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Rockets Battle Timberwolves in Return to H-Town

Monster Homestand.    Seeking the Fifth.    Same Recipe.

Fresh off a perfect road trip, the Rockets return home to begin a tough five-game home stretch in the schedule on Friday night. First up is the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the first matchup this season in Minneapolis, an NBA Cup Group Stage game, Houston beat the Wolves in an overtime thriller in one of the Rockets most impressive wins of the entire year.

Minnesota snapped a three-game losing streak with an impressive win in Dallas over the Mavericks on Christmas Day. The Wolves are off to a slower start than most anticipated after their resurgence last season. Minnesota is currently 15-14 on the season, good for ninth place in the crowded Western Conference. The Rockets improved to 21-9 and remain in second place in the West after their dominant win in New Orleans last night.

Houston is seeking their fifth straight win overall as they play a much tougher opponent than any foe they saw during their past road trip. Despite their record, Minnesota seems to be slowly rounding into form. And they still have superstar Anthony Edwards, one of the best players in the NBA period. Rudy Gobert remains a defensive stalwart in the paint, and the Wolves acquired All-Star Julius Randle from the New York Knicks (in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns) in the offseason.

The Rockets need to be prepared for a tough, physical battle tonight. Minnesota likely remembers that first loss in their house, and the Wolves will be hungry for revenge tonight. Houston also played last night, so Minnesota has the rest advantage as well heading into this matchup. And just like the last two games for the Rockets, Dillon Brooks is out and Tari Eason is listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup.

Regardless who is playing on the court, Houston needs to continue using the same recipe that’s allowed them to cook up four straight wins over the holidays. After a career-high scoring performance last night, expect to see a lot more of Cam Whitmore tonight against a Wolves team with more physicality than any team the Rockets faced on the road. Jae’Sean Tate should also be a factor in this battle of Western Conference foes. With Brooks and Eason both likely out, and this game being the end of a back-to-back for Houston, expect another close and thrilling affair between these up and coming rivals in the Rockets return to Toyota Center on Friday night.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Minnesota Timberwolves (15-14):  Black

Houston Rockets (21-9):  “City Edition” White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Torch Pelicans, 128-111, to Close Road Trip

The BIG Easy.    Slamsational.    Stepping Up.

For the the second straight game, the Rockets incited boos due to their tremendous play… jeers directed at the opposition from their own fans. This time, it was in New Orleans, as Houston led by as many as 30 points en route to a dominant 128-111 victory on Thursday night. The win gives the Rockets a perfect 3-0 record to finish this Holiday road trip, and it’s their fourth straight victory overall. As in their previous win in Charlotte on Monday, this game was very easy in The Big Easy for Houston. With Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason still sidelined, the Rockets had plenty of players step up in their absences.

Jalen Green once had a strong game against the Pelicans. In the first matchup in Houston, Green scored 34 points, including a career-high 22-point third quarter. This time around in The Big Easy, Green got off to a fast start, scoring 16 of his 30 points in the first quarter. Green once again had a few tremendous slams, including a windmill after a steal in transition in the first half. Fred VanVleet had another great game, as the veteran is slowly rediscovering his shot after a slow offensive start to the season. FVV scored 15 of his 25 points in the third quarter. Both Green and VanVleet rested the entire fourth quarter, as the game was in Houston’s control, and the Rockets play again tomorrow night against a much tougher opponent, in the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Alperen Sengun recorded 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists. And Amen Thompson registered 9 points, 10 boards, and a ridiculous 5 blocks in another solid outing in a starting role. Jae’Sean Tate quietly continues to flash this Houston squad’s depth. A guy who barely plays when the Rockets are completely healthy, Tate is the consummate professional, he always plays hard and makes winning plays. In Thursday’s win, Tate scored 10 points and had 2 rebounds.

After a stretch of impressive performances, Jabari Smith Jr. struggled, scoring only 6 points on 1-for-7 shooting. But Bari needn’t worry. He’s not Reed Sheppard. The rookie had by far his worst game of his career against the Pelicans. Sheppard didn’t play until Houston seized control of the game. Yet despite seeing only garbage-time minutes, the rookie shot 0-for-8 from the floor, and made the usual hesitant, “what do I do here?” decisions that never end up in the Rockets’ favor. Houston Head Coach Ime Udoka better send Sheppard to the G-League before he accidentally sabotages the entire season for the Rockets, and potentially jeopardizing their playoff seeding. 

Saving the juiciest performance for last, Cam Whitmore had the best game of his career. Whitmore scored a career-high 27 points, including some sensational dunks. “Slam Whitmore” continues to improve with playing time. He saw 27 minutes of action in Houston’s win, and did not disappoint. The second year forward is making a very strong case to remain in the Rockets’ rotation. It’s going to be hard for Udoka to sit him when Brooks and Eason return after how well he’s played over the past three games, the only contests he’s really gotten a chance to display his potential.

Up next for Houston, the Rockets return home to start a very tough five-game homestand at Toyota Center tomorrow night. The Minnesota Timberwolves are back in town waiting for the Rockets, who beat them earlier in Minneapolis in an overtime thriller. It’s a back-to-back for the Rockets, but it’s their first home game in over two weeks. Hopefully the fans can gas the squad up enough to beat a much tough Wolves team than any squad the Rockets faced on this last road trip.

Rockets Visit Pelicans in New Orleans to End Road Trip

The Big Easy?    The Villain’s Void.    The Closer. 

The Houston Rockets resume action on Thursday night, as the squad closes a three-game road trip with a visit to the Big Easy to battle the Pelicans. The Rockets did return home after their previous game, a win in Charlotte on Monday night, for a brief two-day break for the team over the holidays. So tonight’s game shouldn’t be as difficult as when a team is on the road for an extended period of time… or will it? After missing the last game, Dillon Brooks is out once again tonight with an injury as he’s dealing with ankle soreness. And Tari Eason is listed as questionable due to left lower leg injury management, the same tag that’s kept him sidelined for Houston’s last three games. And given the Pelicans aren’t exactly a basketball juggernaut at the moment, there’s a solid chance coach Ime Udoka rests Eason once again tonight. Which means players like Cam Whitmore, Jae’Sean Tate, and Aaron Holiday, who have all played brilliantly over the last couple games, will need to show up once again. And other than Whitmore, who should soon see regular rotational minutes, Tate and Holiday are respected members of Houston’s “Stay Ready Crew.” Expect these three to be ready to fill the voids of Brooks and, if necessary, Eason. The Rockets have shown resiliency we haven’t seen from this team since the prime James Harden years. Houston boasts a 20-9 record, good for second place in the brutally tough Western Conference. And tonight, they’re facing the worst team in the West, in these Pelicans, who currently have a 5-25 record.

Entering tonight’s matchup, New Orleans is sliding on a seven-game losing streak. And the Pels’ have lost fifteen of their last sixteen games overall. Although their latest loss came in close fashion to the Denver Nuggets in overtime on Sunday night, in this same building where tonight’s matchup is taking place, the Smoothie King Center. Despite their record, the Pelicans still have a few All-Star caliber players who can light up the scoreboard. Dejounte Murray usually plays well against Houston, and he nearly recorded a triple double in New Orleans’ last game against Denver, which included dishing out 15 assists. CJ McCollum is another guard who is familiar with torching the Rockets. Trey Murphy III is questionable for the Pelicans after leaving their previous game against the Nuggets with an ankle injury. He did not return to the contest, so his status tonight could be a game-time decision, and one with potentially huge impact on this matchup. Murphy II registered 21 points and 8 boards before exiting with an injury against Denver. He’s arguably the third-best player for New Orleans, if he’s available behind Murray and McCollum.

Both teams may be feeling some holiday rust tonight. The Rockets received a nice couple days of rest over Christmas, and haven’t played since Monday. New Orleans has had even more time off. The Pelicans haven’t played since Sunday, a mini three-day break for a team that’s all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. These teams just met exactly a week ago back in Houston, as the Rockets topped the Pelicans, 133-113, in relatively easy fashion. Tonight’s matchup is in the Big Easy. But will beating New Orleans this time around be as easy for these Rockets as it was in Houston? Brooks not only played in the previous meeting between these teams, he scored 20 points in the first half to pace the Rockets to a blowout victory. His absence will be felt tonight, but just how much is unknown. Expect another big performance off the bench from Cam Whitmore, who seems to have finally found his stride, given an opportunity to receive substantial playing time over the last couple games. Tonight’s tilt in the Big Easy is the final road game for Houston for almost two weeks. After this matchup with the Pels, the Rockets will return to Houston for a five-game home-stand. Hopefully, the squad doesn’t overlook this New Orleans team that is sick and tired of losing. If the Rockets can fill the void of Brooks and Eason’s absence, they should be able to continue their winning ways in the Big Easy, and toss their fans another gift on the day after Christmas.

 

Smoothie King Center:  New Orleans, Louisiana

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (20-9):  Black

New Orleans Pelicans (5-25):  White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Sting Hornets, 114-101, for Opening Night Revenge

Queen City Payback.    Slam Whitmore.    Wrapped Up.

 

In their final game before Christmas, the Rockets dominated the Hornets en route to a 114-101 victory in Charlotte on Monday night. After losing to these same Hornets on Opening Night in Houston, the Rockets finally doused out some payback to Charlotte in the Queen City. The final score isn’t indicative of how dominant Houston was in getting their revenge. The Rockets made sure this game was over by halftime. Houston closed the first quarter on a 19-5 run to take control of the game, and by halftime they doubled up Charlotte, with a 62-31 lead headed into the break. The 31 points are lowest the Hornets have scored in a first half all season. And Charlotte never really got close to threatening Houston’s lead in the second half. The Rockets played a dominant first half defensively, but the Hornets were also really, really bad. The fans in Charlotte even booed near the end of the second half, and as the players headed into the locker rooms at halftime. Houston did seem to be fueled by something a little extra, motivation for that embarrassing loss to start the season on Opening Night. As a result, the squad got some much-needed revenge in the Queen City over the struggling Bees. 

Jabari Smith Jr. scored 21 points and grabbed 11 boards to lead a balanced scoring attack for the Rockets. Five Houston players scored at least 16 points in a game that saw Tari Eason sidelined once again due to lower leg injury management. Hopefully Eason will be healthy after Christmas, as the Rockets will have two days off before their next game. In his third starting appearance of the season, Amen Thompson was brilliant once again. The Terror Twin scored 19 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and had 3 blocks. Thompson continues to excel this season, but even more when he gets the rare opportunity for a starting role. In a late addition to the injury report, Dillon Brooks also didn’t play in this game. The Villain’s injury isn’t considered serious, and he should be available after Christmas.

Cam Whitmore had by far his best game of the season. In 27 minutes of action that included some flashy dunks, Whitmore registered 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. These last two games are proof that Whitmore should remain a part of the rotation for the remainder of the season. Granted the Rockets have had Eason out for the last few games, and Brooks tonight, but Whitmore has shown his energy on defense and in transition cannot be caged on Houston’s bench. He simply makes winning plays, and Head Coach Ime Udoka has finally realized the importance Whitmore brings to the Rockets.

Houston has now played its final game before Christmas. The Rockets have won their last three games as we head into the brief, two day long Christmas break, but it’s a gift for Houston’s fans with this squad playing so well, and wrapping up the wins they should over inferior teams. Houston is now 20-9 on the season, still good for second place in the Western Conference, with the Memphis Grizzlies breathing down their backs, only a half-game back, in third place. The Rockets next game will be against the Pelicans in New Orleans on Boxing Day, to close up this three-game road trip. And on the day after Christmas, Houston should be able to gift their fans another present with a win over the Pelicans, the worst team in the West.

Rockets Seek Payback, Visit Charlotte to Face Hornets

Part Two.    Opening Revenge.    Stay Ready Too.

It’s payback time. The Rockets visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, as they seek revenge for a disappointing Opening Night loss courtesy of these Bees. Houston is coming off a victory in Toronto last night, that kicked off a three-game holiday road trip. Tonight’s contest is the second leg of this holiday journey, and the Rockets’ final game before Christmas. Houston will have two days off after this game, with their next matchup coming in New Orleans against the Pelicans on Boxing Day.

The Hornets have lost four straight games and are heading in the wrong direction. Overall, Charlotte has dropped 12 of their last 13 matches. And tonight, they’ll be without budding second-year forward Brandon Miller, who is out with an injury, along with All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball, who lit up the Rockets in these teams’ first matchup back in Houston. At the moment, the Hornets sit only a half game above the Raptors for the second-to-last spot in the Eastern Conference.

Unlike Houston teams of the past, this Rockets squad believes in payback. Ime Udoka should have the troops fired up and motivated to avoid a sweep at the hands of a bad Hornets team. Charlotte will have the major rest advantage, as they’ve had two days off, and Houston is playing for the second night in a row. Regardless, the Rockets and their “Stay Ready Crew” should be able to take care of business tonight in the Queen City. Cam Whitmore and Jae’Sean Tate are both coming off their best games of the season in the win over the Raptors on Monday night. Expect both players to be factors tonight if some guys have tired legs and can’t meet Udoka’s energy requirement.

Given Charlotte’s injuries, Houston should be able to win this matchup tonight, despite this game being part two of a back-to-back. Tari Eason has been out for the last few games for the Rockets with lower leg injury management. If he’s still out Houston may need a repeat from the Stay Ready Crew tonight in Charlotte. It’s the second leg of the Rockets holiday road trip, and their final game before Christmas. Hopefully, Houston can gift their fans a present in the form of some Holiday Revenge on Monday night.

 

Spectrum Center:  Charlotte, North Carolina

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (19-9):  White

Charlotte Hornets (7-21):  Blue

 

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Guan-Down Dragons:  Rockets Tame Raptors, 114-110, to Start Road Trip

Hometown Villain.    Candid Cam.    Magic Tate Ball.

 

In his return to his homeland, Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 27 points, as Houston beat the Raptors, 114-110, on Sunday night. The victory is the Rockets’ first win in Toronto in five years. After scoring 26 points in the Houston’s previous win over the Pelicans, the Villain poured in 27 more in his home country, further proving that Brooks is more than just a defensive specialist. Brooks also shot an impressive 13-for-14 from the charity stripe. Dillon “The Villain” grew up roughly an hour from Toronto, and he was a Raptors fan as a kid. 

The Rockets faced an early 16-point deficit early, and trailed by eleven points after the first quarter. However, they still managed to claw back within six points at halftime, and eventually rallied for the win. Cam Whitmore had his best game of the season by far. In his 14 minutes of action, Whitmore scored 11 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. This was his first time playing rotational minutes all season, and Slam Whitmore didn’t disappoint. His play ignited a Houston team that struggled to maintain focus and energy early in the contest. After tonight’s performance, Whitmore should never see the G-League again.

Jae’Sean Tate also had his best performance of the season. He scored 7 points, grabbed 2 boards, and had 2 steals along with stellar defensive play. Tate is currently the longest-tenured player on this team, and he makes winning plays, regardless of how often he sees playing time. Number 8 defines Houston’s Stay Ready Crew, and Tate inspires his teammates to play harder, a la Tari Eason. Tate is the unfortunate victim of playing for a team that has extreme depth at the wing position. It’s why Tate rarely plays rotational minutes any more. The veteran is skilled and plays hard enough to earn a spot on another team’s rotation. The Rockets are lucky they still have this Magic 8 Ball up their sleeve whenever they need him.

Fred VanVleet struggled mightily, scoring two points on only 1-10 shooting against his former team. Jabari Smith Jr. quietly had another solid game. Bari scored 15 points, to go along with 9 rebounds and 4 blocks. Jalen Green scored 22 points on 9-for 20 shooting, and grabbed  7 boards. And Alperen Sengun registered 17 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in the win.

Up next for Houston, the Rockets travel to Charlotte on Monday night for the second half of a back-to-back. Houston is seeking revenge against the Hornets, as they dealt the Rockets a loss on Opening Night at Toyota Center. This Houston team is a much improved squad since the first game of the season, and the Rockets should be motivated to earn another win on this holiday road trip on Monday night.

Rockets Head North, Face Raptors to Start Road Trip

Border Wars.    Diving Dinos.    Holiday Trip.

The Rockets head north of the border for their annual game in Toronto on Sunday night, as they visit the struggling Raptors. Houston is coming off a blowout win at home over the New Orleans Pelicans. Tonight is the first of a three-game holiday road trip for the Rockets. This game also marks another back-to-back for Houston, as they’ll play in Charlotte against the Hornets tomorrow night. And to close the trip, the Rockets will face the Pelicans in New Orleans on Boxing Day. It’s a great opportunity for Houston to bring some Christmas cheer to their fans over the holiday, as the Rockets have three very winnable games, starting with tonight’s Border War.

Toronto is struggling mightily, as they’ve lost six consecutive games. Overall, the Raptors are in second-to-last place in the Eastern Conference, with a 7-21 record on the season. Regardless, Toronto is bound is break their losing streak some time. Houston just hopes it’s not tonight. The Rockets needs to approach this team with the intensity they’ve shown throughout their best wins this season. The Raptors are led any Scottie Barnes, one of the best young players in the league. Barnes averaged 20-5 points per game in two matchups against Houston last season. Toronto’s rookie guard Gradey Dick is also off to a solid start to his career. Overall, the Raptors have won five of the past six games against the Rockets. Last season, these teams split the season series.

Houston has a great chance to continue building another winning streak tonight. The Rockets are a much better team than these Raptors, and as long as they don’t overlook their opponent, Houston should win this matchup. Jalen Green is coming off one of his best games of the season in the Rockets win over the Pelicans in their last contest. This trip is another chance for Green to hopefully implement some consistency  into his game. Maybe even evolve into the All-Star player and reach the potential Houston envisioned in Green when they drafted him three years ago. The Rockets are 4-0 when Green scores at least 30 points this season. Hopefully the squad avoids overlooking these Raptors. Houston’s holiday road trip starts tonight, as the Rockets aim to get a victory in their only game up north in Canada this season.

 

Scotiabank Arena:  Toronto, Canada

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (18-9):  White

Toronto Raptors (7-21):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  5:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fly Past Pelicans in Dominant 133-113 Win

Offensive Outpour.    Green Icing.    Christmas Gift.

In their final game at Toyota Center before Christmas, Houston wasted no time in dismantling the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night. The Rockets flew past the Pelicans quickly, blowing them out of Toyota Center with a 133-113 victory. This game was one of Houston’s best offensive showings of the entire season. The Rockets scored 39 points in the first quarter, their highest in the opening frame all year. Houston used a 30-9 run in the middle of the first quarter to seize control of the game. Led by Jalen Green’s 34 points, the starters for Houston combined to score 111 of the Rockets total 133 points. Dillon Brooks started the charge with a 20-point first half. “The Villain” finished with 26 points on the evening, and Alperen Sengun registered 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win. But this victory was fueled by Green.

As New Orleans attempted to cut into Houston’s lead, Jalen Green ensured the Rockets would come out victorious. Green scored 22 of his 34 points in the third frame to ice the game for Houston. It’s also the most points Green has ever scored in a quarter in young career. This is the Jalen Green the Rockets are hoping to see on a most consistent basis. He’s shown flashes of All-Star potential, like in Thursday’s win. However, Green has yet to show the consistency needed in order to gain true respect from his peers as a legitimate All-Star caliber player. As Houston’s schedule continues to soften over the next three contests, Green has a chance to string a patch of solid performances together, hopefully instilling some consistent habits in his game.

As Thursday’s win over the Pelicans was the Rockets’ final home game before Christmas, the squad was able to leave their fans with a gift before they hit the road for a three-game trip that concludes with a rematch in New Orleans between these teams. Houston can pile on some wins if they continue playing disciplined basketball as they enter this holiday road trip. Besides the Pelicans, the Rockets will travel north of the border to Toronto to face the Raptors, followed by a matchup the next day in Charlotte against the Hornets. All three of these upcoming opponents are near the bottom of their respective conferences, so if Houston doesn’t overlook these matchups, the Rockets should have a winning streak over the upcoming Christmas holidays. 

Rockets Return Home, Host Falling Pelicans

Normalcy Returns.    Wounded Birds.    Discipline Over Rust.

After a lengthy break, the Rockets return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night. With the NBA Cup officially over, the season returns to normalcy, as all games we count equally from now until the end of the season. Houston needs to focus on piling up wins, and improving their seeding in the Western Conference. After this matchup the squad hits the road for a three-game road trip against teams near the bottom of their Conferences, concluding with another meeting with these same Pelicans in New Orleans on Boxing Day. Houston has a great opportunity to start a new winning streak on Thursday night. The Rockets are currently in third place, just a half game behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the second spot. After losing in the semifinals of the NBA Cup in Las Vegas this past Saturday, Houston has now had four days off in a row to rest. The Rockets should be ready to beat a bad Pelicans team on Thursday night.

New Orleans is currently in last place in the West, with a 5-22 record. The Pelicans have been without their two best players, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, for the majority of this season. And New Orleans just recently announced both players are available on the trade market. Both have struggled to stay on the court throughout their careers, but especially Williamson. Zion’s one of the best players in the NBA when he’s healthy, a sight fans have rarely seen since he entered the league. Both of their absences have obviously had a major impact in the Pelicans last place positioning. Entering tonight’s matchup, New Orleans has lost thirteen of their last fourteen games overall, mired in a slide that’s dropped them to bottom of the standings in the West.

If the Rockets focus on their opponent’s record in this contest, they could be in serious trouble of suffering a bad loss. Neither team has played for at least three days, so we could see another rock fight and a lot of defense on Thursday night. Regardless, Houston should win this game, but if they play lackadaisical they could very well be served a sour defeat. As with any NBA team, New Orleans still has some talented players on their squad. CJ McCollum has played well again Houston in his career. And newly DeJounte Murray can score 30 points on any given night. Both guys are All-Star caliber players, and will be the focal point of Houston’s defense. Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones are versatile forwards for the Pelicans who can also give the Rockets’ defense a headache. As long as Houston is disciplined and ready to play, they should beat this wounded New Orleans team, especially given the game’s taking place at the friendly confines of Toyota Center. Rockets basketball returns on Thursday night… hopefully featuring a Houston victory.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

New Orleans Pelicans (5-22):  Navy

Houston Rockets (17-9):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Desert Storm:  Rockets Fall to Thunder, 111-96, in NBA Cup Semis

Out of Steam.    National Humbling.    Break 4 Cup.

Houston trailed by only one point entering halftime, but the squad ran out of steam after the break, as the Rockets were throttled by the Thunder, 111-96, and bounced from the NBA Cup on Saturday night in the Semifinals. Oklahoma City will move on to play the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup Championship Game on Tuesday night. Despite having six players in double-figures, Houston couldn’t keep up with OKC in the second half. Amen Thompson led the Rockets in scoring with 19 points on a night no one really had it going for Houston. Despite scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, Alperen Sengun struggled mightily, especially with ball control. Sengun had way too many turnovers that led to easy points for the Thunder.

OKC served out a dish of national humbling to the Rockets on Saturday night. The squad shouldn’t let this loss get them down, Houston just isn’t on OKC’s level yet, and that’s why the first-place Thunder have a healthy four game lead in the loss column in the West. And we’re not even a third of the way into the season yet. This OKC team is dangerous, and when Chet Holmgren returns from injury they will be serious title contenders. The Rockets were essentially dominated by only four OKC players in this game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Lugentz Dort combined to score 92 of the Thunder’s 111 points. That’s a whopping 83% of OKC’s total score, led by SGA’s 32 points. Regardless, the Rockets should still be proud of being one of only four teams out of thirty to advance to Las Vegas.

If there’s any silver linings from this loss, Houston will now have four consecutive days off. So they should be well rested, and ready to beat the struggling New Orleans Pelicans, who are currently in last place in the Western Conference. That’s as long as they don’t overlook New Orleans. Any team can win any night in the NBA. And if the Rockets focus on the Pelicans’ record, they could be in store for a disappointing return home on Thursday night. For now, the squad needs to rest up, as some guys like Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams are a little banged up, and could use the extra time to replenish and rest their bodies. Houston has an easy schedule coming up in terms of their opponents’ records. If the Rockets play hard in each game, they should be on winning streak in time for Christmas.