’s 98 points.

That represents roughly 74.5% of the Rockets’ total scoring.

A team can win with such concentration when the stars are extremely efficient.

But Houston’s supporting cast did not provide enough scoring to protect the team when Sacramento increased defensive pressure late.

Sacramento’s Bench Changed the Possession Battle

Monk’s +22 plus/minus was not simply a random number.

His 15 points, four rebounds and three assists came without a turnover.

Cardwell also supplied nine offensive rebounds.

Together, those contributions gave Sacramento valuable production outside its starting five.

Most Important Player Statistics at a Glance

Player	Team	PTS	REB	AST	FG
Amen Thompson	Rockets	31	13	6	11-17
Kevin Durant	Rockets	23	4	6	9-18
Alperen Sengun	Rockets	19	9	4	8-20
DeMar DeRozan	Kings	22	2	6	8-13
Russell Westbrook	Kings	15	6	10	6-12
Zach LaVine	Kings	18	2	1	5-11
Malik Monk	Kings	15	4	3	6-12
Maxime Raynaud	Kings	12	9	1	6-10
Precious Achiuwa	Kings	10	7	3	4-7
Dylan Cardwell	Kings	9	11	1	4-11

Who Was the Best Player in the Game?

If the question is based purely on individual statistical production, Amen Thompson has the strongest argument.

His 31 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists were the best overall statistical line.

If the question is which player most directly contributed to Sacramento’s victory, the answer becomes more complicated.

DeMar DeRozan led the Kings in scoring and posted six assists without a turnover.

Russell Westbrook produced a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists.

Malik Monk had the best plus/minus at +22 and played a major role in the fourth-quarter surge.

Therefore, there is no need to reduce the game to one simplistic MVP answer.

Thompson was the standout individual scorer.

DeRozan was Sacramento’s leading offensive scorer.

Westbrook was the game’s leading facilitator.

Monk was arguably the most influential momentum player.

What Fans Should Take Away From This Matchup

The most useful lesson from this game is that player stats must be interpreted in context.

A 31-point performance can coexist with a team loss.

A player with 15 points can have a huge influence on a victory.

A team can dominate offensive rebounding and still lose comfortably.

And a 13-point final margin can hide a game that was separated by only two points after three quarters.

That is exactly why a complete box-score review is more valuable than simply looking at the final score.

For Houston, the major questions are offensive balance, three-point efficiency and late-game execution.

For Sacramento, the strongest signals are scoring balance, improved shooting efficiency, ball movement and the ability of the bench to change momentum.

Official Game Data and Verification

For readers who want to verify the box score, the most authoritative source is the official NBA game page and box score, which provides the game summary, player statistics, quarter scoring, shot information and game details.

The official record lists the attendance at 15,268 and the venue as Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score between the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings?

The Sacramento Kings defeated the Houston Rockets 111-98 on January 12, 2026.

Who was the leading scorer for Houston?

Amen Thompson led Houston with 31 points. He also recorded 13 rebounds and 6 assists.

Who led the Sacramento Kings in scoring?

DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento with 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting and made all six of his free-throw attempts.

Which player had the most assists?

Russell Westbrook led the game with 10 assists. He also scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

Which team shot better from three-point range?

Sacramento shot better from three. The Kings made 8 of 23 attempts for 35%, while Houston made 7 of 30 for 23%.

Why did Sacramento win despite Houston’s strong rebounding?

Sacramento combined better overall shooting efficiency with fewer turnovers and a much stronger fourth quarter. The Kings outscored Houston 33-22 in the final period.

Conclusion

The houston rockets vs sacramento kings match player stats show a game that was far more competitive than the final 111-98 score might suggest.

Houston received an outstanding performance from Amen Thompson, who posted 31 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Kevin Durant added 23 points and 6 assists, while Alperen Sengun supplied 19 points and 9 rebounds.

Sacramento countered with a balanced offensive attack. DeMar DeRozan scored 22, Russell Westbrook produced 15 points and 10 assists, Zach LaVine added 18, and Malik Monk supplied 15 points from the bench. Dylan Cardwell also made a substantial rebounding contribution with 11 boards.

The decisive difference was efficiency and execution.

Sacramento shot 48% from the field compared with Houston’s 43%. The Kings also shot 35% from three compared with the Rockets’ 23%. Most importantly, Sacramento transformed a 78-76 advantage after three quarters into a 111-98 victory by winning the fourth quarter 33-22.

Houston’s 19 offensive rebounds and 44 total rebounds demonstrate that effort and physicality were not the main problem. The greater issue was converting those opportunities efficiently enough, especially from outside the arc.

For Sacramento, the victory demonstrated the value of balanced production. The Kings did not depend entirely on one scorer. They received meaningful contributions from their starters, bench players, rebounders and playmakers, allowing them to withstand Thompson’s exceptional performance and close the game with authority.

From a statistical perspective, this matchup is a strong reminder that the most useful player analysis goes beyond points. Shooting efficiency, rebounding quality, turnovers, assists, bench production, plus/minus and quarter-by-quarter performance all help explain why the Kings won and why the Rockets were unable to turn strong individual numbers into a victory.