Bayou Blues: Rockets’ Rally, but Collapse Late in 117-106 Loss to Pelicans
Baker’s Dozen. Different Players. Goon Squad.
The Rockets trailed by as many as 18 points on Saturday night in the Big Easy. And while it may have appeared Houston’s chances of winning were getting easier as the game went along, a Jalen Green-led rally ultimately came up short. The Rockets even regained the lead, but couldn’t secure the edge, falling to the Pelicans, 117-106, on Saturday night. Green led Houston with 33 points on a stellar 11-for-20 shooting performance. His backcourt mate, Kevin Porter Jr. chipped in, adding 23 points and 3 assists on the night. However, The Rockets’ starting backcourt were responsible for half of the squad’s 24 turnovers. As talented as Green and Scoot are, they need to improve their ability to control the ball. Houston’s turning the ball over more than it’s opposition almost every game, and it’s killing the Rockets. Most of these are costly turnovers, which basically lead to free points for the other team. It’s hard to win when you’re making it easier for your opponent to score more points.
Jabari Smith Jr. had a better game in the Big Easy. Houston’s prized rookie grabbed a whopping 15 rebounds on the night, and scored 9 points as well. He continues to struggle with his shot, but Jabari’s shooting will improve over time, as he’s still young and only 12 games into his professional career. Smith Jr. had two very impressive blocks in this game, and a few that were called foul that looked like clean blocks. Along with Jalen Green, they’re beginning to look like different players as they evolve into (hopefully) superstar level stature in the NBA. Green is obviously much further on his journey compared to Smith Jr., but they’ve both made strides over these past few games.
Meet the Houston Rockets’ Goon Squad: KJ Martin, Tari Eason, and Usman Garuba. Named by Houston’s current legendary play-by-play announcer, Craig Ackerman, the trio have quietly done the “dirty work” in the sparse minutes they’ve received this season. The numbers aren’t flashy, but KJ is one of the best high-flying shot blockers in this league, and Garuba has shown flashes this season of his defensive prowess. Tari Eason’s activity level has been Jae’Sean Tate-like, as the rookie continues to fight for minutes on a young, talented roster. Tate, by the way, is still out with an injury. So this gives the Goon Squad and other Rockets more chances to show coach Stephen Silas their value.
Houston is now 13 games into the season, a baker’s dozen. And while they do have the worst record in league, at 2-11, it’s not as bad as it appears. This is still a young team trying to mesh and find their chemistry on the court. The hard part so far has been the early schedule the NBA’s dealt the Rockets. Houston’s had the toughest start of any team in the league. Of the 13 games, only two have been against team’s currently with losing records, and 10 of them have been road on the road. The good news is, the Rockets finally return to Houston where they’ll play 4 of their next 5 games at home… hopefully that’ll make winning a little more easier than in the Big Easy.