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Chase Budinger

The Houston Rockets, prior to their game against the Sacramento Kings Monday night from Power Balance Pavilion, were three games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the #8 seed in the Western Conference playoff chase.

That in and of itself tells you everything there is to know in terms of Houston’s sense of urgency to arrive at that preferred destination. so you can safely assume that they are watching the scoreboard, in light of their current situation.

Nevertheless, Houston shot 53 percent with six players scoring in double-digits, easily dispatching Sacramento 123-101; the victory was the Rockets’ second straight and put them a game over .500.

Not only was the win important to the Rockets, but it was a milestone of sorts for team coach Rick Adelman, who won his 935th game in the Association – good for 10th place in league history. The game was a homecoming for both Adelman and former King Kevin Martin.

Houston used a 36-28 advantage in the second quarter to go to their locker room ahead 65-58 at the intermission.

Speaking of Martin, he had a quiet first half, but got going in the third quarter when the Rockets increased their lead to 95-74. He scored 10 points in the period, making several shots from up close and made all six free throws during those 12 minutes.

Sacramento wouldn’t mount any serious challenge for the remainder of the contest.

As previously mentioned, six Rockets scored in double-digits, led by Chase Budinger with 20 points (with four 3-pointers), along with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks while Kyle Lowry and Courtney Lee each added 19 – with Lowry making four treys, grabbing 7 boards and dishing out 8 assists while Lee grabbed 4 rebounds, along with a steal and 2 blocks. Martin chipped in 15 with 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.

The Kings also had six players score in double-digits, led by DeMarcus Cousins with 20 points, along with 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and a block while Marcus Thornton added 16 with 2 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. Beno Udrih chipped in 15 with 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal. Samuel Dalembert, while scoring just 8, grabbed 12 caroms in a losing effort.

Houston (33-32) jets to Phoenix to take on the Suns Tuesday night while Sacramento (15-46) remains at PBP to host the Orlando Magic Wednesday night.