Rockets Topple Mavericks, 110-99, to Snap Skid
Back on Track. Consistent Villain. Cam’s Rise.
Houston finally busted out of their mini-slump on Wednesday night in the third leg of this five game homestand. The Rockets opened the New Year with a 110-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks, snapping their two game losing streak. After two sloppy finishes that led to disappointing defeats, Houston managed to fend off any comeback attempts from the Mavs. Alperen Sengun scored 23 points to lead the Rockets. Jalen Green added 19 points, and Cam Whitmore added 18 points in 24 minutes off the bench. Quentin Grimes led Dallas with 17 points off the bench. Kyrie Iriving and Klay Thompson added 16 points apiece for the Mavs, who are now in the midst of a three game losing streak. Luka Doncic’s absence due to injury has certainly had an impact on Dallas’ recent play over the last few games.
In his second game back after missing a couple of games, Dillon Brooks once again played well on both ends of the floor, scoring 19 points as he continues to have the best offensive season of his career. Brooks has now scored 27, 26, 22, and 19 points in his last four games respectively. The Villain will always bring defense and hustle to the Rockets, but when he’s scoring the ball at this level, Houston is a tough team to beat.
With Amen Thompson missing the first of his two-game suspension, and Tari Eason remaining out with a leg injury, Whitmore was able to see added run on the court, and took advantage. It’s a good problem to have for Head Coach Ime Udoka, but it will be tough for Whitmore to see more than 20 minutes of playing time when this Rockets team is completely healthy. Although Cam will receive another huge opportunity in Houston’s next contest. Thompson and Eason will both remain out, as the Rockets will host the defending champion Boston Celtics on Friday night. Whitmore will have a huge opportunity to showcase his talents against the reigning champs with more playing time certainly coming his way.
The Rockets are now 1-2 on this current homestand, and their next two games to close this stretch will be challenging. After the Celtics matchup on Friday evening, the Lakers and the red-hot LeBron James will then roll into town on Sunday night. At least Houston took care of business against a weaker Mavs team that is sorely missing Luka Doncic. Up next on the schedule, Houston will now prepare for one of their toughest tests of the season, as they host the Champs, and Ime Udoka’s former team, in the Boston Celtics, on Friday night.