Kings Keep Ascending as Rockets Decline

How much have things changed in the NBA? Sacramento is coasting, Houston’s a cellar dweller.

After defeating the Kings 11 consecutive times entering the season, Houston has lost twice to them in four days, the latest at Sacramento, 110-105, Sunday.

Chris Webber had 28 points and 11 rebounds and Jason Williams added 25 points and 12 assists as the Kings won for the sixth time in a row while the Rockets fell to 2-10.

“They are struggling, but any time you have [Hakeem] Olajuwon and [Charles] Barkley, someone is eventually going to pay down the road,” King center Vlade Divac said. “I think they will come back, they are still a good team.”

So are the Kings, who improved to 7-1, tying the franchise mark for the best start, held by the 1952-53 Rochester Royals.

Detroit 113, Milwaukee 94--Grant Hill had 31 points and seven assists to lead the surging Pistons to a victory over the Bucks at Auburn Hills, Mich.

The Pistons have won three in a row and five of seven since starting 0-4.

Minnesota 105, Vancouver 81--Kevin Garnett had 15 points and 14 rebounds as the Timberwolves ended an 11-game road losing streak, defeating the Grizzlies. Minnesota’s last road victory--not counting its victory over Sacramento in Tokyo this month--was March 24.

Phoenix 99, Seattle 86--Jason Kidd scored 18 of his 25 points in the second half, and the Suns defeated the SuperSonics at Phoenix, handing the SuperSonics their first loss in seven games against Western Conference opponents. The Suns defeated Seattle for the sixth consecutive time.