Category: Uncategorized

Rockets Aim to Bounce Back, Return Home to Host Pacers

Hometown Heroes.    New Threads.    First of Three.

 

After a heartbreaking loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night, the  Houston Rockets return home to host the Indiana Pacers. Houston is aiming for its sixth consecutive win at Toyota Center tonight. The Rockets have been excellent at protecting home court after a rough start. They’ll look to continue that trend on Monday night against a Pacers team that’s off to a slow start this season.

Indiana is 6-8 on the year so far, but they still boast plenty of talented players. Tyrese Haliburton is one of the premier guard in the NBA. Pascal Siakam is a versatile All-Star forward, and Bennedict Mathurin has been unleashed this season. Mathurin’s insertion into the starting lineup has the third year guard playing at the highest level of his career. Expect him to be a problem on the perimeter for Houston tonight.

The Rockets will be wearing their new “city edition” uniforms for the first time on Wednesday night. It’s been thirty years since the Houston Rockets last won a championship. These jerseys pay homage to the Championship team of 94/95 that won back-to-back titles.

Tonight’s game is the first of three straight at home for the Rockets, who will next play the Portland Trail Blazers in consecutive nights on Friday and Saturday at Toyota Center. All three games are winnable, but the Pacers are a better squad than Portland, with more experienced and talented players.

Houston should win this matchup as long as they continue to play disciplined basketball mixed with hard defense. The Rockets have struggled shooting the ball so far to start this season. It’s been their Achilles’ heal. However, they’ve been one of the best teams in terms of hustle and defense. Expect another healthy dose of the “Terror Twins.” Coming off the crushing loss in Milwaukee, Ime Udoka should have his guys ready to go tonight against a weaker Indiana Pacers ball club.

These are the kind of games Houston has to win if they want to really make noise in the Western Conference standings. Home matchups against bad Eastern Conference teams. With a record of 10-5, the Rockets currently sit in fourth place out West. Most of Houston’s games have been close to start the season. Expect that trend to continue tonight… along with the Rockets’ winning streak at home.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Indiana Pacers (6-8):  Navy

Houston Rockets (10-5):  “City Edition” White

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Suffer Heartbreaking 101-100 Loss to Bucks

No Cigar.    Swing Game.    Back Home.

Damian Lillard hit a layup with 2.0 seconds remaining, as the Houston Rockets lost a heartbreaker, 101-100, to the Bucks on Monday night. On the final play, Head Coach Ime Udoka drew up a beautiful play, but Fred VanVleet overthrew the pass to Alperen Sengun, who was wide open in the paint as defenders focused on Jalen Green. It’s a tough loss for the Rockets, but Milwaukee is much better than their 5-9 record. The Bucks will likely a force to contend with in the East once again this season. The loss snaps Houston’s five-game winning streak, and now gives the Rockets a 10-5 record. This was a game of swings. The Rockets jumped out to an early lead, the Bucks stormed back to lead by a dozen at halftime. Houston came back and had the lead late in the fourth quarter, 100-94, but Milwaukee scored the final seven points to earn the win.

Fred VanVleet scored 17 of his team-high 26 points in the third quarter, as he provided the spark to ignite the Rockets comeback. After a slow start to the game, Jalen Green scored 10 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, and was the decoy on the final play. A better pass from FVV and Houston would’ve likely won this matchup. Alperen Sengun finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. And Tari Eason had a monstrous effort performance off the bench. Eason contributed 9 points, 14 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks, incredibly impressive hustle stats for a reserve. But that’s what Tari does. The other half of the “Terror Twins,” Amen Thompson, scored 10 points and grabbed 7 boards on the evening. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez combined to scored 66 of Milwaukee’s 101 points.

Even with the loss, the Rockets kept their streak of scoring 100 plus points alive, which is the longest current streak in the NBA. Houston’s defense was excellent, but the Rockets once again struggled with their shot. The squad had three guys (FVV, Green, Sengun) combine to take nearly 70 shots. This team is more successful when the shots and scoring is more balanced. Regardless, Houston still outplayed the Bucks, and should’ve escaped Milwaukee with an impressive win. Every loss for the Rockets this season besides the blowout in Oklahoma City to the Thunder has been in heartbreaking fashion. Add this latest one points loss in Milwaukee to the list. Along with an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors. And heartbreaking close losses to the Charlotte Hornets and San Antonio Spurs. Games Houston knows they could have won.

Up next, the Rockets will now return to Toyota Center for three straight games starting with a matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Houston has won five straight matchups at home. They’ll aim to make it six in a row against a  Pacers team that’s gotten off to a slow start, much like every team in the Eastern Conference, besides the Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics. It’s time for the Rockets to move on from this tough loss, and get back to some home cookin’ in front of the fans at Toyota Center.

Rockets and Bucks Collide in the Mean Streets of Milwaukee

Deep Water.    No Headlights.    Litmus Test.

Aiming for their sixth straight win, the Rockets close their Great Lakes road-trip with a visit to Milwaukee to face the Bucks. Houston is coming off a 143-107 blowout victory in Chicago over the Bulls last night. Milwaukee has had a night of rest, but the Rockets were able to somewhat rest their guys, as no starter played more than 28 minutes in Chi-Town. A key component for this stretch in the schedule for Houston. Tonight’s match is the second of five games in seven nights for the Rockets. They blasted off to a great start in Chicago, but the proceedings won’t be as easy in the mean streets of Milwaukee.

The Bucks are off to a disappointing 4-9 start to the season, but don’t let their record fool you. Giannis Antetokounmpo is still one of the best players in the world. The Great Freak is averaging 32.9 PPG, 12.3 RPG, and 6.1 APG this season. Damian Lillard has missed Milwaukee’s last three games, but of course, right on schedule, he’s expected to make his return tonight against the Rockets. Lillard has been a certified Rocket-killer dating back to his days with the Portland Trail Blazers. And Giannis also usually seems to play well against Houston. In his last game against the Rockets, the Greek Freak scored 48 points on 16-for-25 shooting, and grabbed 17 rebounds. Houston’s key to victory is minimizing Giannis’ transition opportunities, and keeping him out of the paint. The Rockets need to build a defensive wall of sorts to force Giannis to shoot jumpers. Expect to see a heavy dose of the Terror Twins (Amen Thompson and Tari Eason) on the court tonight for Houston.

Milwaukee has other players who can do damage tonight besides their two superstars. Bobby Portis Jr. always seems to play well against the Rockets, and despite coming off the bench, “Crazy Eyes” performs like an All-Star when he faces Houston. And Brook Lopez is always capable of scoring 30 points on any given night. It’s the perfect time for Alperen Sengun to record a third straight triple-double, but that’s wishful thinking. Ignore the Bucks 4-9 record. These Bucks won’t be playing like deer in headlights tonight. The Rockets are in deep water tonight if they come out of the gates slow. Milwaukee has three players (Lillard, Giannis, and Portis Jr.) who are used to having huge games when they meet Houston. Lillard has the most history, and given he’s returning from a three-game absence in front of the home fans, expect Dame Dolla to have another explosive performance against the Rockets and energize the Milwaukee crowd.

Tonight’s tilt is a litmus test of sorts to see if this Houston team is for real, and if they’re as good as their 10-4 record states. The Rockets are in the midst of a brutal stretch in the schedule. Not only is this contest a back-to-back, but it’s the second of five games in seven nights for Houston. The Bucks are desperate to get back on the winning track. Milwaukee is coming off a tough one-point road loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night. The Rockets have shown true growth from last year to the beginning of this season. After a rough 1-2 start, Houston is 9-2 over their last 11 games, with both losses coming to the two teams ahead of them in the Western Conference standings (Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder). The Rockets didn’t win their sixth road game last year until well into the season. Road struggles were a theme last season for Houston, but this Rockets team is different. Houston shoots for seventh heaven on the road, as they aim to improve to 7-2 away from Toyota Center with a win over the Bucks tonight. This matchup is also the first nationally televised (NBA TV) game the Rockets have played in this season. And both teams have things to prove in tis contest. The Bucks want to prove they’re not a joke. The Rockets want to show everyone that they are for real. After a few blowouts, expect a much closer and contested matchup in the mean streets of Milwaukee on Monday night.

 

Fiserv Forum:  Milwaukee, Wisconsin

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (10-4):  White

Milwaukee Bucks (4-9):  Green

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA TV

Rockets Race Past Bulls, 143-107, For Fifth Straight Win

Painting the Way.    Room for Rest.    Dime Carryover.

Houston held a slim one point lead, 27-26, after the first quarter in Chicago on Monday night. Once the second quarter began, the Rockets blasted off, outscoring the Bulls by 35 points the rest of the way en route to a 143-107 win on Sunday night. The victory is Houston’s fifth in a row, and the Rockets are now 9-2 since losing two of their first three games to start the season. Houston dominated Chicago in the interior, as the Rockets scored a whopping 80 points in the paint. It’s only the fourth time in the franchise’s history that they’ve scored 80 paint points. Granted, the Bulls are a terrible defensive team, but the Rockets took advantage on the way to a much-need easy victory on the first part of a back-to-back.

Fred VanVleet scored a season-high 28 points, and sparked Houston’s run in the second quarter that distanced the Rockets from the Bulls. FVV also had 7 rebounds and assists apiece, as the point guard’s play continues to return to last season’s form after he sat out one game to nurse an injury. Alperen Sengun notched his second consecutive triple-double on the season. Houston’s All-Star caliber center finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, to go along with 2 blocks in a dominant performance.

All five starters, along with Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, scored in double figures for the Rockets. Sheppard had the best game of his young career. The rookie finished with 12 points on 4-for-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Tari Eason scored only 4 points, but he wasn’t needed like usual, as Houston was in cruise control of this game from the midway point of the second frame. Given this was the first of a back-to-back, the Rockets took care of business early, helping themselves for a much tougher matchup coming up on Monday night. Ime Udoka was able to let the end of his bench loose in the fourth quarter, and no starter played more than 28 minutes of action.

The Rockets grabbed a season-high 66 rebounds, and dished out a season-high 34 assists. Houston absolutely dominated Chicago after the first period. The squad has been moving the ball well during this win streak. They’ll need to continue the trend if they want to beat a much better Bucks team tomorrow night in Milwaukee. The Rockets scored 32 fast-break points against the Bulls, doubling them up (32-15) in transition.

Houston now moves to 10-4 on the season. The Rockets currently have the NBA’s fifth-best record, but will be tested against a Bucks team trying to snap out of a slow start. Milwaukee is off to a rough 4-9 to start the season. But they’ll be getting Rocket-killer Damian Lillard back after he missed three games with a concussion. And they have Giannis, who dominated Houston in the last matchup. Expect a much slimmer final score tomorrow night, as the Rockets shoot for the sixth straight win to close this quick Great Lakes road-trip.

Rockets Visit Chi-Town for a Battle with the Bulls

Great Lakes Trip.    Drive for Five.    Dangerous Animal.

Fresh off their first win of the NBA Cup’s Group Stage, a dominant victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Rockets hit the road for a quick two-game Great Lakes trip. Houston battles the Bulls tonight in Chicago before heading to Milwaukee on Monday night to wrap up the trip. The Rockets are also seeking a season-high fifth straight win tonight. Chicago is 5-8 on the season, as they’re coming off a blowout road loss to the still-undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, whose 14-0 start has been the talk of the league so far this year.

This is a game the Rockets should win, and it’s the first of a back-to-back. Tomorrow night’s tilt in Milwaukee against a Greek Freak who’s heating up will be much more difficult. Houston is simply better than this Bulls team, but if the Rockets don’t come out with intensity, they could be upset in Chicago. Tonight’s opponent for Houston is a much more dangerous animal than they may initially appear.

The Bulls are a better squad than their record states. Chicago has already played the Cavs twice this season, and their schedule has been difficult to start the year. They also have plenty of talented players, in Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Patrick Williams, and Josh Giddey. Any of those guys are capable of scoring 20 points on any given night. LaVine has superstar potentiall, but injuries among other factors have kept him from reaching that status. White is one of the most improved players from last season. And Giddey is a newcomer from the Oklahoma City Thunder. And Vucevic has especially played well against Houston throughout his career. Keep an eye on his matchup with Alperen Sengun tonight, as the Wizard has his hands full against one of the more underrated All-Star caliber players in the NBA in Vucevic.

In their last game, the Rockets had 31 assists. As long as Houston continues to move the basketball and play as a team, they should be able to secure their fifth straight win tonight. Be prepared for a close game, as the Rockets and Bulls usually seem to go down to the wire in Chicago. But hopefully Houston can put this game away early, and demonstrate that their recent dominance is no fluke. The Rockets’ drive for five straight wins begins tonight, as they prepare to run with the Bulls in the first of a back-to-back set in the Great Lakes.

 

United Center:  Chicago, Illinois

 

Jersey Colors:

Houston Rockets (9-4):  Red

Chicago Bulls (5-8):  White

 

Tip-Off:  6:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Sink Clippers, 125-104, to Begin NBA Cup Play

One Down, Three to Go.    Past to Future.    Dish Domination.

In their first NBA Cup game of the season, the Rockets dispatched the Los Angeles Clippers quickly in a 125-104 win on Friday night. With the victory, Houston is currently first in their group’s standings, the West Group A. But it’s still early in the group stage, as the Rockets have three more games remaining as they try and advance to the knockout stage. These matchups include a home tilt with the Portland Trail Blazers on November 22nd, followed by a road visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 26th, then closing with a battle on the road with the Sacramento Kings.

After being mired in a horrible slump, Jabari Smith Jr. had his best game of the season so far. Bari led Houston with 28 points, and also grabbed 11 rebounds. Alperen Sengun had his first triple-double of the season, notching 16 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists on the evening. Dillon Brooks continues to be a pleasant bonus surprise on offense. Brooks is known primarily as a defender, but he’s improved on offense this season, most notably due to his hot shooting from beyond the arc. Dillon “The Villain” scored 17 points, including an impressive 5-for-9 shooting from distance in the win over the Clips. Fred VanVleet had one of his better games of the season, registering 18 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds for the night.

And  arguably the most impactful duo of the season so far for the Rockets, the “Terror Twins,” were once again brilliant. Amen Thompson scored 12 points, along with 5 boards and 3 assists. And Tari Eason contributed 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 block. Both players have been a force on the defensive end, and on the fast break. The “Terror Twins” dominate in transition, igniting the Rockets to play at a faster pace, which is in the squad’s favor. Given the youth and athleticism on the roster, Houston excels when they play at a faster pace on both ends of the court. The Rockets have struggled offensively in half court offense scenarios so far this season, and they need to capitalize on these transition opportunities as often as possible.

Jalen Green had his second-lowest scoring game of the season, but he was at the center of the highlight of this game, a play that emphasized the final score and domination of the Rockets over the Clippers over these past two games. In the first half, Green took a pass from about half-court and threw it down right over the head of James Harden for a beautiful alley-oop. Not necessarily a passing of the torch moment, but the play signifies the difference between the past and the future. Harden will always be considered one of the greatest Rockets to ever play for the squad. But his time in Houston, along with his glory days are in the past. The future for this Rockets team is Jalen Green. Alperen Sengun may Houston’s best player, but the Rockets will ultimately only go as far as Green takes them. He needs to improve his consistency. But as Green showed in the first four contests of this season, he’s one of the best players in the NBA when he’s at the top of his game.

The Rockets won this game easily, in wire-to-wire fashion, as they never trailed. They dominated the assist battle, out-dishing the Clips 31-12 in the blowout victory. Houston needs to continue to play as a team and move the basketball. This team is so deep and versatile, the Rockets are at their best when multiple players are making significant contributions. Up next, Houston heads out for a quick two-game road trip on Sunday night near the Great Lakes, as they prepare for a matchup with the Chicago Bulls, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.

Rockets Host Clippers in Rematch to Kick-Off NBA Cup Play

Part 2.    Chase for the Cup.    Red Flags.

It’s tough to beat the same team twice in a row, but the Rockets will aim for that goal as they host the Los Angeles Clippers once again on Friday night. Tonight is the first NBA Cup game for both squads. And Houston was also in the same NBA Cup Group as L.A. last season. Besides the Clips, the Rockets Group A in the West is comprised of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s a winnable group for Houston, with the action starting tonight with a rematch at Toyota Center with the Clippers.

This will be the second time this season the Rockets have played the same team twice in a row in the same building. As the mini-series in San Antonio demonstrated earlier this year, it’s difficult to beat the same team in consecutive games. Both of those games were close, with the Rockets and Spurs splitting the pair. The first game against the Clippers on Wednesday could be a warning sign for tonight’s rematch in Houston.

Speaking of warning signs, there are some red flags the Rockets need to be aware of entering this matchup. Besides the challenge of beating a playoff-caliber team twice in a row, last game had some theatrics that don’t bode well for Houston entering tonight’s contest. Clippers Head Coach Tyronn Lue benched James Harden and the starters in the fourth quarter of the previous game. L.A.’s third-stringers almost propelled a successful comeback for the Clips, but the Rockets were able to withstand their rally. Don’t expect Lue to bench his starters tonight. Unless Houston has control of this contest in blowout fashion, which is unlikely.

Expect the Terror Twins to bring the usual intensity, energy, and defense that has sparked the Rockets over their current three-game winning streak. However, Houston needs more from Jabari Smith Jr. To begin his third season, Bari has struggled dramatically, and whispers of whether or not he should remain a starter have begun circling around the rumor wheels. Hopefully Smith can find his game like he did last season, as he improved throughout last year’s campaign. Otherwise, it may be time for Head Coach Ime Udoka to make a tweak in the starting lineup. This Rockets team boasts too much potential to hold back from putting the best lineup out their possible every night. The coaches know this. The fans know this. We’re still only a dozen games into the season, so I’d still give Jabari a few games to figure things out. But the clock is ticking.

Tonight’s matchup will feature the new NBA Cup Court for the Rockets, which once again looks like a bloodbath on a basketball court. Expect a close, thrilling matchup tonight. With more stakes on the line, and the challenge of beating the same team twice… the Rockets face quite the test on Friday night as they aim to go five games over .500 for the first time in four years.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (6-6):  White

Houston Rockets (8-4):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Rockets Sail Past Clippers, 111-103, for Third Straight Win

Hustle Kings.    Benched Beard.    Seconds.

Despite trailing by 11 points early in this contest, the Rockets managed to secure a half-time lead, and then fended off the Clippers for a 111-103 victory on Wednesday night. Jalen Green led Houston with 21 points. Alperen Sengun registered another double-double on the season with 13 points and 11 boards. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks chipped in 15 points apiece. But the real difference makers in this game came in the form of the Terror Twins: Amen Thompson and Tari Eason.

Houston’s ferocious bench duo proved to be a force once again in tandem on the court. Thompson finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Eason contributed 18 points and 10 boards. They also led the way as the Rockets dominated the hustle stats in this contest. Houston out-rebounded L.A., and won the steals and blocks battle. Thanks to the Terror Twins, the Rockets also outscored the Clips 19-6 on second-chance points. Jabari Smith Jr. struggles continued on Wednesday night. Bari finished with only 5 points on 1-for-6 shooting. Hopefully, the third year forward can snap out of his slump in the rematch this coming Friday night. The Rockets need the Jabari who improved throughout last year to finally show up this season.

In an odd sequence, James Harden and most of the Clippers starters were benched in the fourth quarter. Ironically, L.A.’s third stringers fueled a comeback attempt, cutting Houston’s 19-point lead down to only 4 points in the final minutes. The Rockets managed to survive, but don’t expect to see L.A.’s coach Tyronn Lue waive the white flag in the upcoming rematch between these squads on Friday night.

These same two teams will meet again at Toyota Center on Friday night. However, that match will be under slightly different circumstances. It’s the first NBA Cup game for Houston and L.A. The Rockets got close to reaching the knockout round last season, and ironically were also in the group with the Clips last year. Houston will try and beat Los Angeles for the second straight time. The Rockets need to win the second-chance points and transition battle once again if they want to beat these Clips twice in a row. Expect L.A. to come out hungry for revenge. Houston should be prepared to be in a close contest until the final buzzer sounds, as both teams kick off their NBA Cup back here at Toyota Center on Friday night.

Rockets Host Harden, Clippers to Begin Two Game Home Series

Part 1.    The Beard Returns.    Knock Down.

The Houston Rockets welcome James Harden and Los Angeles Clippers to town, as the teams begin a two-game set on Wednesday night. The Clippers are 6-5 so far this season, but they’ve had a fairly difficult schedule to start their campaign. Four of their five losses have come to the Phoenix Suns and the Oklahoma City Thunder, both tied for first place in the West. They’ve also beaten the Golden State Warriors, who are also share a spot of first place, and the Denver Nuggets who sit in fourth behind these three teams. Basically, Los Angeles has been tested, and the Rockets will need to bring their “A” game if they want to win at least one of these upcoming two games. A return of Fred VanVleet to the court certainly wouldn’t hurt the Rockets, as the point guard’s status is still questionable.

James Harden makes his first return to H-Town this season. The Beard is far removed from his MVP days in Houston, but Harden is still averaging close to a triple-double a contest, registering nearly 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists a game to start the season. Besides Harden, Los Angeles has Ivica Zubac, who always seems to play well against the Rockets, as their starting center. And Zubac is coming off a 22-point, 14-rebound performance against the OKC Thunder in the Clips previous game. L.A.’s big man will pose a big test for Alperen Sengun, as Houston’s center looks to continue his run of impressive performances over the past couple contests.

If the Rockets want to win this game, they’ll need to shoot the ball with more efficiency. It’s that simple. Houston has struggled knocking down shots all season. They’ve been solid on the defensive end, but if the Rockets can turn their offense around, they should be able to beat the Clips tonight. This game also sees the return of former-Rocket Kevin Porter Jr., who is now on L.A.’s roster. Black Joker could be an X-Factor in this game. Norman Powell and Derrick Jones Jr. could have big games any night. This Clippers team is not to be slept on. Houston is aiming for their first three game winning streak of the season tonight. And against this battle-tested Clips squad, these young Rockets will certainly be tested tonight. Expect a close and exciting matchup as the Rockets and Clippers square off on Wednesday night in the first of two straight at Toyota Center.

 

Toyota Center:  Houston, Texas

 

Jersey Colors:

Los Angeles Clippers (6-5):  White

Houston Rockets (7-4):  Black

 

Tip-Off:  7:00 PM CT

TV:  Space City Home Network,  NBA League Pass

Sengun Dominates in Rockets 107-92 Dispelling of Wizards

Wizard Over Wizards.    Terror Twins.    Defensive Showcase.

The Wizard overpowered the Washington Wizards basketball team on Monday night at Toyota Center. Alperen Sengun, aka “The Wizard,” put on a dominant performance, leading the Rockets to a 107-92 victory in front of the home fans. Washington had no answer for Sengun, who scored 27 points, grabbed 17 rebounds, to go along with 3 assists and 3 blocks. Wizards rookie Alex Sarr looked helpless trying to defend Sengun. Houston’s center has vastly improved on the defensive end as well this season. Sengun held Sarr to only 5 points, and the entire Rockets team had one of their best games of the defensive end. This is the first back-to-back Houston has played this season, and despite the opponent, it’s still a positive sign. The Rockets were only 2-10 in the end of back-to-backs last season. And they’ll have at least more than ten of those contests remaining on the schedule.

On Monday night, Houston had the most blocks and steals they’ve had all season in their win over the Wiz. Led by Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, also known as the “Terror Twins,” the Rockets were beasts on defense all night. The Terror Twins contributed 7 steals and 6 blocks combined, as the pair continues to be a tenacious presence for opposing offenses. The Rockets led for the entire game, but still let the Wizards cut the lead to 6 points in the fourth quarter. Houston managed to pull away using a 19-5 run in the fourth quarter, but the squad is still struggling to shoot the ball.

Houston’s offense needs to improve in the coming games, as the Rockets prepare for a two-game home series against James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. The Clips are a lethal offensive team compared to the lowly Wizards that Houston defeated on Monday night. Hopefully, Fred VanVleet will be ready to return from injury, as his absence was felt against Washington, despite coming out victorious.

Without their starting point guard, the Rockets committed a season-high 21 turnovers, dished out a season-low 13 assists, and made only 5 threes, also a season low. The Wizards are a bad team, and Houston got lucky they got to play them without FVV. Despite his struggles to start the season, the Rockets need VanVleet if they’re going to seriously contend for a playoff spot this year. They’re also going to need Sengun to continue his surge in play, as Houston readies for a two-game series against a much better Clippers team, beginning Wednesday night.