Rockets Misfire at the Buzzer, Fall to Lakers Again, 119-117
Something Close. Starting Sengun. L.A. Lessons.
After starting the season with six games decided by double-digits, the Rockets found themselves in their first close game of the season on Tuesday night. Kevin Porter Jr. had a chance to win the game for Houston in the final seconds. But KPJ’s three-pointer missed by inches, giving the Lakers a 119-117 victory, dealing the Rockets another loss. However, this defeat was different. The final score won’t reveal how well Houston played, but this was the squad’s best game of the season. Despite not coming out victorious, this was a contest the squad deserved to win. Their lone win over a terrible Thunder team doesn’t stand up to this near-upset. Jalen Green snapped out of his slump, and had his second-best game as a pro. Green scored 24 points, and had two clutch threes in the final minute to lead the Rockets rally attempt. Although, Jalen scored 18 of his 24 points in the first quarter, and didn’t score again until the final minute. It was nice to see him show up in the clutch, but Green was shut out for two quarters despite the nice overall stat line. Expect him to improve and be a factor in all quarters as the season carries on. Christian Wood had a monstrous 26 points and 16 rebounds. Jae’Sean Tate had a season-high 20 points, and Kevin Porter Jr. chipped in with 11 points and 8 assists. Kenyon Martin Jr. continues to show why he deserves more playing time. KJ finished with 14 points, 4 boards, and 3 dimes in a season-high 28 minutes of action.
In his first starting nod, Alperen Sengun continues to play like a seasoned veteran in terms of spacing and knowing his teammates. Sengun scored only 6 points, but added 4 rebounds and assists apiece. Al-P’s defense has been stellar all year, and continues to improve with each game. Houston as a team spaces the floor with more impact when Sengun is on the court. This game is evidence that Alperen should arguably get the starting spot at power forward. We’ll see if coach Stephen Silas is thinking on the same wavelength once Daniel Theis recovers from injury. Theis and Danuel House’s absences freed up the starting spot for Sengun, who flourished in his first game as a starter. He’s not posting the gaudiest numbers, but Sengun is proving he’s one of the top rookies in the league, leading all rookies in steals per game (2.3).
Houston had the lead after each of the first three quarters, but the Lakers came out on top in the end. The Rockets led by 11 points at one point, but another dismal third quarter by Houston, allowed L.A. to gain steam. After scoring a season-high 35 points in the first quarter, and 70 at halftime, the Lakers slowed Houston’s tempo in the third quarter, holding the Rockets to 19 points. By the final quarter, LeBron took over when it mattered most, and Houston had no answer. James scored 30 points and dished out 10 assists to lead the Lakers. The soon-to-be 37 year-old is still a freight train on the court, and the best player in basketball when he fully asserts himself. The Lakers star power was just too much for the Rockets to overcome. James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Carmelo Anthony combined for 99 of L.A.’s 119 points. Houston continued to beat themselves by missing free throws and turning the ball over. The Rockets went 5-for-12 from the line, and turned the ball over 24 times, yet still had a chance to win the game at the buzzer. If Houston can find some way to clean up their turnover problem, and improve on free throw shooting, the Rockets will be able to win close games like Tuesday’s. Houston leads the league by a large margin in turning the ball over. Understandable with a young squad, but the Rockets need to improve in this area soon, or they’ll keep shooting themselves in the foot… even in the games they deserve to win.