Rockets blowout Kings while James Harden extends streak

The Houston Rockets came away victorious with a 127-101 win over the Sacramento Kings Wednesday night in the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. With the win, the Rockets recorded their third straight victory and capped off a 3-1 road trip out west.

Unlike their last game against the Phoenix Suns, the Rockets came out and put the Kings away early. Everything was clicking offensively for the Rockets, as they opened the game shooting well from the field. Their hot start to the game helped Houston take a 32-28 lead after the first quarter.

And after their solid start, the Rockets exploded for 44 second-quarter points, which helped put an end to the Kings’ seven-game home win streak.

As always, James Harden led the way in scoring with 36 points and six rebounds, as he extends his historic 30-point streak to 28 consecutive games in the win. While the reigning MVP had an efficient night from the field (13-for-26 from the field, 8-for-13 from deep) Harden was not alone during his performance in Sacramento.

After missing the previous game due to a leg injury, Eric Gordon made his return to the line up with 20 points, and Kenneth Faried recorded his third straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. In addition to four starters scoring in double figures, the Rockets bench also looked unstoppable thanks to 25 points from Gerald Green and a dozen by Austin Rivers.

Although the Rockets were dominant on offense, Houston registered one of their best defensive performances of the season as well. The Rockets forced the Kings to turn the ball over 22 times, while they recorded 13 steals and seven blocks.

For Sacramento, rising star Buddy Hield led the way for the Kings with 20 points and 10 rebounds, as Nemanja Bjelica added 15 points in the loss.

Houston moves to 32-22 with the win and up next, the Rockets will return home for a Saturday night showdown against Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT.