The Kings were led by veteran forward DeMar DeRozan with 33 points, while standout guard Malik Monk chipped in 26 points and 9 assists. Thursday's matchup was as exciting as many expected it would be with 22 lead changes,

DeMar DeRozan had 33 points, Malik Monk added 26 points and nine assists and the Sacramento Kings beat the Houston Rockets 132-127 on Thursday night.Monk made the last four free throws for Kings. They improved to 21-20 with their eighth victory in nine games.

The Kings beat the Rockets 120-111 on Dec. 3 in Sacramento. Rockets coach Ime Udoka, forward Tari Eason and center Alperen Sengun were fined $50,000, $35,000 and $15,000, respectively, after tempers flared in the final minutes.

The Kings and Rockets have met once this season, where Sacramento picked up a nine-point home win. While the Kings are not on their hot streak anymore, they could use another shot of momentum to continue to climb up the Western Conference standings. Thursday's matchup is not a must-win for the Kings, but it would certainly help.