Rockets Survive Late to Hold Off Pistons, 103-102, Snap Skid
Seven Samurai. Sterling Survivors. Boogie Frights.
“Consider who we’re dealing with here. Give a wolf a taste of your leg and he’ll ask for your hand.” One of the best quotes from the legendary film, Seven Samurai. And a message that reminded me of Houston narrows escape from the Motor City with a 103-102 win over the Pistons on Friday night. The Rockets burst out of the gates in Detroit, grabbing a 34-21 lead after the first quarter, and even built a 20-point lead on then worst team in the NBA. But, that familiar bad-habit from Houston teams of past showed up. These hard-playing, gritty, new-look Rockets slowly let the Pistons back in the game. By halftime, Houston’s lead was cut to 8 points. And Detroit would eventually grab a 6-point lead late in the fourth-quarter, when it looked like the Pistons would pull-off the rally. Luckily for the Rockets, this was an all-out team effort tonight, and the squad was determined to end their losing streak Houston had a balanced scoring attack, with seven players scoring in double-figures.
Eric Gordon led the Rockets with 20 points, despite going 1-for-6 from distance. P.J. Tucker found his rhythm, scoring 15 points, and connecting on 5 of his 8 shots from deep. P.J.’s shooting has taken a huge dip this season. Houston needs more showings from Tucker where he strokes the ball with efficiency. Victor Oladipo, Jae’Sean Tate, and David Nwaba all chipped in with 13 points for the offense. But the Rockets do NOT win this game without Sterling Brown. This season’s new arrival from Milwaukee showed once again what Brown can do for Houston. And that’s hit clutch, and be ready for big moments. Brown scored 8 of his 14 points in the final frame, including nailing a few huge threes. Sterling was stellar from beyond the arc, knocking down 4 of his 6 shots from long range. Brown also grabbed 5 of his 8 rebounds (including 3 offensive) in the fourth. His play’s evidence Brown deserves spot in the rotation when, or if, this team ever gets fully-healthy.
DeMarcus Cousins spot in the rotation is necessary due to his size, but his caliber-of-play recently could suggest otherwise. Prayers up that Christian Wood heals as quickly as possible, and can resume action soon. Boogie, quite simply, has been terrible over the last few games. The former All-Star’s definitely lost more than just a step. Granted, he’s coming off injury problems, but Boogie’s seemed to age two years in this early season alone. He looked great to start the season. But since Harden left, Cousins has been hard to watch. He’s seemed to lost the ability to finish around the rim. Boogie has struggled mightily to make a shot around the basket. Cousins did grab 15 boards and dish out 7 dimes, but shot a horrendous 2-for-16 from the floor. Absolutely disgusting. Unless he’s wide open for a dunk, Boogie needs to transfer his mindset from scoring, and focus on passing the ball and being the best rebounder Houston can suit up at the moment. Cousins has always been a great passer, and his size allows him to bang with the biggest of NBA bodies. But his days of putting up big scoring numbers are over. And his lack fo ability to finish even the closest layups almost cost Houston a game they should have won easily. The contest ended on an officials review after it was deemed a foul called on P.J. Tucker occurred after the game ended. Had it been another story, the Rockets would’ve sent Detroit’s leading scorer Jerami Grant to the line for a chance to win the game. Thankfully, the refs got the right call, and Houston escaped with the narrow victory. After building a comfortable lead, the Rockets gave the Pistons a taste of what a comeback victory would feel like, with Detroit almost taking that dance. Thankfully, Houston never truly offered their hand. Up next is a dance the Rockets have no choice but to accept: Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Get ready for a Saturday Night Dance… Texas-style.