Rockets Out-Duel Cavaliers, 117-103, for Fifth Straight Win
Fusing Together. The Stay Ready Crew. Striking Forward.
Houston wasn’t fazed but the uptick in competition as the Cleveland Cavaliers rolled into town. The Rockets handled the Cavs easily, leading by double figures for the majority of the game, en route to a 117-103 victory on Saturday afternoon. Jalen Green continues to emerge as a star for these young Rockets. Green led Houston with 26 points and 11 rebounds against Cleveland. Fred VanVleet chipped in 13 points and dished out a team-high 16 dimes directing the offense. Jabari Smith Jr. registered 20 points and 7 rebound. And Amen Thompson continues to play well in the starting unit, just missing out on another double-double with 18 points and 8 boards in the contest. Houston’s defense held Cleveland’s stealthy backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to only a combined 25 points. The Rockets were excellent on both sides of the ball, as the win now gives Houston five in a row, as they continue to creep closer towards the final Play-In position.
Jock Landale mentioned a few games ago how important “The Stay Ready Crew” are for the Rockets. These are members of the film crews, assistants. and people behind the scenes who work hard with players who don’t receive much playing time. With the injuries to Alperen Sengun and Cam Whitmore, Houston’s needed guys to step up, and they’ve been more than ready to handle the task. It’s still a long shot for the Rockets to sneak into the Play-In, but if they keep taking care of their own business and winning games, it’s certainly not impossible. Houston is now 3.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the final Play-In spot.
Up next, the Rockets make a quick road trip out to the nation’s capital to play the Washington Wizards for the second time in a week. Houston won the first matchup back in H-Town, and they’ll look to the same in D.C. as they aim for their fifth straight road win on Tuesday night. The Rockets were in control during the entirety of their win over the Cavs on Saturday. The win wasn’t shocking, but the dominant fashion in which Houston controlled the contest was a welcome surprise. Washington still holds the NBA’s worst record, and they have only four wins at home this entire season. Houston’s in a great position to extend their winning streak as they hit the road for a one-game trip in Washington D.C.