Forty View: The Greak Freak’s 44 Points Lead Bucks’ Route in Milwaukee, 125-105, as Rockets Remain Winless
Home Opening Headlights. Unhealthy 40 Burgers. The Advantage.
Houston got caught like deer in headlights from the opening tip in Milwaukee. The Bucks scored the first 13 points, and never looked back as they dealt the Rockets their worst loss of this early season, 125-105. This was the third consecutive home opener (counting Toyota Center) that Houston has played in, but more importantly, this was the second half of a back-to-back against the best opponent they’ve yet to face this season. Kevin Porter Jr. led a tired Rockets squad with 22 points. Houston still fought hard, but the Bucks are legitimate title contenders again this season, and simply over-powered a younger, inexperienced Rockets squad.
Milwaukee took advantage of a young, undermanned Rocket team who were without Eric Gordon and Jae’Sean Tate among others. Giannis Antekounmpo scored 44 points to lead Milwaukee as he proved to be an unstoppable against this inexperienced Houston defense. This was the second straight game the Rockets had an opponent have a single player drop 40 or more points on them. They’ll look to avoid that, and get on the winning side of basketball in their next matchup. Their next opponent doesn’t necessarily have anyone who’s prone to putting up 40 points, so this streak should end in Houston’s next matchup.
Up next, the Rockets have two straight games against the Jazz. Monday in Houston, and Wednesday they’ll travel to Utah to complete the double-bill. Utah’s off to a surprising start, but they don’t have the talent or superstars the Rockets have had to deal with so far in this extremely tough start to the season. Houston has yet to play an opponent that won’t be in the playoffs come this spring. Despite their strong start, Utah likely won’t be able to sustain their impressive success over a full 82-game season, and should be lottery bound. It’s time for the Rockets to take advantage of the decrease in their opponent’s talent in the next couple games. Houston has a great chance to finally get on the winning board, maybe even twice… as long as they’re still not caught in the headlights that are the early start to the NBA season.