AP News, December 2nd, 2007
Ron Artest and Kevin Martin each scored 26 points, and the Sacramento Kings spoiled former coach Rick Adelman's return to Arco Arena by beating the Houston Rockets 107-99.
The Kings took the lead for good with a strong third quarter and withstood a Tracy McGrady-led charge by Houston. McGrady scored 28 of his 40 points in the second half. It was the 44th game McGrady has scored 40 or more points, including the third time this season.
Martin also produced a big second half with 21 points for the Kings, who had lost four of their previous five games. His 3-pointer gave the Kings their biggest lead at 89-79, and the Rockets never got closer than three points in losing their second straight.
Adelman, who was often criticized during the last of his eight seasons as the Kings coach, made his first visit back to Arco Arena and received a standing ovation during pregame introductions.
The typically stoic Adelman, who guided Kings to their biggest success in the Sacramento era and won 63 percent of his games before being fired after the 2005-06 season, stood up and waved to the crowd, acknowledging the ovation.
Beno Udrih scored 15 points for the Kings, John Salmons had 13 and Brad Miller added 12 points and seven rebounds.
Yao Ming bounced back with 29 points and 11 rebounds after scoring a season-low 10 points Thursday when Houston lost by 19 points at Golden State, its worst defeat of the season.
But it was a frustrating finish for Yao. After fouling out with 3:01 remaining, he headed to locker room following a technical foul for arguing the call.
Bonzi Wells had eight points and 10 rebounds for Houston.
Martin and McGrady traded baskets for much of the second half. McGrady scored 15 points in the third quarter, but the Rockets were still outscored 30-24, thanks to Martin's 14 points. Artest added eight points in the period as the Kings took a 79-74 lead into the fourth.
The Kings had no first-half answer for the inside play of Yao, who had 21 points and eight rebounds to help Houston to a 50-49 advantage.
Notes: Yao made his first four shots, scored Houston's first nine points and had 16 in the opening quarter. Houston starter Chuck Hayes had four first-half fouls in 10-plus minutes. Kings rookie Spencer Hawes had a season-high 10 rebounds in 14 minutes.
(This version CORRECTS Kings 107, Rockets 99. corrects to Martin, sted Garcia, in 3rd graf.)
