The Rockets got back in the dubs column.
Sorry for the lack of a game thread last night, we had a scheduling mixup. But your Houston Rockets came away with a 100-97 win over the playoff-bound Milwaukee Bucks just two nights after losing to the stinky Utah Jazz. Such is the life of a young team, I suppose.
But Jalen Green scored 25 points and Alperen Sengun had 23 points and 11 boards, and both hit free throws down the stretch to culminate a hectic end of the fourth quarter that saw Damian Lillard miss a game-tying three at the end of the game to give the Rockets the victory.
Ime Udoka must’ve been preaching defense, because Houston’s was much better in this one, holding Milwaukee to 40 percent shooting from the field, forcing 13 turnovers, and won the rebound battle 53-37. That’s the Rockets we know.
Other top contributors were Dillon Brooks with 16 points and 8 boards, Tari Eason with 12 points, 6 boards, a block, and 2 steals, and Jabari Smith Jr. finished with 13 points and 8 boards. Amen Thompson had 9 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, a steal and 2 blocks, but he was ejected for a flagrant 2 foul on Giannis Antetokounmpo in the fourth quarter.
With the win, the Rockets move to 36-22 on the season, but they stay in fifth place, in a virtual tie for fourth with the Lakers, but the Rockets have just a slightly lower win percentage.
They have another back-to-back tonight though, as they’re back in action against the cross-state rival San Antonio Spurs, who will be playing without Victor Wembenyama and are on a three-game losing streak. Hopefully Houston comes out firing after their last B2B embarrassment against the Jazz.