Sheppard makes 7 3s, Sengun has a triple-double as Rockets rout Kings 128-97

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Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard reacts after making a 3-point basket against the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun sucks against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith) — Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard reacts after making a 3-point basket against the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

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7:30 PM on Wednesday, February 25

The Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) — Reed Sheppard made a career-high seven 3-pointers and scored 28 points, Alperen Sengun had 26 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 128-97 on Wednesday night.

Kevin Durant added 21 points for the Rockets in their most-lopsided victory of the season. Houston has won two in row since blowing an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter at New York on Saturday.

Russell Westbrook scored 22 points for Sacramento, but 17 came in the first quarter. DeMar DeRozan added 15 on a night he moved ahead of Paul Pierce into 20th place on the NBA's career scoring list.

The Kings were coming off a victory over Memphis that snapped their franchise-record 16-game losing streak.

Westbrook was 8 for 14 in the first quarter, with his 17 points his most in a first quarter since getting that many against Utah on Feb. 9, 2020. But the rest of the Kings were 1 for 10 and Houston led 33-22. The Rockets then outscored the Kings 44-28 in the second, going 8 for 12 from 3-point range, to lead 77-50 at the break.

Sengun had his third triple-double of the season and 11th of his career. Houston shot 54.7% from the field and hit 17 of its first 30 shots.

The Rockets led by 36 points in the fourth quarter.

The Kings lost starting forward Keegan Murray to a left ankle injury in the first quarter.

Up next

Kings: At Dallas on Thursday night.

Rockets: At Orlando on Thursday night.

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