Kings Vs Rockets: kings vs rockets 128-97 recap and Udoka on Reed Sheppard
The Houston Rockets routed the Sacramento Kings 128-97 on Feb 25, 2026 in a game widely framed as a lopsided showing in a lifeless performance by the visitors; kings vs rockets was decided emphatically. Coach Ime Udoka singled out Reed Sheppard’s aggressiveness after the sophomore’s rare start produced a game-high 28 points.
Kings Vs Rockets game takeaways
The Rockets’ 128-97 victory on Feb 25, 2026 left little doubt. Alperen Sengun produced a dominant night that included his third triple-double of the season and a 26-point scoring line, while the Kings’ offense was described in the coverage as lifeless. Amen Thompson did not play, as he took the night off because of a quad injury, a factor that opened a starting role for Reed Sheppard.
Sheppard’s shooting explosion
In his start, Reed Sheppard drilled seven triples on 16 attempts from beyond the arc and finished with 28 points, the game high. Ime Udoka described what went right: “Aggressiveness, hunting his shots. The fact that he got 12 [shots] up in the first half tells you all you need to know. Great job overall. Made the right plays as well. ” The coach also noted that Sheppard has not exactly established himself as an indispensable player in his eyes, citing considerable defensive shortcomings that limit his upside in a defense-first Rockets system while acknowledging Sheppard’s blistering shooting nights that make him an invaluable X-factor.
Sengun’s triple-double night
Alperen Sengun’s performance was a cornerstone of the win. The Turkish center recorded his third triple-double of the season and, as noted in the game coverage, had 26 points. Another piece of coverage linked his night to joining top-10 NBA history in the decimation of the Kings, a distinction highlighted alongside his triple-double and scoring output.
Roster and injury notes
Amen Thompson’s absence due to a quad injury created opportunity for Sheppard in the starting lineup. The coverage also referenced VanVleet’s season-ending torn ACL prior to the start of the season, a development that has thrust Sheppard into action and contributed to the ups and downs the young guard has experienced while learning to be a playmaker in the association. Separately, a related item of note mentioned Tari Eason apologizing after a cheap shot gave Vince Williams Jr. an ACL injury.
Coach Ime Udoka reaction
Udoka emphasized aggressiveness and shot hunting as the key to Sheppard’s breakout start. He praised the sophomore for getting a high volume of attempts early — 12 shots in the first half — and for making the right plays during the game. Udoka’s comments framed Sheppard’s performance as a mixture of shooting brilliance and continuing defensive work needed in the team’s system.
The Rockets were scheduled to be back in action tomorrow at Orlando at 6pm. The Feb 25, 2026 game left Reed Sheppard’s shooting and Alperen Sengun’s all-around impact as the chief notes from a night that ended 128-97 in Houston’s favor.
