A remarkable offensive performance almost led to a massive rout, but the Sacramento Kings took their foot off the gas in the fourth quarter and they settled for a 118-111 victory over the Houston Rockets.
The Kings (5-6) shot nearly 60% from the field over the first three quarters and led 106-77 heading to the fourth. They scored 42 points in the third quarter, the most by any team this campaign.
But, Sacramento followed that with a 12-point fourth quarter, the fewest by any team this campaign. Houston trailed by as many as 30, but got the deficit down to five points late before the Kings finished them off.
Chris Webber led the Kings with 20 points, which doubled his previous season high. He was one of six Kings in double-figures. Peta Stojakovic had 19 points and five steals. Domantas Sabonis had his third double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The Kings finished with a season-best .526 shooting percentage and a season-low seven turnovers. They forced a season-high-tying 17 turnovers.
James Harden had 38 points, six three-pointers, eight assists and six rebounds to lead Houston, which shot 51.9% from the field.
A close first quarter saw several lead changes. The Kings ended the quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 29-24 lead. They wouldn’t trail again.
Mitch Richmond gave the Kings their first double-digit lead at 37-26 early in the second quarter. Sabonis had five points in a 10-0 run that made it 60-42, and the Kings went into halftime with a 64-46 lead.
Richmond gave the Kings a 20-point lead with the first basket of the second quarter. The Kings’ lead grew to 30 points, first at 96-66 after a Webber basket, and again at 100-70 after two Mike Bibby free throws. It was 106-77 after the third quarter.
The Rockets began the fourth quarter with 11 straight points to make it 106-88. They got it down to single-digits at 114-105 with a few minutes left. Sam Cassell hit a three-pointer to make it a five-point game at 116-111 in the final minute, but the Kings were able to run out the clock and avoid what would have been a horrific loss.
Next up: the Indiana Pacers.
ROGER SPORTS & GAMES 