Sacramento Kings fall to Houston Rockets in fourth straight loss
The Sacramento Kings’ struggles continue to deepen as they succumbed to the Houston Rockets, 121-95, marking their fourth consecutive defeat. With this latest setback, the Kings’ record now sits at a dismal 5-17, leaving them anchored at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Competitive Until the Collapse
In a season filled with games that have often felt more lopsided than the final score suggests, tonight’s contest showcased a different narrative—at least for a while. Sacramento was competitive through much of the game, even leading 63-57 with just eight minutes remaining in the third quarter.
While many have criticized the Kings during their prior blowout losses, it’s essential to recognize the effort they exhibited in the first half against the Rockets. Although the game was far from pretty, the Kings battled through a physical matchup that Houston thrives on, managing to maintain a slim lead at halftime.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the latter part of the third quarter. The Rockets unleashed a staggering 30-8 run that effectively sealed the game. With the wheels coming off, the Kings could only watch as the momentum shifted irreversibly. Notably, stars Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan did not see any action in the fourth quarter, as the game slipped away from Sacramento.
The Size Disparity
One of the Kings’ most glaring challenges is their struggle against larger teams, and the Rockets epitomize this problem. Houston’s roster boasts significant height, particularly in the absence of a true point guard following Fred VanVleet’s season-ending injury. The Rockets employed a starting lineup featuring three players who would all be the tallest on the Kings, complemented by the formidable presence of Steven Adams off the bench.
Sacramento attempted to counter this size disadvantage by deploying a frontcourt of Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud, allowing Keegan Murray to stretch out to the perimeter more than usual. However, facing lengthy opponents like Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Durant, Murray struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with just five points on 2-of-10 shooting—his worst performance since returning from thumb surgery.
The Kings’ size disadvantage was also evident in the turnover battle. Houston’s defensive prowess, spearheaded by the athletic Amen Thompson, forced Sacramento into mistakes early on. The Kings opened the game by turning the ball over on their first four possessions, setting a tone that would haunt them throughout the contest.
Bright Spots Amid Struggles
Despite the overwhelming defeat, there were some standout performances for Sacramento. Both Raynaud and Malik Monk managed to shine in their respective roles, providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak outing. Their efforts, however, were not enough to counterbalance the struggles of the starting lineup, which failed to make a significant impact.
As the Kings navigate this challenging stretch, the need for adjustments and a renewed focus on execution becomes increasingly apparent. The road ahead remains steep, but with perseverance, there may still be opportunities for improvement and redemption.
