Rockets Pluck Win Late From Pelicans, 104-101, as Streak Reaches Five
Bringing the Sauce. Culture Shift. Cautious Optimism.
Entering the final period, the Rockets trailed by 9 points, with their winning streak in jeopardy. However clutch plays by Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, and Dillon Brooks helped fuel a 104-101 comeback win over the Pelicans, as Houston extended their winning streak to five games. This was the most impressive victory so far for the Rockets on this young season. VanVleet had some huge clutch threes late, including the go-ahead shot that put the Rockets up for good in the closing minutes. FVV registered 20 points and 8 assists in another impressive outing as the leader on the court for this young Houston squad. Sengun was spectacular on both ends of the floor all evening. The big man recorded 24 points and 8 boards on the evening. More importantly, Sengun had several tremendous hustle plays and some of the best defense we’ve seen from him in his entire career. This contest was also the first In-Season Tournament Game for both teams, and the Rockets are now 1-0 in their group. The group also includes the defending champion Denver Nuggets, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Los Angeles Clippers. Houston now stands at 1-0 in the group, pushing New Orleans to 0-1.
If you haven’t been watching Rockets basketball, it’s clear Sengun should be in the All-Star conversation. The big man has brought the sauce all season long as Houston’s weathered a tough early season schedule. Dillon Brooks got into foul trouble, yet was still superb defensively as the Rockets withstood 31 points from Brandon Ingram to lead New Orleans. Zion Williamson scored the majority of his 26 points early in this contest, and Houston managed to weather that early storm. Jalen Green once again led the Rockets in scoring with 25 points. Green is slowly becoming a more efficient shooter, resulting in better overall performances. This is the third straight game Green’s scored at least 23 points, and he’s becoming more aggressive attacking the basket. His shot selection has also improved, aiding the improvement in his three-point percentage.
This was a game the Rockets would have never won during the Stephen Silas era. The culture shift in Houston’s locker room is evident. The team is responding to new veteran leadership from VanVleet, Brooks, and Jeff Green, resulting in a more cohesive and productive unit on the court. Houston faced double-digit deficits in both halves against New Orleans, yet rallied each time to stay in the game, eventually resulting in victory. Despite winning five straight games, the Rockets have gotten breaks with several teams missing key players. De’Aaron Fox missed both victories over Sacramento, Anthony Davis missed the win over the Lakers, and C.J. McCollum didn’t play for New Orleans. At least the Rockets are protecting home court, as this winning streak has occurred entirely at Toyota Center. Houston will get their toughest test yet when they host the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Sunday night to close out this seven-game home-stand. Denver will be without Jamal Murray, but they haven’t been fazed. The Nuggets have the league’s best record at 8-1 and have steamrolled through their early schedule. After beating the Pelicans in impressive fashion, the Rockets will aim to make their loudest statement yet in their final step of this home-stand by defeating the champs.