Rockets Collapse in Final Seconds, 130-128, as Kings Sweep Season Series
Royal Hosing. Improper Sendoff. On the Road Again.
In one of the worst calls of the entire NBA season, De’Aaron Fox, was able to somehow draw a foul on Eric Gordon in the final seconds. Replays clearly showed EG didn’t touch Fox, and no foul was anywhere to be seen. Unfortunately Stephen Silas had used his challenge, and the Rockets were at the mercy of the referees, who made sure that once again, Houston wouldn’t be in store for a victory. Fox nailed all three free throws, as the Kings snuck past the Rockets, 130-128, to deal Houston their fourth straight loss.
Jalen Green had one of his best games of his entire career, scoring 41 points on an efficient 14-for-22 shooting. Alperen Sengun fell one rebound shy of a triple-double, registering 18 points, 11 assists, and 9 boards on the night. And in his final game as a Rocket, Eric Gordon scored 9 points, and unfortunately his last moment was being called for the terrible foul call.
Gordon was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers before the trade deadline. Bruno Fernando and Garrison Mathews were also traded, both to the Atlanta Hawks. Other than cap space and draft picks, the Rockets received Frank Kaminsky, after several other players, including former Rocket John Wall, were waived by Houston. Justin Holiday also request to be dealt to a different team, as the Rockets acquired him along with Kaminsky. For now, Houston’s roster doesn’t appear much different other than the absence of EG. Gordon had long been in trade rumor discussions, dating back even several seasons, so this comes as no surprise to Rockets fans. Houston will miss EG, he was the longest tenured Rocket, and the only player remaining from the 2017-2018 team that set the regular-season franchise win record, with 65, and fell one game short of making the NBA Finals.
The Rockets now hit the road for five straight games, with the All-Star break smashed in between. Houston will play three more road games before the break, then head back to Houston, Utah, or vacation. After the intermission, the Rockets start their post-All Star break schedule with two road games before finally returning home to Toyota Center in late February.