Rockets win streak ends at five as they lose a heartbreaker in Sactown
After the OKC Thunder blew out the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first of tonight’s TNT double-header, the Houston Rockets would look to keep pace by beating the Sacramento Kings in their building. The Kings had won seven of their last eight games coming in and the Rockets were winners of their last six road games, and five games overall.
With no Fred VanVleet in the lineup for what was listed “personal reasons”, as you’d expect the offense started out a little sluggish. However, with the ball going through Amen Thompson and Jalen Green (10 points in the first quarter), and the usual strong effort on defense they were able to keep the score close, down by just one after the first quarter 26-25.
With Jalen and Sengun on the bench to start the second quarter the offense struggled, which helped the Kings get out in transition and get open looks. When the Rockets don’t shoot well, they must win the battle of the boards, but they did not do that midway through the second quarter.
Ultimately by halftime the Rockets had been outrebounded 24-21 and shot just 44.2 percent from the field while allowing the Kings to shoot 54.3 percent, including 42.1 from three. Jalen green only played 13 minutes in the first half, the majority of that coming in the first quarter. All that being said the Rockets were fortunate to only be down by nine, 61-52.
The Rockets opened the third quarter on a 7-2 run forcing Sacramento to take a quick time-out. The run was fueled by the Rockets getting stops and getting out in transition, something they did very little of in the first half. However, the Kings answered with a run of their own, as the Rockets began to look tired as they were getting outworked by the Kings to the boards, to loose balls, and began committing unforced turnovers.
Midway through the third the Rockets deficit had ballooned to 16 points. The Rockets defense kept them within striking distance, but the Kings were able to keep them at arm’s length going into the final quarter with five-point lead over the Rockets 90-85.
The Rockets Scored six straight points to begin the fourth quarter… Let me correct myself. AmenThompson scored six straight points to begin the fourth quarter, giving the Rockets the lead for the 1st time since early in the first quarter.
The Rockets were able to keep the game close with Sengun dominating in the paint, and Amen Thompson pushing pace. An 8-0 run to start the fourth quarter, would be followed by a 10-0 run by Rockets, but bad turnovers by the Rockets, combined with some big shots by the Kings, and some questionable foul calls, even after being reviewed, kept the Rockets just out of reach of the lead despite their gritty effort.
It would come down to 8.9 seconds on the clock with the rockets trailing by three, and despite a great look at a game tying three by Jalen Green, the Rockets fell short of a magical ending, losing the game by a score of 132-127.
Jalen continued his impressive run of late scoring 18 of his 20 points in the second half and shot 10-of-20 from the field including 4-of-8 from three.
Sengun scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Amen Thompson scored 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block.
The Rockets shot 52.7 percent from the field, scored 66 points in the paint. Ultimately it was untimely turnovers, seven missed free throws, and the fact that Sacramento shot slightly better from the three-point line that did the Rockets in.
DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Kings with 31 points on 12-of-23 shooting, with 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Obviously, the Rockets are beyond moral victories, but given the circumstances of being the second game of a back-to-back on the road, against a team that’s hot since their interim coach Doug Christie has took over… The Rockets put up a valiant effort.
It was good to see Tari Eason back on the floor and as he usually is, he was very impactful down the stretch.
The Rockets will be back in action on Saturday in Portland to take on the fledgling Trail Blazers. The game tips off at 9:00 PM CST. Watch on Space City Home Network or listen on Sports Talk 790.