Rockets Escape Detroit with Narrow 112-110 Win Over Pistons
Lucky to Survive. Fourth Quarter Shutdown. Twin Sweep.
After suffering a heartbreaking loss in Chicago, the Rockets bounced back with a thrilling 112-110 victory over the downtrodden Detroit Pistons. Houston trailed for much of this game, but came alive in the fourth quarter. The Rockets faced a three-point deficit entering the final frame in Detroit. Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun combined to score 22 of the squad’s 24 fourth quarter points to fuel Houston’s late rally. The squad now improves to 4-14 after trailing entering the fourth quarter. The Rockets ended the first half of this contest on a 16-4 run to tie the game at 55 apiece entering the break, keeping themselves within fighting distance before locking in during the final period. In the final seconds, Jaden Ivey’s had a shot from distance that bounced off the glass and just rimmed out before time expired. Had it fallen, that shot would’ve essentially dealt the Rockets another crushing defeat.
Similar to the game in Chicago, where Houston seemed like they played well enough and should’ve won, the Rockets were lucky to survive and escape Detroit with a victory. The Pistons played well enough to win, and the Rockets were lackadaisical defensively other than a stout fourth quarter where they locked down Detroit, allowing only 19 points in the final period. Ivey was the Pistons best player on the evening, scoring 18 points and dishing out 8 assists. Alec Burks was outstanding off the bench, leading Detroit in scoring along with Kevin Knox II, who scored 19 points apiece to lead the Pistons.
Sengun once again led the Rockets in scoring, notching 29 points and grabbing 6 boards on the night. Sengun has now scored at least 20 points in 11 of his last 12 games. VanVleet scored 20 points, added 12 assists, and had some huge threes late in the game, including the go-ahead jumper that put Houston ahead for good. It’s FVV’s 14th double-double of the season. VanVleet had only 20 double-doubles in his previous two seasons combined. He’s truly stepped up in his role as a veteran leader of this team. Sengun and VanVleet were basically a two-man show, as they scored 22 of the squad’s final 24 points to lead the Rockets to victory. Houston had other players step up earlier in the contest. Jabari Smith Jr. had another impressive shooting performance and defensively made his presence felt. Jabari registered 19 points and 11 boards on the evening. Jalen Green played some of the best basketball of his career in the second quarter. Showing enhanced aggression on both ends of the court, Green finished the night with 28 points. He didn’t have the best shooting night, going 9-for-25 from the field, including 2-for-9 from distance. But it’s a good sign to see Jalen attacking the basket and playing with more confidence after suffering through a slump earlier in the season.
With the victory the Rockets have now swept the Pistons this season, as Amen Thompson is now 2-0 against his brother Ausar as they start their NBA careers. Up next, Houston travels to Boston on Saturday night for the second part of a back-to-back. The Rockets have struggled on the back half of back-to-backs this season. And the Celtics boast the NBA’s best record. They’re also undefeated at home this season. The game will mark Ime Udoka’s first return to TD Garden as a head coach since he left Boston in 2022. Hopefully, Houston can muster enough energy after tonight’s tough win, and pull-off a huge upset on Saturday night.