Imagine pouring your heart and soul into something for years, decades even. Then, one night, you hit a milestone that only a handful of people in history have ever achieved. That's exactly what happened for DeMar DeRozan on Sunday night, January 12, 2026!
DeMar DeRozan etched his name further into NBA history, reaching a staggering 26,000 career points during the Sacramento Kings' triumphant 111-98 victory over the Houston Rockets. This incredible feat makes him only the 23rd player ever to reach that plateau. Think about that – out of the thousands upon thousands who have played in the NBA, only 22 others have scored more points than DeRozan. It's a testament to his consistent excellence and dedication to the game.
DeRozan himself contributed 22 points to the Kings' win, reaching the 26,000-point mark in the second quarter. But he wasn't alone in securing the victory. Zach LaVine chipped in with 18 points, while Russell Westbrook showcased his all-around game with 15 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds. Malik Monk also added 15 points, contributing to what was the Kings' first win of the (still relatively young) year. This win brings their season record to a less-than-stellar 9-30, but hey, a win is a win!
And this is the part most people miss... It wasn't all smooth sailing for the Kings leading up to the game. Guard Dennis Schroder was serving the first of a three-game suspension. The suspension stemmed from an on-court confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic after their game on December 28th. These kinds of suspensions can throw a team off balance, potentially affecting their performance.
On the Rockets' side, Amen Thompson had a monster game, exploding for 31 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Kevin Durant added 23 points, continuing his impressive scoring record. Alperen Sengun nearly had a double-double himself, with 19 points and nine rebounds. Despite these strong individual performances, the Rockets couldn't overcome the Kings, losing their fourth game in the last five. This loss drops their record to 22-14.
For most of the game, it was a tight contest. Heading into the fourth quarter, Sacramento held a narrow 78-76 lead. Up until that point, neither team had managed to build a lead larger than five points, which shows just how hard-fought the game was. Thompson was particularly dominant in the third quarter, making 7 of 9 shots from the field and 2 of 3 free throws for a total of 18 points.
But the Kings pulled away in the fourth quarter. Malik Monk ignited the offense with back-to-back three-pointers, giving the Kings some much-needed momentum. Precious Achiuwa then added a layup, extending the Kings' lead to 102-92.
Looking ahead, the Rockets are heading to Chicago to face the Bulls on Tuesday night. The Kings will be back home, hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night. That should be an interesting matchup, especially with the history between the Kings and Lakers!
But here's where it gets controversial... Some analysts argue that individual milestones like DeRozan's are ultimately meaningless if they don't translate into team success. Is it more important to reach these personal achievements, or to focus solely on winning championships? DeRozan has never won an NBA title, so does that diminish his accomplishment in any way? What do YOU think? Let us know in the comments below whether you value individual records over team success, or if you think both can coexist harmoniously. Also, where does DeRozan rank among the all-time greats in your opinion?
