Rockets Extinguish Bucks’ Late Rally in 112-108 Win
Defensive Stand. Superb Reserves. Closing with a Bang.
After going 2-4 over the first six games of their latest seven-game home-stand, the Rockets saved their best effort for last, as they defeated the tough Milwaukee Bucks, 112-108, in impressive fashion on Saturday night. Houston withstood a monster 48 point, 17 rebound performance from Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo in the win. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 21 points and 11 boards in a balanced offensive attack for Houston. Seven Rocket players reached double-figures in scoring, as the squad had contributions across the board on both ends of the floor. The Greens had 16 points apiece. Jeff Green played a season-high 34 minutes, as he continues to be outstanding off the bench for Houston. Jeff Green also played well in the previous matchup against the Bucks in Milwaukee, scoring 14 points. Jalen Green’s shot was not as fluid as in recent games, but he was effective enough to see 28 minutes on the court. Jabari Smith Jr.’s superb sophomore season keeps rolling on. Jabari had a solid double-double with 14 points and 12 boards, to go along with solid defense. Cam Whitmore scored a career-high 12 points in only 13 minutes action. After seeing only garbage-time minutes to start his NBA career, Whitmore is thriving with more playing time each game. The rookie has now scored in double figures in five of his last six games overall. Expect Whitmore to continue seeing more action on the court, especially with Tari Eason and Dillon Brooks still sidelined.
Houston managed to hold Damian Lillard to only 18 points. This may be the least points Lillard has ever scored against the Rockets, as he’s a seasoned Rocket-killer. Lillard scored 39 points in the Bucks victory in Milwaukee in the first game this season. In the latest matchup, Houston raised the level of their defensive intensity. Giannis still went-off for a monster night, but the Rockets were able to withstand a late, furious Bucks rally for the victory. And after struggling with their defense, Houston held a Milwaukee team that averages 125 points a game to only 108 on Saturday night. The Rockets are now 16-4 when they hold their opponents to under 110 points. It’s no secret the that Rockets usually lose when they allow the opposition to put 110 points on the board. And this latest game was another example of why Houston is at their best when they’re clicking on all cylinders defensively.
The Rockets held a 16-point edge entering the fourth quarter, and despite being outscored by the Bucks by a dozen, Houston managed to hang-on for the impressive victory. The squad is now 15-4 when leading after three quarters. Another reason the Rockets need to avoid getting off to slow starts. It’s incredibly hard to comeback after being down double-digits in this league. Houston’s pulled it off this season. But those wins are rare and energy-draining. The Rockets reserves were also superb in this contest, outscoring Milwaukee’s bench 43-22 in the game. Houston will need to continue to see this contribution from everyone on the roster, as Eason and Brooks remain out with injuries. After struggling to start this latest home-stand, the Rockets won the game that looked like the toughest of them all, closing this home stretch with a bang. Saturday night’s win was only the second time all season Houston has won the second part of a back-to-back. It’s even more impressive considering the embarrassment the squad showed in their blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves the previous evening. The Bucks present a very tough challenge on any night, and are legit contenders to win the Championship this season. Despite going 3-4 over their last seven games at Toyota Center, this young Rockets team should be proud of themselves with the way they closed this home-stand. The squad will now embark on a six game road-trip, the longest of their entire season. Hopefully Houston carries the toughness they displayed against Milwaukee as they prepare to embark on a lengthy trip.