Following a tough loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday, Sacramento rebounded well, nearly recording its prior game point total by halftime on Sunday.
Improved offense and a strong defensive effort netted the Kings a three-point halftime lead, holding the Rockets to just 36 percent shooting while forcing 10 turnovers.
Sactown was led by rookie Malachi Richardson, who tallied 13 points in 15 minutes of first half play, going 3-of-3 from three-point range. Richardson’s aggressive play earned him six free throw attempts, five rebounds and a plus-11 rating at the break.
New addition to the roster David Stockton filled in well at the point guard spot, evidenced by his game-high plus-13 rating after two quarters of play.
While Sacramento struggled to find the basket in the third frame, shooting 5-of-16 from the field, Houston led by just three heading to the fourth.
A red-hot fourth quarter shooting performance by the Rockets (61 percent) put the game out of reach in the final 10 minutes, as Houston grew its lead to as many as 19 before winning by 12.
Georgios Papagiannis made his NBA debut, ending the night with eight points and five rebounds in 18 minutes. Richardson ended the night with a game-high 20 points and seven rebounds, going 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.
The team will be back in action on Monday at 7 p.m. PDT versus the New Orleans Pelicans.
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