Rockets Manhandled by 76ers, 124-115, in Ugly Matinee Loss
Swept. Draft Capital. Road Worriers.
Entering this contest, Joell Embiid had a questionable tag heading into the opening tip. That question was answered in dominant form, as Embiid played for the first time all season against Houston. The reigning MVP dominated the Rockets, scoring 41 points and grabbing 10 rebounds en route to dealing Houston a 124-115 defeat. The final score isn’t indicative of the lack of competitiveness in this matchup. The Rockets trailed by as many as 28 points at one point. And while they were able to chip away somewhat at the deficit, the closest Houston would get to Philly would be 13 points in the second half. Embiid even picked up his fifth foul at this point, a little past the midway point of the third quarter. However, the Sixers went on a 6-0 run immediately after he departed with foul trouble, halting any plans the Rockets had for a comeback. Tyrese Maxey supplemented Embiid with 27 points, as the young guard continues to play at an All-Star level.
Jalen Green led Houston with 20 points, but struggled from beyond the arc, shooting only 1-for-7 from three-point land. Dillon Brooks scored 18 points in his second game back from injury. The Villain hasn’t had any minute restrictions, and looks to be back to his usual self. Houston’s unfortunately had the bad fate of playing two of the best teams on the road (Boston, Philly) since Brooks returned. The loss gives the Rockets their first season-sweep at the hands of an opponent this season, as they finished 0-2 against the Sixers this campaign.
If there’s silver linings to be taken out of this game, it’s the performance of Houston’s draft capital. The Rockets rookies played extremely well in Philly, despite the loss. Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore scored 14 points apiece, with their comfort levels on the court increasing with each game. Houston has now lost back-to-back games in blowout fashion. Granted, the Celtics and Sixers are two of the NBA’s best teams, but the Rockets failed to put up a fight in either matchup. After a stellar defensive stretch earlier in the season, Houston’s defense has disappeared on this road trip. The Rockets are now 0-15 when they allow 120 or more points. The squad is sorely missing Tari Eason and the energy he brings on the defensive end. Expect Houston’s defense to tighten up once Eason returns. For the time being, the Rockets have to stop allowing so many open three-pointers to their opposition. Houston is being blowout because of lack of defensive effort, specifically lacking a hand in an open shooter’s face.
Houston is now 3-14 on the road, compared to 15-6 at Toyota Center. Up next, the Rockets conclude their six-game road-trip with a visit to the Big Apple to take on the New York Knicks. The Knickerbockers are off to a solid start, but aren’t legit title contenders like Boston or Philly. Houston should have a better chance of snagging a victory in Madison Square Garden compared to their previous two blowout losses. Jalen Brunson, New York’s best player, is also questionable heading into this Wednesday night tilt. Regardless of his availability, the Rockets need to at least put up a competitive showing. The Knicks aren’t world beaters. Stealing a victory in the bright lights of New York City may be just what Houston needs to get back on track before they return home.