The Houston Rockets invested money to bring in veterans Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet to play with their young talent this season as they look to take a step forward after three seasons as one of the league’s worst teams.

Udoka was previously suspended by the Celtics for the entire 2022-23 season for a reported inappropriate relationship with a female staffer.

Ime Udoka is everything the Houston Rockets were looking for in a coach, and owner Tilman Feritta insists they aren’t concerned about the behavior that led to his year-long suspension from the Boston Celtics.

It’s been an eventful week for the Rockets, as to be expected.

Jabari Smith Jr. scored 20 points, and the Houston Rockets went on a 12-0 run late in the fourth quarter to top the Washington Wizards 114-109 in the season finale for both.

The Houston Rockets will be in search for a new head coach this offseason after the organization declined Stephen Silas’ 4th-year option, according to multiple reports.

Two people familiar with the decision say Stephen Silas won’t return as coach of the Houston Rockets next season.

Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green each had 26 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Charlotte Hornets 112-109 on Friday night.

Currently, Houston has the worst record in the Western Conference and the second worst in the entire NBA.

Kevin Porter Jr. scored 27 points and the Houston Rockets beat the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers 114-110 on Wednesday night.

Jalen Green scored 28 points and rookie Jabari Smith Jr. added 24 as the Houston Rockets withstood a late charge to beat the Boston Celtics 111-109.

Jalen Green scored 31 points and the Houston Rockets got a 142-110 victory over San Antonio, beating the Spurs for the second straight night in a matchup of the Western Conference’s worst teams.

The NBA has an ongoing battle with load management and finding ways to optimize player health, performance and availability.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled past the Houston Rockets 133-96.

Keegan Murray had a career-high 30 points and set a franchise rookie record with eight 3-pointers to help the Sacramento Kings snap a two-game skid with a 140-120 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night.

The streak is over…for now.

Jalen Green scored a career-high 42 points and the Houston Rockets held on for a 119-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves to snap a 13-game losing streak.

Jalen Green scored a career-high 42 points and the Houston Rockets held on for a 119-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves to snap a 13-game losing streak.

Hello, Chancellor Johnson writing to you today. It’s been a while. I hope the new year is treating you well -- or at least better than it has treated the Rockets who have yet to win a game in 2023.

Terry Rozier scored 26 points and the Charlotte Hornets held off the reeling Houston Rockets 122-117 to snap a five-game skid after LaMelo Ball injured his left ankle again.

LeBron James had a season-high 48 points and nine assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a three-game skid with a 140-132 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Houston’s Garrison Mathews and Tari Eason and Sacramento’s Malik Monk are facing fines for an on-court altercation during Friday’s game.

CJ McCollum scored 28 points and the short-handed Pelicans opened up a 31-point lead en route to a 119-108 victory over the struggling Houston Rockets.

Luka Doncic scored a season-high 50 points , including 17 in the fourth quarter, and the Dallas Mavericks held on to beat the Houston Rockets 112-106.

The Houston Rockets coach, Stephan Silas, returned to the bench Tuesday following the death of his father, Paul Silas. He was 79.

Jalen Green had 30 points and seven rebounds, Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points and seven assists and the Houston Rockets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 97-92 on Sunday night to extend their home-winning streak to four games.

Paul Silas, a member of three NBA championship teams and LeBron James’ first coach in the league, has died at the age of 79.

Jalen Green scored 27 points and Kevin Porter Jr. added 24 to lead the Houston Rockets to a 132-123 double-overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers as James Harden struggled through his return from injury.

Jamal Murray scored 26 points, Nikola Jokic had 10 of his 12 assists in the first half and the Denver Nuggets cruised past the Houston Rockets 120-100 for their fourth straight win.

Paul George scored 22 points in three quarters to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to 122-106 rout of the Houston Rockets.

Zion Williamson scored 26 points and Brandon Ingram iced the game with six points in a 13-0 run in the final 2:07 to power the New Orleans Pelicans to a 119-106 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Hello to our KPRC 2 viewers out there on this Friday morning in H-Town!

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 44 points and became Milwaukee’s career leader in successful free-throw attempts as the Bucks rolled to a 125-105 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night.

Chancellor Johnson checking in for NBA Tip-Off week! As the Astros continue to chase their quest for another World Series title it can be easy to forget their neighbors down the street, the Houston Rockets. They’ll begin their season on Wednesday.

From the outside looking in, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel for a Houston Rockets team that finished with the NBA’s worst record for the past two seasons.

The last 12 months have been a transformative year in the NBA when it comes to diversity among coaches.

The Houston Rockets went 20-62 to finish with the NBA's worst record for the second straight season.

Anthony Edwards scored 33 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 28 as the Minnesota Timberwolves built a huge lead and held on for a 139-132 win over the Houston Rockets.

Harrison Barnes scored 25 points, and the Sacramento Kings beat the Houston Rockets 122-117.

Alperen Sengun scored 27 points off the bench, Jalen Green had 25 points and the Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 115-98 to complete a back-to-back sweep.

Jalen Green had 23 points including five 3-pointers and the Houston Rockets built a big early lead before coasting to a 125-106 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Desmond Bane had 24 points and the Memphis Grizzlies overcame the absence of star Ja Morant with balanced scoring in a 122-98 victory over the NBA-worst Houston Rockets on Sunday.

Malcolm Brogdon scored 25 points and Goga Bitadze added 23, including two key baskets down the stretch, to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Houston Rockets 121-118 on Friday night.

Devin Booker scored 36 points,ikal Bridges added 26 and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 129-112 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory.

Victor Oladipo scored 11 points in in his first game in nearly a year, Tyler Herro scored 21 of his 31 points in the second quarter and the Miami Heat beat the Houston Rockets 123-106.

Kevin Porter Jr. scored 29 points, Christian Wood added 28 points and 13 rebounds and the Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 123-112 on Saturday night to end a 12-game losing streak.

Reggie Jackson scored 26 points, including three key points down the stretch, to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 99-98 win over the Houston Rockets Sunday night.

Brandon Ingram scored 33 points and tied a career high with 12 assists as the New Orleans Pelicans used a big third quarter to take control of the game and get a 120-107 win over the Houston Rockets.

Christian Wood and rookie Jalen Green had 21 points each and the Houston Rockets snapped an 11-game home skid with a 115-104 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Stephen Curry scored 21 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 122-108 win over the Houston Rockets Monday night.

Dejounte Murray and Jakob Poeltl combined for 37 points in three quarters to help the San Antonio Spurs coast to a 134-104 victory over the Houston Rockets Tuesday night.

Christian Wood had 23 points and 14 rebounds, Eric Gordon made a clutch bucket with 12.5 seconds remaining and the Houston Rockets held off the Sacramento Kings 118-112 on Sunday.

Eric Gordon had 31 points and the Houston Rockets overcame a career-high 32 from Dejounte Murray to beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-124, snapping a three-game skid.

Tim Hardaway Jr. had 19 points and seven assists to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 130-106 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday night despite missing two stars and their head coach.

Joel Embiid had 31 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 133-113 win over the Houston Rockets.

The Houston Rockets suspended guard Kevin Porter Jr. and forward Christian Wood for Monday’s game against Philadelphia for conduct detrimental to the team.

The Houston Rockets have suspended starters Kevin Porter Jr. and Christian Wood for Monday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 37 points and the short-handed Miami Heat built a big lead early and held on for a 120-110 win over the Houston Rockets.

Myles Turner had 32 points and 10 rebounds, Caris LeVert had 24 points and 11 assists, and the Indiana Pacers beat the Houston Rockets 118-106.

Darius Garland scored 21 points and Isaac Okoro added 20 as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their fifth straight game, a 124-89 rout of the Houston Rockets.

The Houston Rockets won seven straight games after dropping 15 in a row, the first team in NBA history to have the lengthy slide and win streak in one season.

Dillon Brooks scored 25 points, Desmond Bane added 19 and the Memphis Grizzlies held on for a 113-106 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Eric Gordon and Christian Wood both scored 23 points, and the Houston Rockets beat the New Orleans Pelicans 118-108 on Sunday night for their sixth straight win.

Eric Gordon scored 24 points and his short jumper with 1.6 seconds left lifted the Houston Rockets to their fifth consecutive win, 118-116 over the Orlando Magic.

Christian Wood had 24 points and a career-high 21 rebounds as the Houston Rockets won their third straight game with a 102-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Christian Wood scored a career-high 33 points and had 16 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets beat the Charlotte Hornets 146-143 in overtime on Saturday night.

Ja Morant had 22 points, six rebounds and six assists, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated Houston 136-102, sending the Rockets to their 12th straight loss.

Nikola Jokic blocked Jae’Sean Tate’s drive to the basket as time ran out and the short-handed Denver Nuggets escaped with a 95-94 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Christian Wood had 31 points and 14 rebounds and Houston beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-91 on Friday night in the Rockets’ home opener.

The Houston Rockets were a franchise-worst 17-55 last season in the wake of the James Harden trade.

Kendrick Perkins is known for many things, along them are strong opinions, vast knowledge of all things basketball, and giving back. The ESPN NBA analyst and Houston resident joined KPRC Sports Reporter Vanesa Richardson for a one-on-one on Sports Sunday.

Georges Niang tied a career high with 24 points and the NBA-leading Utah Jazz beat the short-handed Houston Rockets 124-116 on Saturday night to reach 50 victories.

Julius Randle scored 31 points in three quarters to lead the New York Knicks to a 122-97 victory over the Houston Rockets.

Jordan Clarkson scored 22 points, Joe Ingles had 21 and the NBA-leading Utah Jazz beat the Houston Rockets 112-89 on Wednesday night.

Kendrick Nunn scored a season-high 30 points, Duncan Robinson and Goran Dragic each added 19 and Miami beat Houston 113-91.

The Houston Rockets say that guard Sterling Brown was assaulted by unknown individuals after the team arrived in Miami late Sunday night, suffering cuts to his face.

Christian Wood scored 25 points, Kelly Olynyk added 24 and the Houston Rockets used a strong third quarter to rally past the Orlando Magic 114-110.

Houston Rockets' Kevin Porter Jr. (3) and Jae'Sean Tate (8) defend against Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)NEW YORK – Kyrie Irving had 31 points and a season-high 12 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets overcame the loss of James Harden to beat the Houston Rockets 120-108 on Wednesday night and move into first place in the Eastern Conference. Harden sat out the fourth quarter against his former team with right hamstring tightness, finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. The Rockets jumped to a 24-6 lead, with an 8-for-9 start that included makes on all five 3-point attempts. The Rockets listed the injury as a left knee effusion and it's unknown whether it will keep him out longer.

Houston Rockets guard John Wall (1) drives on Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jaylen Nowell (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, March 27, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)MINNEAPOLIS – Kevin Porter Jr. scored 25 points in his return to Houston’s lineup, John Wall had 13 points and 12 assists and the Rockets rebounded to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 129-107 on Saturday night. The Rockets came back a night later to win for the second time in four games after a 20-game losing streak. Kelly Olynyk added 16 points in his first game for Houston after coming over from Miami in the trade for Victor Oladipo. Led by their holdover star Wall, the Rockets shot 73.9% in the first quarter and scored 41 points.

Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) drives on Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 22, 2021, in Houston. But Wall had 19 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds, his first triple-double since March 17, 2016. The Rockets closed out the third quarter with an 88-86 lead and opened the fourth quarter on a 9-1 run to pull away. AdThe Raptors led 28-27 at the end of the first quarter. In their losing streak, Houston led after the first quarter only three times, including on Feb. 26 when they led the Raptors 31-30.

(AP Photo/Michael Wyke)HOUSTON – Mired in a long losing streak, the Houston Rockets twice put the ball in John Wall's hands in the waning moments. The Rockets lost their team-record 20th straight game, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 114-112 Sunday when Wall missed two shots in the final 10 seconds. This one hurts.”Dort scored 23 points and Isaiah Roby had 18 for the Thunder, who led by as many as 13 points. They shot a sizzling 14 of 21 on 3s in the second quarter, however, and Oklahoma City led 66-62 at halftime. The Rockets hit a franchise-record 28 3s in a win against the Thunder on Feb. 1, just three days before their last win.

Houston Rockets' P.J. Wojnarowski said the Rockets have traded Tucker and Rodions Kurucs for the Bucks’ 2022 first-round pick for point guard D.J. Sources: Houston is trading PJ Tucker, Rodions Kurucs and Bucks’ 2022 first-round pick back to Milwaukee for DJ Augustin, DJ Wilson and 2023 unprotected first-round pick. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 17, 2021Tucker has played four seasons for the Houston Rockets, thriving as a top defender and corner three specialists. Wilson was a 2017 first-round pick who never quite fit with the Bucks.

HOUSTON – Danilo Gallinari scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half and the Atlanta Hawks beat Houston 119-107 on Tuesday night, dealing the Rockets a franchise record-tying 17th straight loss. “Our defense in the fourth quarter really gave us the win,” Hawks coach Nate McMillan said. Five Hawks scored in double figures by halftime, and six scored at least 10 in the game. Rockets: Houston is hopeful Wood (ankle) can return Wednesday against the Warriors. Rockets: Houston hosts Golden State on Wednesday night.

NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)SACRAMENTO, Calif. – De’Aaron Fox had 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, and the Sacramento Kings sent the Houston Rockets to their 14th consecutive loss, 125-105 on Thursday night. Sacramento never trailed after a 15-0 run early in the second quarter. … Center Justin Patton picked up his fourth foul with 6:47 left in the second quarter. … Sacramento was called for two shot clock violations in the second quarter.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Houston Rockets say they are attempting to trade disgruntled forward P.J. At some point there was some mutual agreement with P.J., his agent, (Rockets general manager Rafael Stone) and the organization that P.J. With Tucker averaging career lows in scoring (4.4 points) and shooting percentage (36.6), the Rockets initially planned to have Tucker come off the bench in the game against Sacramento. AdWhen the game started, Tucker was not on the Rockets bench and was not seen at Golden 1 Center. “We’re going to try to figure out something that works for (Tucker) and works for us,” Silas said.

Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas calls a play during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)The Houston Rockets announced on Monday that they are signing forward Anthony Lamb from their NBA G League affiliate, Rio Grande Valley. Lamb was eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft following his senior season at Vermont and went undrafted. After starting the G League season with the Canton Charge, Lamb was acquired by the Vipers and appeared in six regular season games while averaging 18.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks. The move comes as the Rockets have lost 13 straight games. The team returns from the All-Star Break on Thursday with a road game in Sacramento.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket past DeMarcus Cousins #15 of the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center on February 17, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Embiid had 31 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists and hit a key jumper late to help Philadelphia beat the Houston Rockets 118-113 on Wednesday night. Ben Simmons (illness) didn’t play for the 76ers a game after scoring a career-high 42 points and adding nine rebounds and 12 assists. It looked like Philadelphia’s star big man might be able to rest his aching back in the second half. He looked more spry at the start of the second half, scoring early with a pair of layups and a short jumper.

New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett dunks next to Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, in New York. (Wendell Cruz/Pool Photo via AP)NEW YORK (AP) – Julius Randle and rookie Immanuel Quickley each scored 22 points and the New York Knicks sent the Houston Rockets to a season-high fifth straight loss with a 121-99 victory Saturday night. “I thought the unselfishness was important and then we had a number of guys just step up and make shots,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. ... Ray Spalding scored two points in his Rockets’ debut after being called up from the Rockets’ NBA G League affiliate Friday and signed to a two-way contract. The Knicks said Robinson was evaluated by their medical staff Saturday and surgery was recommended.

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)(AP) – Kenrich Williams scored 19 points Wednesday night, and the Oklahoma City Thunder bounced back from a 30-point loss to Houston two days earlier and beat the Rockets 104-87. The Rockets scored a season high for points on Monday and a season low on Wednesday. Eric Gordon scored 22 points and Victor Oladipo added 19 for the Rockets, whose win streak ended at six games. Rockets guard John Wall and Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed Wednesday’s rematch. Thunder: Oklahoma City announced Tuesday that starting point guard George Hill would miss at least four weeks with a thumb injury.

Houston Rockets' John Wall reacts during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards in an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, in Houston. (Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo via AP)(AP) – Victor Oladipo scored 25 points and the Houston Rockets shook off a terrible first quarter and held on late to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-101 on Thursday night. The Rockets got going after that, scoring the next six points, with a 3 from Oladipo, to make it 92-88. The Trail Blazers had a one-point lead before a 4-0 spurt by the Rockets gave Houston a 99-96 lead with less than two minutes to go. TIP-INSTrail Blazers: Carmelo Anthony had just six points after scoring a season-high 22 points in the last game.

Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets gets off a shot around Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 18, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. CHICAGO – Zach LaVine scored 33 points, and the Chicago Bulls overcame a strong effort by Victor Oladipo in his Houston debut, beating the Rockets 125-120 on Monday night. Oladipo looked good in his first game for Houston, pouring in 32 points. Bulls: The Bulls held out rookie forwards Patrick Williams (bruised right hip) and Otto Porter Jr. (strained lower back). Bulls: The Bulls play at Charlotte on Friday before the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers visit on Saturday.

Houston Rockets' James Harden controls the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in Houston, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. (Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo via AP)HOUSTON – The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to acquire three-time scoring champion James Harden from the Houston Rockets, a deal that reunites him with Kevin Durant and gives him the move that he has sought for weeks, said a person with knowledge of the situation. Other key players: Victor Oladipo goes from Indiana to Houston, and Caris Levert goes from Brooklyn to Indiana, the person said, adding that Cleveland was also part of the massive trade. The Rockets begin a three-game road trip on Thursday night with the first of two straight games against San Antonio. The Rockets are just 3-6 so far this season and only Minnesota has a worse record in the Western Conference.

Houston Rockets' James Harden leaves the court following a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Houston. The Nets acquired the three-time scoring champion from the Houston Rockets in a deal that became official on Thursday, a move Harden has sought for weeks. Harden is the centerpiece of a deal that also involved Cleveland and grew to a fourth team when Indiana, made a separate deal with Houston. All are under contract through 2022-23, with Harden and Durant both set to earn more than $40 million in each of the next two seasons. Brooklyn expects Harden to leave all that behind him and that his transition to the Nets will be smooth.

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and coach Stephen Silas, right, react after a play during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Houston. (Troy Taormina/Pool Photo via AP)HOUSTON – The Rockets are on the clock and James Harden’s time in Houston will be ending once a trade partner is solidified. NBA sources tell me that the Rockets coaches and players have had it with Harden and his attitude and are ready to move on. The #Rockets have had it with James Harden's antics. HC Stephen Silas says Harden was NOT at practice saying " It was best for the team and for James not to be there."

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and coach Stephen Silas, right, react after a play during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2021, in Houston. (Troy Taormina/Pool Photo via AP)HOUSTON – The James Harden drama has hit a new level and many believe now it is time for the organization to move Harden sooner rather than later. Harden publicly acknowledged his discord with the Rockets for the first time Tuesday night following back-to-back blowout losses to the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s something that I don’t think can be fixed.”.#Rockets post game James Harden "I love this city, done all I can, it can't be fixed." He’s averaged at least 25 points per game in each of his eight full seasons with the Rockets.

HOUSTON – LeBron James scored 26 points in just more than three quarters and the Los Angeles Lakers never trailed in a 117-100 rout of the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Anthony Davis added 19 points and 10 rebounds in three quarters to help the Lakers to their second straight blowout over the Rockets after a 120-102 victory Sunday night. Los Angeles led by 20 or more for most of the game on a night James Harden made just 5 of 16 shots and the Rockets were outrebounded 55-42. “We’ve got a common goal to compete every night, to play championship basketball and be accountable," James said. UP NEXTLakers: Visit Oklahoma City on Wednesday night before returning home for two games beginning on Saturday night against New Orleans.

Houston Rockets forward Christian Wood shoots over Orlando Magic forward Gary Clark, left, and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)HOUSTON (AP) – Christian Wood scored 22 points and tied a career high with 15 rebounds to lead the Houston Rockets to a 132-90 rout of the short-handed Orlando Magic on Friday night. Houston was up by 29 at halftime and had extended the lead to 81-43 after consecutive 3-pointers by John Wall and P.J. Harden had 15 points and 13 assists, and Tucker added 15 points. He scored 15 points on 5-for-5 3-point shooting.

Dallas was on top by 3 with about seven minutes remaining before using a 14-3 spurt, with seven points from Hardaway, to extend the lead to 106-92 with about 2½ minutes remaining. Carlisle was impressed that his team was able to slow Harden down and limit the Rockets to just 100 points. The Mavericks led by seven points to start the fourth before Houston opened the quarter with an 8-1 run to tie it with about 10 minutes remaining. The Mavericks finally ended a scoring drought with a 3-pointer by Hardaway with less than three minutes left in the quarter. But Doncic scored the last four points of the quarter to put the Mavericks up 84-77 entering the fourth.

Sacramento Kings' Buddy Hield (24) looks to pass ahead ofHouston Rockets' John Wall (1) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021, in Houston. (Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo via AP)HOUSTON – John Wall scored 28 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 102-94 on Saturday despite playing without an injured James Harden. “I just put in a lot of hard work and dedication to get to this point," Wall said. The Rockets scored the first nine points of the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 92-81 with about 8½ minutes left. Rockets: Houston hosts Dallas on Monday night and will play four of its next five games at home.

Sacramento Kings Harrison Barnes gets a hand on Houston Rockets guard James Harden during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday Dec. 31, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Richard Carson)HOUSTON – Houston star James Harden was scratched from the Rockets' game Saturday game against the Sacramento Kings less than an hour before tipoff because of a sprained right ankle. Harden was not listed on the injury report and coach Stephen Silas did not mention his injury in his pregame availability. The team announced that he wouldn't play about 38 minutes before the game was scheduled to begin. He has started each of Houston's games this season and is averaging a league-leading 37 points with 11 assists a game.