Red-hot shooting from Sacramento-native Ryan Anderson helped Houston build a 20-point lead int he first half.
However, thanks to the play of Ty Lawson (12 points and five assists) and Willie Cauley-Stein (eight points and six rebounds) in the third quarter, the Kings were able to trim the Rockets lead to just five midway through the frame.
Houston quickly regained form and connected on a series of three-pointers and traditional three-point plays to put the game away for good in the ensuing five minutes.
In all, the visitors connected on 18-of-43 from long distance, while the Kings made just nine of their 31 attempts from beyond the arc.
Notes:
- The Rockets made 59 percent of their shots and 60 percent of their long distance attempts on their way to 42 points in the first quarter.
- Skal Labissiere led the team in scoring with 25 points, while adding six rebounds.
- Ben McLemore finished with 18 points, while Cauley-Stein posted another double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Kings close out their inaugural season at Golden 1 Center with a Tuesday evening tilt against the Phoenix Suns.
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