Rockets Thumped by Jazz, 122-91, in Ol’ Fashioned Blowout
Learning Step. Insult to Injury. The Nightmare Only Begins.
Houston took a hard lesson on Thursday night, falling to the Jazz, 122-91, in blowout fashion. The Rockets were never in the game, and trailed by as many as 36 points. It’s a learning step for this young Houston team, as Utah showed why they’re the only remaining undefeated team in the NBA. The Jazz pounced on the Rockets from the opening tip. Utah’s balanced scoring attack featured seven different players in double-figure scoring. Rudy Gobert manned the paint, and made it difficult for Houston in the lane. Gobert finished with 16 points and 14 boards to lead the Jazz.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Jalen Green scored 13 points, but on an abysmal 3-for-16 shooting from the floor, including 0-for-8 from downtown. To add insult to injury, Kevin Porter Jr. suffered an ankle sprain, and is questionable this weekend. Thursday’s loss was a big lesson in discipline for the Houston. Even in blowouts, the Rockets have to practice good habits, and play hard. The squad was out-hustled by a better Jazz team, and will need to play with more energy as they hit the road. Hopefully these two days off before Sunday will give Houston a needed rest and recovery period.
And if you thought Thursday night was bad, the nightmare’s only beginning. Houston begins their toughest road trip of the season on Sunday night. A trip that features 5 games against Western Conference playoff competition. Ironically, the struggling Lakers are the Rockets’ first stop. Houston might be able to steal a game, as the old guys in Hollywood are still struggling with chemistry. But, LeBron James won’t let his team fool around for long. The Rockets aim to steal a game on their upcoming five-game trip, that starts on Halloween in Hollywood.