Rockets Fall Asleep on NYE in 108-88 Loss to Knicks
No Improvement. A Year of Disappointment. Seeking Change.
“There’s no improvement,” veteran Rockets guard Eric Gordon said after Houston’s latest lost, a 108-88 beatdown at the hands of the New York Knicks to close out 2022. EG’s frustrations are simply the truth. The Rockets have now lost three straight games, and eight of their last nine overall. They sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, and look destined for a last place finish for the third straight season. Despite finding talent in the draft, Houston hasn’t figured out how to improve on the court. As individuals, the Rockets have improved, but as a team they’ve shown little to no improvement. A lot of the blame falls on Head Coach Stephen Silas, who can’t seem to motivate or discipline the squad at the necessary level. Silas is officially on the hot seat, as many people want to see a coaching change in Houston. Another last place finish this season, and it’s hard to imagine Silas keeping the reigns at Head Coach for more than another year. Unless major improvement is displayed during the second half of this season, and next year as well, the Rockets are playing for a coach who won’t be here much longer.
In the latest disappointment, Houston actually got off to a hot start, outscoring the Knicks by eight points to take a 35-27 lead after the first quarter. Houston managed to score only a combined 53 points for the rest of the game, as the Knicks took full advantage and turned the New Year’s Eve celebration’s into a New York Blowout on Saturday night. Julius Randle fueled the Knicks win, as he scored 35 points and grabbed 12 boards. Immanuel Quickley had one of the best games of his young career, as he dropped 27 points on an invisible Rockets defense. Kevin Porter Jr. led Houston with 23 points, 10 boards, and 8 assists. Jalen Green scored 16 points, and the voice of reason, Eric Gordon, added 12 points in the disappointing loss.
The Rockets now enter 2023 seeking change on the court. They’ve already locked themselves into the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes that will take place next summer. Houston needs to start showing some improvement on the floor. Despite individual boosts this season in certain players’ games, the Rockets as a team haven’t surpassed even the lowest of expectations. Houston’s on pace to finish last in the West for the third straight season. Hopefully 2023 brings better results for a talented, young group that might need a change in guidance.