The Houston Rockets defeated the Sacramento Kings, 113-104, at Golden 1 Center on Monday night.

The Rockets (21-9) opened the game threatening a blowout, as they jumped out to a 37-21 lead through the first 12 minutes. The Kings (12-18) managed to shave eight points off their deficit during the second, but Houston's play in the third quarter, during which they added another 10 points to their advantage, essentially put the game away. The visitors enjoyed particularly large advantages in three-point shooting (38.5 percent-23.3 percent), but they lost the rebounding battle by a 49-40 margin.

James Harden led the Rockets with 34 points, adding five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Russell Westbrook followed with 28 points, seven boards, six assists and one steal. Clint Capela generated a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Danuel House, Jr. delivered 14 points, while P.J. Tucker mustered five points but pulled down 11 boards.

De'Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 31 points and complemented them with nine rebounds, six assists and one steal. Richaun Holmes and Trevor Ariza contributed matching 12-point efforts while also pulling down 14 and six rebounds, respectively. Marvin Bagley III turned in 11 points and six boards, while Nemanja Bjelica posted 10 points.

The Rockets next pay a visit to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday for a Christmas Day showdown, while the Kings remain home and take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.