Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka highlighted his team’s second-half intensity as the key factor in Wednesday’s 121-95 rout of the Sacramento Kings.
Udoka said, “The pace picked up…we got it to 16, 17 when it had been a tight game for the most part…taking care of the ball, getting quality shots, and putting a little physicality behind it.”
Alperen Sengun scored 28 points with 10 rebounds, reaching his career 5,000th point milestone, and Udoka praised his consistency: “Big nights pretty much every night…he sticks with it and puts in performances like that.”
Amen Thompson’s energy and downhill pressure stood out for Udoka, who called him “a one-man fast break…puts so much pressure on the rim and attracts so much attention in a different way that a lot of opportunities for kickouts or offensive rebounds” arise.
Udoka also emphasized the importance of half-court execution, noting the Rockets’ strategy with Sengun and Kevin Durant: “Sprint up to set screens, get some separation for our guys…very important as far as that.”
Durant added 24 points and eight assists, helping Houston control the game despite attempting just 16 three-pointers, while Udoka pointed out the team’s focus on interior scoring: “78 points in the paint…taking what the game gives us.”
Josh Okogie’s role in the starting lineup was a tactical move against Sacramento’s key scorers, according to Udoka: “They had LaVine, Murray, DeRozan…he did a really good job on them…he’s a big piece of that.”
Udoka reflected on the team’s balance and bench contribution: Houston shot 52.7% from the field, outrebounded Sacramento 62-32, and received 29 points from its reserves to maintain a steady double-digit lead.
The Rockets improved to 14-5, avoiding back-to-back losses after a defeat to Utah, while the Kings fell to 5-17, struggling with perimeter shooting at 29% and 17 turnovers that led directly to points.
