Key Takeaways:
- DeMar DeRozan became the 23rd player in NBA history to score 26,000 career points during the Kings’ 111-98 triumph over the Rockets
- Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 31 points and 13 rebounds, but Houston have now lost four of their last five games
- Dennis Schroder served the first game of a three-match suspension after an incident involving Luka Doncic in Los Angeles on December 28
Milestone Moment for DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan showcased his consistency yet again by notching 22 points and surpassing the 26,000 career point mark in the second quarter of the Sacramento Kings’ clash with the Houston Rockets. With this remarkable achievement, DeRozan has entered an elite list, becoming only the 23rd player in NBA history to reach this scoring milestone.
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Deebo vs. Houston ⤵️
👑 22 PTS 👑 6 AST 👑 26,000 career pts pic.twitter.com/mIRaLPvXU0— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) January 12, 2026
Key Performances and Match Analysis
Supporting DeRozan’s landmark night, Zach LaVine contributed 18 points. Russell Westbrook also delivered a strong all-round performance with 15 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Malik Monk chipped in another 15 points, helping the Kings secure their first victory of the year and move to a 9-30 record.
The game remained tightly contested through three quarters, with Sacramento holding a slender 78-76 lead. Neither side managed to create a margin greater than five points during this period. Amen Thompson, for Houston, dominated the third quarter by hitting 7 of 9 field goal attempts and 2 of 3 from the free throw line to tally 18 points in the quarter alone.
Malik Monk broke open the fourth quarter with consecutive three-pointers, before Precious Achiuwa extended the advantage with a layup to make it 102-92, giving the Kings decisive momentum in the closing minutes.
Rockets Struggle Despite Thompson’s Big Night
Despite a standout performance from Amen Thompson, who recorded 31 points and 13 rebounds, the Rockets’ efforts fell short. Kevin Durant added 23 points while Alperen Sengun posted 19 points and nine rebounds. Houston have now lost four out of their last five fixtures and dropped to a 22-14 record.
| Team | Top Scorer | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento Kings | DeMar DeRozan | 22 | 2 | 6 |
| Sacramento Kings | Zach LaVine | 18 | 2 | 1 |
| Sacramento Kings | Russell Westbrook | 15 | 6 | 10 |
| Sacramento Kings | Malik Monk | 15 | 4 | 3 |
| Houston Rockets | Amen Thompson | 31 | 13 | 6 |
| Houston Rockets | Kevin Durant | 23 | 4 | 6 |
| Houston Rockets | Alperen Sengun | 19 | 9 | 4 |
Additional Notes and Upcoming Fixtures
Kings guard Dennis Schroder was absent, serving the first game of a three-game suspension following a post-game incident with Lakers star Luka Doncic on December 28 in Los Angeles. The Rockets are scheduled to face the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night, whilst the Kings will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
