Rockets Collapse as Clippers Rally for Victory in Houston, 109-104
Missed Opportunity. Silver Linings. Tough Finish.
For a second, it actually seemed like the Rockets were going to hold-off the Clippers in Houston. The squad led L.A. by four points heading into the final period, 80-76, after holding the Clips to only 11 points in the third quarter. However, Reggie Jackson hit three early threes to start the fourth period to fuel the Clippers rally, as the Rockets lost to the Clippers, 109-104, on Friday night at Toyota Center. Houston played their hearts out, they just couldn’t hang on and execute late in the game when it mattered most. Paul George led a Kawhi Leonard-less Clippers with 33 points, 14 boards, and 4 dimes. John Wall had another fantastic game, scoring 27 points while dishing out 13 assists, and almost leading the Rockets to an impressive victory.
Despite the loss, Christian Wood and Kelly Olynyk continue to impress as a dynamic duo in the interior for Houston. The duo combined for 47 points and 19 boards as the pair’s chemistry improves with each passing game. Wood scored 24 points and pulled down a monstrous 19 boards, while Olynyk tallied 23 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and also snagged 4 steals for good measure. Hopefully the Rockets keep Olynyk in the off-season. His chemistry with Wood gives the Rockets an inside presence they never had in the James Harden-era. Armoni Brooks also saw heavy action, seeing 30 minutes of playing time. Brooks continue to impress with his shot from outside. The newest Rocket scored 9 point on 3-of-8 shooting from long range. With the development of Kevin Porter Jr. Jae’Sean Tate, Armoni Brooks, and other playmakers, Houston has a bright future ahead of this season.
Friday night’s meltdown against the Clips was tough. But it only gets tougher for the Rockets. Eleven of Houston’s twelve remaining games are against playoff teams. And most of them elite squads. The Rockets have by far the toughest finish this season in the entire league. And on Saturday night, Houston travels to Denver to face a tough Nuggets team in the altitude, without John Wall. It’s not going to be easy, but if the Rockets just focus on each possession at a time, they might, for a second… have a chance at a huge upset.