Rockets Fend-Off Hawks, 100-96, for 4th Straight Win
Houston’s Iron Man. Tate the Great. Staying the Course.
Despite allowing Atlanta to rally back and make this a close game, the Rockets managed to fend-off the Hawks for a 100-96 victory on Tuesday night. The win is Houston’s fourth straight in this impressive stretch of play where the squad has taken care of business during one of the toughest portions of their season’s schedule. Trae Young scored 21 points to lead the Atlanta, and De’Andre Hunter chipped in 16 points, but thankfully missed a wide open potential go-ahead three pointer in the final seconds.
After two subpar performances, Jalen Green led the Rockets with 25 points, although he shot only 1-for-9 from beyond the arc. Alperen Sengun posted another double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 boards. Amen Thompson had a quieter offensive night compared to his last few games, scoring 11 points, but Twin was still a huge factor on defense and in transition. Jae’Sean Tate scored a season-high 16 points in 25 minutes off the bench, proving the true depth of this Houston squad. For those who remember the days when Tate was a starter for the Rockets, he can still show he can produce when given the playing time. It’s a true luxury to have a player of Tate’s professionalism on this team. When Houston’s fully healthy, he likely doesn’t play, or will see a few garage time minutes. But the longest-tenured Rockets player is always ready, as Tate is the heart and soul of the “Stay Ready Crew,” which also features the likes of Aaron Holiday, Jock Landale, and Jeff Green.
Besides leading Houston in scoring, Tuesday’s game marked Jalen Green’s 150th consecutive start for the Rockets. He’s truly the Houston’s Iron Man. In an era where star players frequently sit out for “rest management,” Green hardly ever misses a game. Besides the New York Knicks’ Mikal Bridges, Knicks, who has never missed a game in his entire career, it’s hard to think of a player with Green’s durability. It’s even more impressive considering Green’s workload and usage rate. A tangible quality to his game the Rockets aren’t taking for granted, as Green’s started every game of his NBA career.
Coming off an emotional and close win in Boston over the defending champs the previous night, this was a game Houston could’ve easily lost. But the Rockets managed to slug their way through, stay the course, and hang on for the win. This matchup had trap-game vibes entering the contest, as the Hawks aren’t the same caliber of competition Houston’s been beating on this road trip and en route to a four game win streak. And the Rockets next matchup is a nationally televised affair against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night. So Houston could’ve easily overlooked a weaker Hawks team for their upcoming divisional showdown. But as he’s done all season long, Ime Udoka has gotten the best out of his players, and whichever unit he puts on the court. If the Rockets keep rolling and hang on to the second seed, he might snatch the Coach of the Year Award away from Cleveland’s Kenny Atkinson, especially after sweeping the Cavs in consecutive games.
Up next, the Rockets will play their final of their toughest road trip of the season with a showdown in Memphis against the Grizzlies on Thursday night. Houston will be aiming to sweep Memphis, as the Rockets are 3-0 against the Grizz this season. Expect another close game on Thursday night between these divisional foes, as Houston aims to close their road trip with a bang.