After a competitive first quarter, the Houston Rockets obliterated the Sacramento Kings for the next three, outscoring them 94-71 and winning 123-101. The Rockets had four starters in double figures and shut out DeMarcus Cousins for the final 24 minutes after a 20 point first half. For more perspective from Kings fans, go to Sactown Royalty.
Sacramento, CA (Sports Network) – Chase Budinger went 4-for-6 from beyond the three-point arc en route to 20 points as Houston climbed over the .500 mark for the first time this season with a 123-101 win over Sacramento
Kyle Lowry had 19 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for the Rockets, who have won for the seventh time in eight games and now have a 33-32 overall record. Courtney Lee had 19 points and Kevin Martin added 15 points in the win.
DeMarcus Cousins notched 20 points — all in the first half — and 11 rebounds for the struggling Kings, who have lost three straight and 13 of the last 16 overall. Marcus Thornton chipped in 16 points, while Beno Udrih and Francisco Garcia had 15 and 11 points, respectively, in the loss.