Shorthanded-Rockets Run Out of Gas in Denver, Lose to Nuggets, 129-116
The Shorthanded Bowl. Proud Seven. Surprise of the Lamb.
Despite having the league’s bare minimum of seven eligible players required for a team to play, the Rockets almost pulled off a stunning comeback, but the squad never recovered from an early hole, and lost to the Nuggets 129-116, in Denver on Saturday night. Sure the Nuggets were shorthanded as well, playing without Jamal Murray and Will Barton. But Houston barely fielded a squad to hit the court. And they hit it hard.
All seven Rockets who saw court time played their hearts out. Newest Rocket Armoni Brooks led the team in minutes, seeing 43 minutes of action, while recording a balanced 12 point, 7 rebound, and 5 assist stat line. D.J. Wilson was tremendous, showing signs of his future potential as a possible star in this league. Wilson led Houston with 25 points on an efficient 10-for-17 shooting. Kelly Olynyk continues to be spectacular in every game he plays in a Rocket uniform. Olynyk finished with 21 points including an impressive 11-for-11 showing from the charity stripe), 11 dimes, and 8 boards. But the biggest surprise on Saturday night came elsewhere, from a player who NBA.com has yet to place a picture of his face next to his name: Anthony Lamb.
Lamb had the game of his life, and surprised many doubters with his sharpshooting. Lamb scored a career-high 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including draining 4 of his 9 attempts from distance. K.J. Martin added 18 points, and Jae’Sean Tate supplied 14, as Houston continues to build chemistry with all these new faces in Houston. Up next, the Rockets host Minnesota on Tuesday night. A game Houston could possibly win… if they don’t let the Wolves dig the Rockets an early hole.