Month: December 2022

Rockets Aiming for Payback as Spurs Come to Town

Bottom Feeder Battle.    Payback Time.    Intensity Adjustment.

The Rockets play their fifth straight home game on Monday night, as they host their in-state rival San Antonio Spurs. This is a battle of the the bottom feeders in the Western Conference. The Rockets and Spurs are tied for the worst record in the conference. Houston is looking for revenge after the Spurs won the first meeting in the Alamo City, back on December 8th. Keldon Johnson had a career night for the Spurs in that contest, and the Rockets will have to do a better job containing him defensively if they want any chance to snap their own two-game skid.

After winning the first two games of this seven game home-stand in impressive fashion over the Bucks and Suns, Houston has lost the past two contests unimpressively. The Rockets are aiming to get back on track tonight, and they have a great chance against a very beatable Spurs team.

Houston also has another opportunity to blow another game they should win, if they don’t come out with the proper intensity. The squad needs an intensity adjustment, a jolt of sorts, from tip-off, and they need to sustain this for four quarters. San Antonio may be at the bottom of the standings, but as long as Gregg Popovich is at the helm, the Spurs will play hard every night.

The Rockets have to overlook their opponent’s record, and be prepared to play as hard as San Antonio, or Houston’s in for another disappointing loss. The Rockets should be tired of losing the past two games, and have the talent to beat this Spurs team… will their intensity overpower San Antonio’s? Find out on Monday night, in what should be at the very least, a close and competitive contest down the stretch… the I-45 Rivalry is back in action tonight in Houston.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

San Antonio Spurs (9-20):  White

Houston Rockets (9-20):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Struggle From Distance in 107-95 Loss to Blazers

Same Oregon Story.    Missing Range.    Third Quarter Woes.    

It was the same old story as when these teams first met this season, back in Oregon in late October. The Rockets lost to the Blazers by double-digits, 107-95, on Saturday night, with Anfernee Simons once again leading Portland in scoring with 32 points. Damian Lillard added 25 points and 10 assists, as Houston’s backcourt was outplayed on Saturday night. Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. combined for only 28 points, as the Rockets lost their second straight contest after winning the first two games to start this season’s longest home-stand. Green led the Rockets with 15 points, no one else managed to reach the 15-point mark on Houston’s squad.

This was the Rockets worst three-point shooting performance of the entire season thus far. Houston was 3-for-29 beyond the arc, good for a horrible 10.3%. In this day-and-age where the long range shot rules the NBA, it’s tough to win in this league when the shots from distance aren’t falling. After a horrible third quarter, the Rockets mounted somewhat of a comeback in the fourth, but it was too little too late, as they never really threatened the Blazers in the final period.

Houston managed only 14 points in the third period, as Portland doubled up the Rockets by scoring 28 points in the quarter. Houston only trailed by six points at halftime, but after a dismal third period, the Rockets had dug themselves too deep a hole. Houston trailed by 20 entering the final quarter, and just match the Blazers intensity throughout the game on Saturday night. Up next, the Rockets will aim to avoid reliving the story of another loss as they host the San Antonio Spurs, in what will be a battle of last place teams in the Western Conference.

Rockets Look to Rebound Against Blazers on Saturday Night

Pass the Time.    Exiting the Gates.    Fresher Legs.

After arguably their most frustrating loss of the season, a 111-108 hosed defeat by the refs, that allowed Miami to escape with the win on Thursday night, Houston hopes to rebound as they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. The Blazers are coming off a loss last night to the Mavericks, but Portland has won five of their last seven games overall. They beat Houston in these teams first matchup, 125-111, back on October 28th in Portland. The Rockets are aiming for a different result tonight. If they want to get back on the winning track, Houston has to contain Damian Lillard. Tyler Herro exploded for 41 points in the Rockets’ previous loss. The squad can’t afford to let Dame turn the end of the game into “Dame Time.” Lillard’s had a long history of playing well against Houston, including ending their season in 2016. The Rockets need to force him to pass the ball, and make someone else beat them. Portland acquired Jerami Grant in the offseason, and he’s been their second best-player all season. These two will be the focus of Houston’s defense. If the Blazers lethal duo is able to get what they desire, the Rockets are in trouble. The squad needs to stop these two attacking perimeter players who are also lethal shooters. It’s easier said than done, but Jalen Green and co. are up to the task.

Houston needs to come out of the gates with more energy. The Rockets have had problems over the last few games getting off to slow starts, and keeping a consistent first half together. The squad doesn’t waver when faced with a deficit, but it’s hard when you’re playing from behind every game. Over the long run, this comeback style of basketball will drain Houston’s energy. The Rockets need to be ready to go from the opening tip tonight.

The Blazers lost last night in Dallas, while Houston had the night off. The Rockets should have the fresher legs tonight, and with the energy of the home crowd, should be able to have enough talent to beat this Portland team tonight. If Houston starts the game like they played in the second half against Miami, they should win tonight. However, if the Rockets come out of the gates slow once again, they’ll face a tough task in coming back against the Blazers, and beating Dame and Portland in clutch time. Lillard loves playing against Houston… it’s time the Rockets changed his mood towards playing in Houston, by dealing the Blazers a frustrating loss. Expect another thriller at Toyota Center with these former “rivals” squaring off, as the Rockets’ home stand continues on Saturday night.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Portland Trail Blazers (16-13):  Black

Houston Rockets (9-19):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fall to Heat, 111-108, as Herro’s 41 Points, Refs, Help End Home Streak

Herro Ball.    Proper Hosing.    Game of Runs.

The Rockets did everything they did to mount a comeback on Thursday night. They ultimately fell short, as the Heat prevailed, 111-108, ending Houston’s two-game win streak and stopping their run of five consecutive wins at home. Tyler Herro was on fire for the second night in a row, After scoring 35 points the previous night, Herro scored a career-high 41 points, on 10-for-15 shooting from beyond the arc.  He became the first player in NBA history to make 9 or more three’s on consecutive nights. This was a rare occasion, but Houston had the chance to double him, and force someone else to beat them, but they allowed Tyler to play Herro ball all night long. Jimmy Butler chipped in 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists for Miami, but the Heat won this game because of Herro’s historic night. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 22 points, but was only 1-for-6 from long range. Kevin Porter Jr. added 21 points on a season-high 10 made shots. Jabari Smith Jr. had another double-double, with 15 points and 11 boards. And the Rockets had six guys in double-figures scoring, but they still couldn’t prevail against Miami. Alperen Sengun turned an ankle late in the second half, and Usman Garuba came in with some inspired minutes. Sengun is listed as probable for Houston’s next game, so the injury didn’t appear to be anything serious. Rookie Tyty Washington also saw the first meaningful minutes of his NBA career, registering 2 points, 5 dimes, and 3 boards in 12 minutes of action.

However, Houston did get properly hosed by the refs in arguably the worst officiated game the Rockets have participated in all season. After a switch on defense, Usman Garuba found himself guarding the game’s hottest player in Herro. Garuba played passionate, inspired defense on Herro. He tapped the ball away from Herro as Garuba moved his feet and stayed in front of the quicker guard. However, the refs called a foul on Garuba, forcing Stephen Silas to use his challenge. After reviewing the call, the officials realized they made the wrong call, and the call was reversed. However, this put Houston and Silas out of challenges for the remainder of the game. And the really could’ve used one in the final seconds. With 2 seconds remaining in the game, Usman Garuba forced the ball out of bounds off of a Miami Heat player. The call, however, was deemed non-reviewable, despite the replays playing on the big screen in Toyota Center clearly showing it should’ve been Rockets ball. Miami was given the ball, and simply ran the clock out, as Houston didn’t get another chance.

The Rockets had chances to avoid being hosed late in the contest, as this was a game of runs. After an even first quarter that saw the game tied at 29, the Heat took a 14 point lead into the break after ending the half on a 22-9 run. Houston countered by ending the third quarter on a 15-4 run, and cutting the deficit to one entering the final period. The Rockets even took the lead at one point, but too much Herro ball and poor officiating eventually doomed Houston’s chances, and put an end to their two-game winning streak. Up next, the Rockets will try and rebound against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. They’ve now played 3 games out of this seven game home stand. Houston is 2-1 during this stretch… they’ll try and comeback stronger against Portland and improve that mark to 3-1 on Saturday night.

Rockets Seek Sixth Straight Home Win, Welcome Heat to Town

Heating Up.    Extra Day.    Maintain Momentum.

For the first time all season, the Rockets are coming off their first wire-to-wire victory, downing the Suns on Tuesday night. On Thursday, they host the Miami Heat, as the Rockets seek to win three straight games for the first time all season. They’ve won two in a row twice but have yet to string three straight wins together this season. Tonight could be their chance. The Heat played a close game on the road last night, beating the Thunder in OKC. Houston is really heating up. Winners of five straight home games, the Rockets are now 6-4 in their last ten games after starting the season with a 3-14 record. Tonight is Jabari Smith Jr.’s first career “Bobblehead Night”, so hopefully the rookie continues his run of strong that’s been on display recently.

Houston has the rest advantage tonight, and they’re the healthier squad. The Heat have been playing without their best player, Jimmy Butler, for a while now. The owner of “Big Face Coffee” has been out for an extended period with an injury. Miami still has plenty of players who can deal damage. They’ve got an arsenal of lethal shooters on the perimeter (Duncan Robinson, Victor Oladipo, and Tyler Herro, who’s coming off a 35-point explosion last night). Bam Adebayo remains one of the toughest, underrated big men in the NBA, as Houston’s rebounding prowess will be put to the ultimate test tonight.

This game has the feelings of the squad’s first game in San Antonio, and the last time they lost. The Heat come in hampered and on the second day of a back-to-back. The Rockets are less experienced, but have the talent and energy to outplay this Miami team. For the first time this year, the Rockets will be sporting their throwback “city edition” blue uniforms that pay homage to the 2000’s. Hopefully the new look doesn’t change the Hosuton’s steady play on the court. Houston’s maturity as a group will be pushed to the limit on Thursday night.. as the Rockets try and win three in a row for the first time all season.

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Miami Heat (14-15):  White

Houston Rockets (9-18):  “City Edition” Blue

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Houston Sunset:  Rockets Torch Suns, 111-97, in Silas’ Return

Officially Lit.    Stay With Us.    Missed the Wemban-Memo.

On the day the NBA named the Defensive Player of the Year Award in honor of Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston’s defense remained stout, as they handily beat the Phoenix Suns, 111-97, in Stephen Silas’ return to the sidelines. The win is Houston’s first wire-to-wire win all season, as the Rockets never trailed from the opening tip. Jalen Green scored 26 points again to lead Houston’s offensive attack. The squad was a beast on the boards, putting together a glass-eating feast only caused by a team effort. The Rockets had 67 rebounds on Tuesday night, the most boards they’ve had in a game since 1990. Aleperen Sengun had 16 of those rebounds, to go along with 10 points. The skilled sophomore garnered his 8th double-double of the season. Sengun had eight double-doubles total last year, so he’s on pace to race past that mark this season.

For the first time all season, the Rockets really were completely in control of this game. They scored the first seven points, and led by as many as 23 at one point. The Suns couldn’t find the ocean, shooting only 3-for-25 from the field in the second quarter. So Phoenix’s shooting woes certainly helped the Rockets first “comfortable” win of the season. Houston halted Phoenix’s comeback attempt, allowing them to get within only 8 points early in the fourth quarter. Just like last game, Kevin Porter Jr. scored 18 points once again, and remains a steady hand at the point for the Rockets. And as the squad continues to ride the momentum of their home crowd, stay with us, come to the game, or encourage others around you to do so. This young Rockets team truly feeds off the crowd’s energy.

Houston has now won five straight home games, seemingly out of nowhere. The Rockets are 6-4 in their last 10 games, after starting the season 3-14. This team really has turned the page. Granted, the comfortable confines of the Toyota Center certainly help Houston’s play on the court, it truly seems like this team has turned a new leaf after that ugly start to the season. After looking destined to be a leading candidate in the Victor Wembanyama stakes, it seems Houston missed that memo some time in the last month, as they’ve really turned their play around. Against Phoenix, the Rockets attacked the glass with vicious ferocity on both ends of the floor, grabbing the most rebounds this century in a game for the franchise. Houston also remained aggressive, attacking the basket en route to 34 free throw attempts, making 31 of them. These little aspects of the game make a huge difference when you look at the big picture, especially when dealing with a younger squad.

Up next, the Rockets host the hampered Miami Heat, who are have been playing without star Jimmy Butler for a while. However, Miami is still capable of ending Houston’s home winning streak. If the Rockets want to prevent that, Houston needs to realize the Heat have shooters who probably won’t be as torrid as the Suns were on Tuesday. To keep the streak alive, on Thursday night, the Rockets need to channel their inner-Dream…and prepare to play some tough defense against the Heat.

Rockets Aim for Fifth Straight Home Win as Struggling Suns Slump into Town

Riders Welcome.    Lacking the Book.    Defend the House.     

Coming off their most emotional and impressive win of the season, the Rockets host the struggling Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. The Suns have lost four straight, and five of their last six since the last time these Western foes met earlier this month in Phoenix. In that contest, Houston narrowly escaped the desert with a one-point victory despite Devin Booker’s monstrous scoring night. Luckily for the Rockets, Booker is missing his second straight game tonight due to an injury. The squad still needs to ride their current momentum, as Phoenix has plenty of other weapons that can give Houston misery. Ex-Rocket Chris Paul certainly wants revenge on his former team, and Mikal Bridges and DeAndre Ayton are two of the league’s brightest rising stars. Speaking of stars, the Rockets biggest star in franchise history got quite the honor today, as the NBA named the Defensive Player of the Year Trophy after Hakeem Olajuwon. The Dream was a member of several legendary Hall-of-Famers to have their names bestowed upon the league’s most coveted awards.

Hopefully Jalen Green’s found his shooting rhythm, and the Rockets lock up defensively like they did in their previous win over the Bucks. The Suns may be lacking their best offensive weapon, but they can still easily trick the Rockets and deal them a loss, led by the NBA’s ultimate trickster in CP3. This is the second game of Houston’s current seven-game home-stand, as the Rockets attempt to continue rolling in front of the home fans. Houston is now an even 5-5 at home, compared to a dismal 3-13 road record. These young Rockets really feed off the fans. If you’re slowly coming around to this emerging Houston team, jump on the bandwagon, riders are still welcome. The Rockets need as many fans to pack the Toyota Center as possible, as they feed off the fans’ energy, and vice versa.

Houston is shooting for its fifth consecutive home win on Tuesday night. They don’t play a road game again until December 26th, in Chicago. The Rockets need to continue to seize advantage of this home-heavy stretch in the schedule. Expect another exciting close fought matchup tonight as the Suns will be hungry to get some revenge. However, the Rockets have plenty of shooters to deal Phoenix another loss. The most important aspect of tonight’s game comes down to defensive discipline. This Houston team is showing the league they’re more talented than many people expected. It’s the defensive end that usually ends up deciding whether the Rockets win or lose games this season. If the Rockets are ready to lock up… Houston can party until the Suns go down tonight.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Phoenix Suns (16-11):  Black

Houston Rockets (8-18):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Fear No Deer:  Rockets Surge Past Bucks, 97-92, for Fourth Straight Home Win

Mentored Victory.    The Giannis Stopper.    Sequence of the Year.

“It’s not until you’re about to lose someone that you finally pay attention,” a quote from the random film Malcom & Marie that came to mind after witnessing arguably the most exciting Rockets game of the year. On Sunday, the world lost not only a great basketball mind, but a beloved person in Paul Silas, the father of Houston Rockets Head Coach Stephen SIlas, who wasn’t present on the sidelines due to the news. Assistant coach John Lucas filled in for Silas, as the Rockets and Bucks went toe-to-toe in one of the most exciting NBA games so far this year. Houston ended up with arguably their most impressive victory of the year with a thrilling 97-92 victory over the Bucks. Words can’t describe the excitement and passion Lucas showed after the impressive comeback win. Houston’s backcourt led the way offensively, as Jalen Green had another impressive performance against a tough opponent. Green scored 30 points on an efficient 12-for-21 shooting display to lead the squad. The evolving superstar also grabbed seven board for the Rockets. Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 18 points and had 7 assists, and Jabari Smith Jr. scored 6 points, but his defense was the difference in the game. Jabari grabbed 10 boards and locked Giannis up, holding the Greek Freak to only 16 points on the night. Overall, this was a team effort on both ends for Houston in this emotional win. The squad has to be proud of how they came out and battled with one of the NBA’s best teams, especially considering the sad news earlier in the day regarding Paul Silas.

The Rockets are still a little slow starting games, as Milwaukee got off to a blistering start, with Giannis posterizing Houston’s starting lineup within the opening minutes of the contest. The Rockets would trail by as many as 9 points, 21-12, before cutting the deficit to six in a first quarter that resembled a Dunk-a-Thon. Green does lead all guards in the NBA in dunks this season with 21 so far this year. He shot 5/6 from the floor in the first quarter whilst the rest of the Rockets combined to shoot 4-for-14. Houston seized the lead in the second quarter, entering halftime with a 50-48 edge. The Bucks regained the lead after halftime on a 7-2 run, before the sequence of the season happened for Houston. With the Rockets trailing by 5 points at this points, Jabari Smith Jr. yanks the ball out of Giannis’ hands to start a Houston fast break that ends with a dunk. On the very next play, Milwaukee attempted to attack on transition, but the Greek Freak was denied at the hoop by Smith Jr., with one of the season’s most impressive rejections. On the next play, Houston sped the offense up, and the ball eventually found Jabari for an easy dunk, forcing the Bucks to a call a timeout with the Toyots Center crowd rocking. It’s these types of sequences the Rockets need to initiate more often throughout the season. Aggressive, but controlled, transitional play on both ends of the floor were the keys to this incredible sequence. If you haven’t seen the clip, which runs for only roughly a minute, I highly recommend watching, as it perfectly displays the All-Star potential Jabari Smith Jr. has in his bag of tricks.

Speaking of tricks, no one saw this coming: Giannis had only 16 points in 36 minutes of action, as Jabari Smith Jr. gave the former MVP fits all night. This was only the second time since the 2017/2018 season that the Greek Freak has been contained to 17 points. After their first meeting, a Bucks blowout that saw Giannis drop 44 points easily on Houston, the Rockets are a much different team as evidenced with this victory over Milwaukee on Monday night. And they may have the one possession all opponents envy: the Giannis Stopper in Jabari Smith Jr. They won’t meet again until next season, but Smith Jr, sure made a nice impression during their second matchup. Houston became the first team this season to beat the Bucks when trailing against Milwaukee entering the fourth quarter. The Bucks were 17-0 when leading or tied entering the final frame. Make that 17-1 now, as the Rockets put on their most impressive defensive performance of the season. Houston got outscored by 20 points in the paint, but still managed to out-rebound the bigger and stronger Bucks 52-49, on the glass.

Houston trailed 87-81 with seven minutes left in the game. After that point, the Rockets blazed off to a 16-5 run to close the contest. Milwaukee could only manage to score a meager five points against Houston’s ferocious fourth quarter defense in the final seven minutes of the game. Much was due to Jabari’s defense on Giannis, but this was a sheer team effort tonight for the Rockets. Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. are proving why they were high lottery picks in their respective draft classes, and they’re only just beginning to show their evolutionary talents. Up next the Rockets host another tough opponent with the playoffs, and possibly more, on their mind in the Phoenix Suns, on Tuesday night. Houston won the last matchup in a nail-biter as Devin Booker missed a shot at the buzzer that would’ve dealt the Rockets another defeat. Phoenix will certainly be out for revenge on, and hopefully the squad is ready for another hard-fought battle. It’s nice to see Houston playing in honor of Paul Silas, with the kind of defensive grit and toughness he would have loved as a coach. This Rockets team is much better than I, they, or anyone thought… it’s about time the rest of the league finally pays attention to Houston’s current evolution.

Rockets Return Home, Battle Bucks As Lengthy Home-Stand Begins

Home Action Returns.    Freak-Y Sunday Funday.    Raise One for Coach.

Well, that was almost quicker than the blink of an eye. The Rockets didn’t even have to leave Texas during their one-game road trip to San Antonio, resulting in a 118-109 defeat to the Spurs. Houston and Jalen Green are aiming for a different outcome, as they host Giannis Antentokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night. The Greek Freak is enjoying another MVP-caliber season, and his Bucks are currently within a game of the Boston Celtics for the league’s best record. The Rockets, and their evolving superstar Jalen Green and company, are ready for quite the challenge tonight’s matchup poses against Milwaukee. Houston needs to harness that same active energy that led to their emotional win over the 76ers on Monday.  The Rockets need to play with that same passion and ferocity on defense if they want any chance against a true championship contender on Sunday. After a brutal road-heavy start to the season, tonight’s matchup is the first of seven consecutive home games for the Rockets. Coincidentally, Houston has won their last three home games at Toyota Center. If the Rockets can get the crowd behind them, into this game early, then Houston has a better chance than Vegas believes to upset Milwaukee tonight.

The obvious focal point of Houston’s defense will be Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Great Freak is an unstoppable force in transition, and the Rockets need to portent as many transition buckets as possible if they want any chance at upsetting the red-hot Bucks. Milwaukee got off to the best start in the entire NBA this season with a 9-0 record, but they came back to earth of sorts after getting a bored of winning. This Bucks team isn’t apathetic anymore, Giannis doesn’t allow complacency in his locker room. Milwaukee’s won 7 of their last 8 games, giving them a 19-6 record on the season, good for only second best in the league. The Bucks are coming off a thrilling win by one point over the Dallas Mavericks in their previous game, back on Friday night. Houston will attempt to give the Deer fits in this part of Texas on Sunday. Remember, this is the same team Kevin Porter Jr. torched a little over a year ago for the game of his life. Scoot became the youngest player in NBA history to score 50 points and dish out 11 assists in the same game. Ever since that rocket-shot of confidence, back in late April of 2021, which also resulted in a Rockets win, KPJ’s been steadily improving and maturing his skills on the court. Houston would love a deja-vu performance from Scoot tonight against Jrue Holiday, one of the league’s premier defenders, and the straw that stirs Milwaukee’s defensive-minded Bucks. If the Rockets aren’t ready tonight, they could be in trouble early. And the Greek Freak and the Bucks are not an opponent Houston wants to play from behind against, or they be will trying to climb a steep mountain like an actual deer, for the rest of the game. If the Rockets can keep the contest close, they have a chance to pull the major upset.

In some very sad news that was reported earlier today, Paul Silas, the father of Houston’s Head Coach Stephen Silas, has passed away at the age of 79. Silas was an integral figure in the NBA. A long-time coach and former player, Silas was incredibly respected by the entire league, with seemingly everyone, including Michael Jordan, pouring out their sentiments the entire Silas family. They understood how much Paul Silas meant to the game of basket. Due to the circumstances of today’s tragedy, Assistant Coach John Lucas will be stepping in to take on the head coaching reigns for tonight’s tilt against the battle-tested Bucks. Don’t be surprised if the Rockets come out with extra energy tonight and really try and win this game for their coach. It would be great to see Lucas get win in his reserve role tonight as well. Just don’t expect Houston’s task at hand to be easy. Lucas has performed as Houston’s “acting” Head Coach before, and in these situations, with the speedy athletes on display tonight, don’t blink, or you might miss a highlight like a deer in headlights. These running gunners come quick when these squads meet… Buckle up for what should be an entertaining night at Toyota Center.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Milwaukee Bucks (19-6):  Purple

Houston Rockets (7-18):  “Hardwood Classics” White

 

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  AT&T Sportsnet SW,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Sluggish After Halftime in 118-109 Loss to Spurs

Road Spurs.    Complacent Concerns.    Seventh Heaven.

Houston played their first game in the I-45 Rivalry of the season against the San Antonio Spurs, their longest rivals, on Thursday night. And for much of the first half, it appeared the Rockets were possibly capable of winning their fourth road game this season, and third in the last three. But this Texas tilt initially instilled fear in hopes of a Rockets victory for several reasons. And those torments came to haunt Houston in a third quarter that the Spurs dominated, en route to dealing Houston a 118-109 loss in the Alamo City. The defeat gives the Rockets their 13th road loss already this season. Granted, Houston’s played more road games than any team so far this season. But with a record of 3-13 away from Toyota Center, the Rockets has to sharpen up their performance and sense of urgency on the road as they continue to travel on for the rest of the year. Compared to competing on the road, the Rockets aren’t a bad home team, considering their record. Houston is 5-4 at Toyota Center, but only 3-13 when they play as the road squad. And for a moment, it seemed the Rockets were aiming to kick these road spurns off the road.

The Rockets held a narrow halftime lead, 54-51, but they simply didn’t play with the same sense of urgency the Spurs did coming out of the break. San Antonio outscored the Rockets 39-23 in the decisive third period that gave the Spurs control for the remainder of the contest. San Antonio’s best player didn’t abide Houston’s efforts at garnering a road win, either. Keldon Johnson played like man-possessed, leading the Spurs with 32 points on a sizzling 14-for-21 shooting from the floor. San Antonio’s face of the future… possibly? Well, the young stud (another draft-night steal the Spurs snagged late in the first round with the 29th overall pick) displayed his talent for the entire league to witness on Thursday night, showcasing his future All-Star credentials. Tre Jones also chipped in an above-average 26 points to seal the victory for San Antonio.

Jabari Smith Jr. scored a career-high 23 points, draining four of his seven threes, and continues to show promise on the offensive end. After a slow start to his career, Houston’s promising rookie is shooting the ball with higher efficiency and confidence over his last several games. A good sign considering his defense has been solid to begin his NBA campaign. Alperen Sengun secured a 16-point, 11-board double-double. A solid game for the squad’s blossoming center, but Sengun is talented enough to average a double-double. Be patient Rocket fans, youth is a gift and a curse when you’re growing as a team. And Jalen Green struggled to find his stroke in the Alamo City, scoring only 14 points on 5-for-17-shooting. Complacency killed any chances of a Houston victory tonight. The Rockets are beginning to show up for the contenders, but they need to treat every opponent equally. If Houston doesn’t come out with the energy they displayed in Phoenix or against Philly, they’re going to be in trouble for the rest of what could be a long season. Luckily, the Rockets play their next seven games at home, their first long home-stand of the season… hopefully Houston can seize advantage during this upcoming lengthy home stretch of the season.