Imagine scoring 26,000 points in your career—a feat only 22 other NBA players have achieved before you. That's exactly what DeMar DeRozan accomplished on Sunday night, January 11, 2026, as he led the Sacramento Kings to a 111-98 victory over the Houston Rockets. But here's where it gets even more impressive: DeRozan hit this monumental milestone in the second quarter, proving once again why he's a legend in the league. And this is the part most people miss—this win marked the Kings' first victory of the year, a much-needed boost for a team sitting at 9-30.
DeRozan's 22 points were just the tip of the iceberg. Zach LaVine chipped in 18 points, while Russell Westbrook delivered a versatile performance with 15 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Malik Monk matched Westbrook's scoring with 15 points of his own, including back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter that sealed the deal for Sacramento. But here's the controversial part: Kings guard Dennis Schroder was notably absent, serving the first game of a three-game suspension for a heated confrontation with Lakers star Luka Doncic on December 28. Was the suspension justified, or did it go too far? Let us know in the comments.
On the Rockets' side, Amen Thompson was unstoppable with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Kevin Durant added 23 points and Alperen Sengun contributed 19 points and nine rebounds. Despite their efforts, Houston has now lost four of their last five games, dropping to 22-14. The game was a nail-biter through three quarters, with neither team leading by more than five points. Thompson's 18-point explosion in the third quarter kept the Rockets in it, but the Kings pulled away in the fourth thanks to Monk's clutch shooting and Precious Achiuwa's timely layup.
Looking ahead, the Rockets head to Chicago on Tuesday night, while the Kings host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. Here’s a thought-provoking question: With DeRozan’s historic achievement and the Kings’ desperate need for wins, could this be the turning point in their season? Or is it just a fleeting moment of glory? Share your thoughts below.
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