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Rockets Evade Defeat with Wild 109-108 Win Over Cavaliers

Victory Collapse.    The Ackerman Effect.    Run It Back.

It’s not often a 90% free throw shooter misses two straight shots at the charity stripe. Thankfully for Houston, Darius Garland clunked two in a row at the line with seconds remaining in the game. And Donovan Mitchell missed a potential game-winner at the buzzer as the Rockets survived a thrilling 109-108 victory over the Cavaliers on Wednesday night. But this matchup didn’t need to be this close. The Rockets were in  control of this game for the majority of the contest. Houston led by as many as 13 points, 98-85, with around eleven minutes left on the clock. And then Cleveland switched to a zone defense, which mightily confused the Rockets, leaving them stunned, puzzled, and out of sorts. This allowed the to Cavs use a 19-0 run to storm back to take a six point lead, 104-98, with roughly four minutes to go. Fred VanVleet hit consecutive threes to tie the game for Houston at 104-104. Alperen Sengun scored the Rockets’ final four points, as they held on (thanks to missed free throws) for a close win over the Cavaliers.

Houston basically collapsed into a victory on Wednesday night. With only 15 fourth quarter points, the Rockets had no business winning this game after falling apart, but with a little luck, the squad was able to eek out the victory. Houston does have the league’s best free throw defense (the opposition’s free throw percentage), thanks in large part to play-by-play announcer Craig Ackerman. The Hello Kitty superfan has a keen sense to call these misses before they happen. Anyone who watches Houston’s broadcasts knows that The Ackerman Effect is real. Besides his love for hockey and EDM, Ackerman has a knack at chiming in with the right words when opponents are at the charity stripe. And Ackerman, the man the entire city of Houston wants to see ride a bull, has still managed to avoid competing with some of the world’s rankest bovine athletes.

VanVleet led the Rockets scoring charge with 26 points. Sengun amassed another double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 boards. And Amen Thompson had another ridiculous stat line, registering 16 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Cam Whitmore also continues to show improvement in efficiency with his contributions off the bench, as he chipped in 16 points. Tari Eason scored 12 points, but committed the flagrant foul that sent Garland to the free throw line and almost lost Houston the game. In a performance resembling the weather in H-Town, Jalen Green cooled off, as he scored only 10 points. However, Green’s defense continues to improve, as he had a few key defensive stops on Garland and Mitchell late in this matchup. Garland scored 26 points to lead the Cavs, and Mitchell added 19 points for the bad guys. Expect Cleveland’s duo to improve their performances in the next game.

On Saturday night, these same two teams will run it back for a rematch in Cleveland. It will be the next game for the Rockets, who will have two days off after tonight’s win. For the Cavs, however, they’ll play in Philadelphia on Friday night before returning home for the rematch. It’s extremely hard to beat the same team twice in a row in the NBA, especially the league’s best team. But that’s the challenge awaiting Houston next on the schedule. It’s doesn’t happen often, but if they come ready to play… the Rockets have a decent chance to beat the Cavs again on Saturday night.

Rockets Host NBA-Best Cavaliers in First of Two Game Set

Part One.    Cream of the Crop.    Reality Check.

It’s Dillons Brooks’ birthday today, and all of Houston’s players will need to channel their inner-Villain as the Rockets host the NBA-best Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. The Cavs have owned the league’s best record for the entire season so far, and they enter tonight’s matchup at Toyota Center sporting a 36-6 mark. After a disappointing home loss on MLK Day to the Pistons, the Rockets are aiming to bounce back against the NBA’s best team tonight.

Tonight’s game is the first of two straight matchups against Cleveland for Houston. Whereas the Cavs will play in Philly on Friday night before hosting the rematch between these teams on Saturday in Cleveland. The Cavs are a game ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder for the NBA’s best record, but Cleveland’s been mediocre lately, with a 3-2 record over their last five games.

After a brilliant first half to the season, the Rockets have been finally getting some national recognition. Houston suffered a bad loss on Monday to Detroit, but the squad gets a chance to redeem themselves if they can beat the Cavaliers tonight. Otherwise, the Rockets could be in the midst of a three game reality check. Superstar Donovan Mitchell is playing the best basketball of his career. His backcourt running mate, Darius Garland, is having an All-Star caliber season. And Cleveland has two of the best big men in the NBA in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Regardless, if the Rockets are as good as they’ve shown us at certain moments this season, they have enough firepower to beat this Cavs team, especially at Toyota Center.

As brilliant a job as Ime Udoke has done as the Head Coach in Houston, Cleveland’s new coach, Kenny Atkinson is the front-runner for coach of the year. Nobody expected the Cavs to be off to a historic 36-6 start to the season, and the only major change they made was at the head coaching spot. Coach Udoka will have his Rockets ready to play their best brand of basketball against a Cavs team that’s trying to build another winning streak. Cleveland’s won their last two games after dropping two of their previous three matches.

Meanwhile, Houston is clinging to second place in the crowded and competitive Western Conference. The Rockets are currently a half game ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for the second spot, but a loss tonight could plummet Houston downwards in the standings. Expect a close and competitive game tonight at Toyota Center between two of the NBA’s most disciplined and talented young teams… and the proceedings may get a little feisty on The Villain’s birthday, as two of the league’s toughest team face off on Wednesday night for the first time this season.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Cleveland Cavaliers (36-6):  Black

Houston Rockets (28-14):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Fail to Launch in 107-96 Loss to Pistons

Holiday Humbling.    Brick City.    True Test Ahead.

Tipping off their earliest game of the season, Houston’s players were still waking up at the start of this contest, as the Rockets fell to the Detroit Pistons, 107-96, on Monday afternoon. Houston shot a torrid 39% from the field, and got outplayed at home by an inferior Detroit team. Cade Cunningham was the best player on the floor in this matchup, as he led the Pistons with 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. And Jalen Duren scored 16 points and grabbed 14 rebounds while giving Alperen Segun fits on defense. Segun scored only 11 points and was basically a non factor in this contest as Duren’s physicality pushed him out of his comfort zone. Duren didn’t play in the first matchup between these teams earlier in the season, and his presence certainly made a difference on Monday. Fred VanVleet scored 20 points lead the Rockets, and Jalen Green added 19 points, but Houston was outplayed for the majority of the afternoon. Amen Thompson scored 17 points and had the better game statistically, but his brother Ausar Thompson won bragging rights, as his Pistons were victorious.

This was the first game of the second half of the season, and its a humbling beginning to the second part of the campaign for these Rockets. Detroit is one of the most improved teams in the league, but Houston still should’ve beaten this Pistons team at home. If the Rockets are as good as they’re making people believe they are, then the squad needs to win these type of games, specifically matches against inferior teams at home. Monday’s game did mark the earliest start time all season for this young Houston squad, but that’s still no excuse to lay an egg like the Rockets did during this MLK Day matinee affair.

Monday’s loss docks Houston’s record to 28-14, but that’s still good enough for second place in the brutal Western Conference. The Rockets will now face a true test and can prove if their worthy of the second spot out West. Up next, Houston will have two straight games against the team with the NBA’s best record, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who sport an impressive 36-6 mark on the season. First, the Rockets will host the Cavs for Part One on Wednesday night at Toyota Center. It’s a home-and-home for Houston, but the Cavs will play in Philly on Friday before hosting the rematch this Saturday in Cleveland. If the Rockets can win at least one of these games against the Cavs, it’ll make up for their disappointing holiday humbling on Monday courtesy of the Pistons.

Rockets Host Pistons in MLK Day Matinee Showdown

Early Start.    The Surprisers.    Twin Day.

Houston welcomes the Detroit Pistons to town for an MLK Day affair on Monday afternoon. Today’s game is the earliest start time for a contest all season for the Rockets, who aren’t used to playing this early. Hopefully, it won’t impact their performance, as they’re facing an up-and-coming Detroit team that’s exceeded expectations this season.

Despite losing their last two games, the Pistons have won seven of their last ten games overall, and currently sport a 21-21 record, good for 9th place in the East, and a Play-In Spot if the season ended today. Houston is coming off a blowout win over the Trail Blazers in Portland on Saturday night that capped a three game road trip out West. The Rockets won the first matchup between these teams, 101-99, earlier this season on November 10th back in Detroit. And two of the NBA’s most surprising teams are ready to square off in what should be an exciting game at Toyota Center.

These teams will be linked forever because of the 2021 NBA Draft. Detroit selected Cade Cunningham with the first pick, and Houston picked Jalen Green second overall. Both players are having All-Star caliber seasons. And Green had an one of the best dunks of this entire NBA season in the first matchup when he posterized Cunningham on a transition slam. Expect Cunningham to be ready to have a big game this afternoon. The Rockets also need to keep Jalen Duren off the boards. The Pistons’ underrated big man didn’t play in the first matchup between these teams, and is a huge difference maker in the paint and on the glass. Look for Alperen Sengun to try and put Duren in foul trouble early, as he’s done in previous matchups.

Detroit boasts plenty of weapons besides their best player and bruising big man. The Pistons also have an experienced Rocket-Killer in Tim Hardaway Jr., and former All-Star Tobias Harris. Hardaway Jr. seems to average around 25 points against Houston, so don’t be surprised if he nails some ridiculous shots this afternoon. It’s also Twin Day, as Amen and Ausar Thompson will battle on the court for the first time this season. Ausar had been dealing with a blood clot issues earlier in the season, and missed the first game between these squads. Amen’s having an incredible season and certainly looks like the better twin, but Ausar is still in the starting lineup for Detroit. Expect plenty of feisty competitiveness in what should be a thrilling MLK matinee matchup.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Detroit Pistons (21-21):  White

Houston Rockets (28-13):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  1:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Race Past Trail Blazers, 125-103, to Cap Road Trip

Second Half Surge.    All-Star Duo.    Halfway Mark.

After a sluggish first half, the Rockets blasted out of gates after halftime, cruising to a 125-103 win over the Trail Blazers on Saturday night. Houston led by only one point, 51-50, entering the break, but led by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, the squad dominated Portland in the second half. Green once again led the Rockets in scoring, as he scored 26 points on another efficient night, shooting 10-for-17 from the floor. Sengun scored 14 of his 23 points in the third quarter, and also grabbed 15 boards while dishing out 6 assists in the win. After struggling offensively over the last few games, Dillon Brooks scored 22 points in a bounce back performance. And his second game back from injury, Tari Eason had a solid night, registering 18 points and 8 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. Scoot Henderson led the Blazers with 21 points and 11 assists, but Portland never threatened Houston’s lead after the Rockets managed to take control of the game in the third period.

For the first time seemingly in their four year careers, Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green are both playing at an All-Star level simultaneously. And with Houston in second place in the brutally competitive Western Conference, the Rockets should expect to have at least one member of their dynamic duo officially named an All-Star this season. Green or Sengun won’t get enough fan votes, but the rest of the voting goes to coaches and then the media. And with the respect Houston is slowly gaining nationally, the Rockets deserve to see at least Green or Sengun heading to San Francisco for the All-Star Game this year. Regardless if they get named All-Stars or not, Houston has two of the best young players in this league, and they’re evolving into stars before our eyes.

With Saturday night’s victory in Portland, the Rockets are now officially at the halfway mark of this season. Houston already has the same amount of road wins this season, with 14, as they did all of last season. And with a 28-13 record at the midway point, this squad has exceeded everyone’s expectations. No one expected the Rockets to be in second place right now in what’s truly a bloodbath: the NBA’s Western Conference. Houston’s excited where they are, but as Head Coach Ime Udoka’s expressed, the Rockets can still improve… as they’re aiming for an even better second half what’s already been an impressive season. 

Rockets Touch Down in Portland to Face Trail Blazers

Rubber Match.    Revenge Time.    First Half Finale.    

Houston closes out their three game road trip with a visit out West to meet the Portland Trail Blazers. The Rockets are 1-1 so far on this road trip, and coming off a loss in Sacramento to the Kings on Thursday night. Houston is 1-1 against the Portland this season, with both games coming in H-Town on consecutive nights earlier in the campaign. While the Rockets won the first matchup, they lost the second, and will be looking for the revenge in the rubber match tonight in Portland. This is Houston’s only trip to Portland on the schedule, and tonight’s tilt marks the final matchup between these squads this season.

The Trail Blazers have lost three straight games, and enter this matchup with a 13-27 record, good for 13th place in the Western Conference. The Rockets should be able to beat a younger and less talented Blazers team tonight. Jerami Grant, Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson are some Portland players Houston needs to keep an eye on in particular. Regardless, the Rockets have no excuses to lose this game. Unlike the Kings, who are on of the hottest teams in basketball, the Blazers are headed in the opposite direction.

On Thursday night, Tari Eason finally made his long awaited return after missing a dozen straight games. It’s good for Houston to finally have both Terror Twins back. Their impact to this team’s success cannot be understated. Fred VanVleet will be returning to the lineup tonight after missing Thursday night’s game due to personal reasons. Tonight’s matchup is also the finale of this three game road trip for the Rockets, who will return home for a matinee matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Monday, which is also MLK Day.

So far in 2025, Jalen Green has been one of the best players in the entire league. Green’s coming off a 28 point performance in the loss in Sac-Town. Look for him to have another scoring night in the 30’s against a bad defensive Portland team. Tonight’s game also marks the end of the first half of the season for Houston, as this is game 41 out of 82 overall. The Rockets aim to put an emphatic mark on what’s been a very successful first half so far with another win. And with a victory, Houston will tie their road win total, 14, from last season. Expect the Rockets to get back on track, and beat the Blazers tonight to close out the first half of this season.

 

Moda Center:  Portland, Oregon

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (27-13):  White

Portland Trail Blazers (13-27):  Red

 

Tip-Off:  9:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Bow to Kings, 132-127, as Win Streak Ends

Snapped Late.    Questionable Whistle.    Welcome Return.    

Despite a valiant effort to rally late, the Rockets fell to the Kings, 132-127, on Thursday night in Sacramento. The loss snaps Houston’s five game winning streak, and keeps the Rockets winless, with an 0-2 record, against the Kings this season. DeMar DeRozan’s 33 points fueled a balanced offensive attack for  Sacramento. Malik Monk added 26 points off the bench, and every starter scored at least 18 points for the Kings. Jalen Green stayed hot, as led the Rockets with 28 points on another efficient 10-for-20 shooting night from the floor. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson both had double-doubles. Sengun finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. Twin scored 20 points to go along with 10 boards.

There were a few questionable calls by official Josh Tivens late in the game. Very questionable whistles directed at Dillon Brooks. Sadly, it appears Brooks’ reputation unfairly got him those fouls, as replay and even the national announcers were surprised at Tivens’ behavior as an NBA referee. Regardless, the Rockets still had a chance late to tie the game on a Jalen Green three. However, Green missed a good look, as the Kings secured the victory, ending Houston’s winning streak at five games.

Houston sorely missed Fred VanVleet in this game. FVV was ruled out due to personal reasons, and the Rockets really could’ve used their point guard and floor leader during crunch time on Thursday night. In a welcome sign, Tart Eason finally returned to action for the first time in roughly a dozen games. In 24 minutes of playing time, Eason scored 16 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. With each receiving 14 minutes of playing time, Steven Adams and Aaron Holiday were both once again solid contributors in limited action.

Up next, Houston will travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Saturday night in the finale of this three game road trip. The Rockets are 1-1 against the Blazers this season, with both games coming in Houston on back-to-back nights. Despite a solid NBA Cup Group Stage win in the first matchup, the Rockets lost the second one on the following night to Portland. Houston will be aiming for revenge, and a win in the season series, as their matchup with the Blazers on Saturday night is their lone visit to Portland all season. It’s not a back-to-back, and the Rockets will be eager to put this loss to the Kings in the past, so Houston should be ready to close out this road trip with a win this weekend.

Rockets Visit Sac-Town for National Duel with Kings

Bright Lights.    Speed Racers.    Sway Night.

On Thursday night, Houston gets the rare chance to shine, and entertain the masses, in front of a national audience. For only the second time this season, the Rockets will play on national TV, as the NBA’s hottest team cruises into Sac-Town to battle the Kings. Tonight’s game marks the second half of a back-to-back for Houston, as the Rockets are coming off a 128-108 blowout win over the Nuggets in Denver last night. In their last game, on Tuesday, Sacramento had their season-high seven game winning streak snapped by the Bucks in Milwaukee. Entering tonight’s matchup, Houston owns the league’s longest current win streak, winners of their last five games. None of that matters tonight. The Kings are playing in their house, and they have the rest advantage. Sacramento’s climbed back to .500 after a poor start, and this team is much improved since these teams squared off earlier this season.

In the first matchup between these Western foes, the Rockets lost to the Kings, 120-111, back on December 3rd in Sacramento. That game was also Houston’s lone NBA Cup Group loss this season. Tonight, the Rockets will be more undermanned than usual of late. Fred VanVleet has been ruled out for tonight’s contest due to personal reasons. Instead of doubtful, Tari Eason is listed as questionable for this game, which a good sign for Houston that he’s trending in the right direction. But until he actually plays once again on the court, don’t have faith in him seeing any action. So he likely will be out once again for tonight’s tilt, along with Jabari Smith Jr., who remains sidelined with a fractured hand injury. For now, the Rockets will need to maintain steady waters in a hostile environment without their floor leader. Houston’s win streak will be put to the test tonight, as the Rockets aren’t the same team without VanVleet.

Regardless of who’s on the court for Houston, Head Coach Ime Udoka always has his team prepared and ready to play hard. Prepare for a fast paced game tonight, as this matchup features three of the leagues fastest players in De’Aaron Fox, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson. The Rockets have only been blown out twice this season. On the road to the West’s top seed in the Thunder, and at home to the defending champion Celtics. These Kings aren’t on the level of those teams. And if Houston can keep their winning streak alive in Sacramento, they’ll begin to sway believers that this young squad isn’t just having a great first half of the season. This Rockets team is for real, Houstonians know. It’s time for the rest of the county to get a glimpse of this Houston squad, one the NBA’s most exciting and talented young teams. Expect a close game on TNT tonight, in what should be another drama filled, entertaining night of Rockets basketball.

 

Golden 1 Center:  Sacramento, California

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (27-12):  Red

Sacramento Kings (20-20):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  9:00 PM CT

TV:  TNT

Rockets Bury Nuggets, 128-108, for Fifth Straight Win

Favorable Scratches.    Mile High Beatdown.    Road Warriors.

 

Favorable news came for the Rockets shortly before tipoff in the Mile High City. Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon were both late scratches before Wednesday night’s game. Houston didn’t waste any time taking advantage of a hobbled Denver team, as the Rockets buried the Nuggets en route to a 128–108 win in the Mile High City. Jamal Murray and Christian Braun led Denver with 22 points apiece, but the Nuggets were no match for a Rockets team with too much firepower. Jalen Green continued his superstar evolution. He scored 34 points to lead Houston, and most importantly, Green had another very efficient 10-for-16 shooting night from the field. Green’s been keeping the Rockets afloat despite the injuries during Houston’s five game winning streak, good for the longest current win streak in the NBA at the moment. The Rockets are now 8-0 when Green scores at least 30 points this season, proving how essential he is to this team’s success.

Houston has all the ingredients of a championship team, except for a true superstar leader. A closer. A finisher. The Rockets can survive when Green’s having an off night, but this team will only go as far as he takes them. Sengun is still Houston’s best player, but in a league where championship teams are led by perimeter-oriented superstars, the Rockets will need Green to take the mantle if they want to reach the top, and eventually have a chance at winning a title.

Sengun flirted with a triple double, registering 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Amen Thompson didn’t have his best game, recording 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals, but Houston still thrives with Twin in the starting lineup. So far this season, the Rockets are an impressive 9-1 with Thompson in the starting lineup. Cam Whitmore had another solid game off the bench, scoring 16 points. The point per minute man has been taking full advantage of his increased playing time, displaying improved shooting accuracy and intensified defense.

The Mile High Beatdown marks Houston’s fifth straight victory, and seventh straight road win overall this season. After struggling mightily on the road last year, the Rockets are a different animal away from Toyota Center this season. With 13 road wins already under their belt this year, Houston’s nearly already matched their road win total of 14 victories from last season. And the Rockets won’t have to wait long to tie that mark. Houston plays the second half of a back-to-back tomorrow night, as they visit Sacramento to battle the Kings, exclusively on TNT. And playing in front of a national audience is a rarity for this rising Rockets squad. Expect another favorable result tomorrow night for a red-hot Houston team that’s primed and ready to shine under the bright lights of national television.

Mile High Showdown:  Rockets Visit Nuggets in Battle of NBA’s Hottest Teams

Mirror Gazing.    Thriving in 2025.    Striking Gold.

Houston rolls into Denver as the NBA’s hottest teams square off in a Mile High showdown on Wednesday night. Riding a four game winning streak. On a hunt to prove they’re true contenders. With a roster full of talented players. Led by a head coach who doesn’t shy away from ripping his team in postgame pressers when they don’t perform to expectations. And a big Joker with a bag full of tricks that would make even Batman jealous. All in a city that prides itself on being a football town first. But which of these teams in tonight’s tilt inherits these traits? Pick a side. The Rockets and Nuggets have much more in common than meets the eye. And both teams are tied for the NBA’s current longest winning streak at four games entering tonight’s matchup.

With a record of 26-12, the Rockets are in second place in the brutally competitive Western Conference. After a slow start, the Nuggets have won eight of their last ten games, and all by double figures. Denver’s now in fourth place, with a record of 24-15, as they try and inch closer to Houston in the standings. The Nuggets want to be near the top of the West like the Rockets, as Denver’s still only two years removed from a title. Houston wants to prove their championship contenders now, instead of being “one player away” like many critics want to shout to the heavens. Last season, the Rockets were the only team to beat the then-defending champs three times.

Both coaches, Ime Udoka and Mike Malone, are defensive minded leaders who hold their teams accountable every night of the season. Nikola Jokic remains one of the best players in the NBA, even poised to potentially win another MVP this season. Alperen Sengun has long been nicknamed “Mini-Joker” due to his similar skill set as a talented pass-first big man. Jalen Green has been on a tear recently for the Rockets. Green is coming off a season-high 42 points in Houston’s previous win. And after being called out pre-game by Shaq on national television, Jamal Murray exploded for 45 points in Denver’s win over Dallas last night. Both teams also boast veteran leaders in Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks for the Rockets. While the Nuggets have Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. Not to mention Russell Westbrook, who is having a renaissance season in Denver. Westbrook is still playing at a high level, and as he’s already shown, capable of delivering triple-doubles at this latter stage in his career. Along with The Joker and Murray, Houston needs to make sure Westbrook doesn’t go off against his former team.

This is the first matchup this season between these Western Conference foes. Both Houston (5-1) and Denver (6-2) are off to fantastic starts to the 2025 portion of the season. Yet one of these four-game winning streaks is coming to an end tonight. The Nuggets played last night in Dallas, so the Rockets have the rest advantage entering this matchup. Although, this is Houston’s first game playing in the altitude this season, which always impacts players differently. A lot’s on the line tonight in the Mile High City, as the NBA’s hottest teams face off… trying to prove they’re worthy of contending for a title.

 

Ball Arena:  Denver, Colorado

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (26-12):  Red

Denver Nuggets (24-15):  Navy

 

Tip-Off:  8:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass