Houston takes one step forward, two steps back in frustrating divisional loss.
In what was a game that probably should’ve resulted in a blowout against Houston’s favor, turned into a last minute shootout that nearly resulted in a Rockets victory. The key word: nearly. After playing a third straight game of one half basketball, just like they did against the Hornets, Houston took a loss to the Spurs 109-106.
It was by far the closest and most competitive game of the Rockets’ season so far, but also the most disappointing. Not in the aspect of who they lost to and how, but in the way Houston carried over some poor tendencies for yet another game. Despite numerous second half runs and improved play, the Rockets just couldn’t overcome their slow first half start and sloppy play. For once another game, it was defensive issues out of the gate that killed Houston early, allowing far too many open threes, quick transition runs, and failing to contain the P&R from San Antonio.
In a game where Alperen Sengun struggled and only ended up with a statline of 6-5-2 on 25% shooting, it’s understandable to see how Houston lost. Their star player was unable to get anything going on the offensive end, and defensively he was being targeted by the Spurs, allowing bucket after bucket. This is not to say Sengun is the reason for Houston’s loss, but moreso a key factor as without him going, the team had a hard time finding their identity.
The streakiness of the Rockets backcourt in Jalen Green (29 points and six rebounds on 10-22 from FG) and Fred VanVleet (18 points and seven assists on 5-12 from FG) also played into the rough start with neither man really able to get going until the fourth quarter. Fred started off with two quick threes, but his shot selection suffered as the game went on, leading to forced momentum killing misses. Green had his own fair share of highs and lows though, hitting two early threes himself before going cold in the second and third quarters. The fourth quarter however brought out the best from each man for the night as Jalen went on to score 11 points on 5-7 FG and Fred had eight on 3-4 FG. However, a poor late missed pass TO and last second three pointer attempt to win falling short left Jalen’s night on a negative note.
For the Rockets’ bench, this game wasn’t one of much interest. Besides Jock Landale’s 13 points in 13 minutes of play, Tari Eason’s hustle, and Cam Whitmore’s big fourth quarter, the rest was forgettable. Amen Thompson played a poor game, only getting a season low 19 minutes off the sideline. But, it was mainly as aforementioned, Cam Whitmore who provided the difference. Helping lead a 25-8 run in the fourth quarter for Houston, Whitmore racked up six points and a +- of 14, playing excellent on both ends of the ball.
This was good enough to get the Rockets within one even during the last four minutes of the game, with surprisingly Dillon Brooks being the guy to step up. Following a quick scuffle with Victor Wembanyama in the third, Brooks was already fired up, and a ten point fourth on 4-6 FG only added to the fuel. Early setbacks were the theme for Dillon just as it was everyone else, but his fourth quarter clutchtime performance was the main focal point of his night, though Houston ultimately took the L.
Despite a near comeback, the Rockets as a whole looked about as poor as they’ve been this season during the second quarter. Just a mere ten points is all that could be mustered up offensively, and defensively a 22-7 run by San Antonio led by Victor Wembanyama took all the momentum away from Houston. Trailing by 21 at the half, it was clear the effort level wasn’t there for the Rockets, nor was there much of any ball movement. The first half of this game wasn’t pretty whatsoever, and truly set the tone for the following quarters.
In the end, it was the Houston Rockets who fell short to a divisional opponent in the San Antonio Spurs, Houston’s poor shooting and defensive mistakes just too much to overcome. Even when the comeback arrived and it seemed like there was hope for the Rockets to mount off a win, poor habits and lack of execution showed, allowing the game to slip. The loss could’ve been preventable, but inconsistency once again proved to be detrimental to the Rockets hopes of winning, a story we’ve seen far too many times before.
Houston gets to stay in San Antonio though for a few days longer as the two teams face off Monday at the AT&T Center again. A 1-2 start isn’t ideal, but a bounce back victory come Monday could be just what this team needs. So, hopefully they can get it together and give us the Rockets basketball we’ve all been waiting to fully see this season.